Our Militarized Society

[xoxoxoBruce]

Am I comfortable during traffic stops? Absolutely not.

I know that feeling very well, but in the last few years I've changed my attitude. Years ago, working 2nd and 3rd shift, driving home at night, those roadblocks the local cops set up for drunks and seatbelt violations were scary. Those guys were really obnoxious, so if I wasn't old and white I would have taken extraordinary steps to avoid them.

Now I try to plan routes which are mostly out of state and when I get pulled over I remind myself it's only going to cost me money. I try to pull over where the cop is reasonably safe leaving the cruiser. I'm friendly rather than sullen, and have all my papers in order when he/she approaches the car. I don't argue or make excuses, just yeah, you got me. My percentage of 'just a warning' has skyrocketed... really.