The Economy of A Police Officer

Economy: sparing or careful use of something.

There has a been a heated controversy going on in Tulsa over letting some police officers go. The economy is to blame. Budgets have to be cut.

Here are some of the cuts: TULSA, OK -- The cutbacks at the Tulsa Police Department include the helicopter unit. Five officers who have spent most of their careers flying - are replacing rookies out on the streets.

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Officials have figured out what to do with horses from the Tulsa Police Department's mounted patrol unit, which has been eliminated because of budget cuts.

Twenty-one officers turned in their equipment on Wednesday after learning they were laid off. The city says the budget is to blame. We watched as they emptied their cars and turned in their badges. They say they simply don't understand.

There is also a discussion about officers who do not live in Tulsa don't get to drive their cars home.

Tulsa - The Fraternal Order of Police is being asked to help the City keep police officers on the force by forgoing its take-home car benefit for officers.

I think the police budget should be the last item to cut. During this bad economy the crime rate has been going up. Every day there are more reports of bank robberies, hold-ups at convenience stores, home invasions, and car break-ins. When I drive a little over the speed limit I always keep my eye out for police or highway patrol and guess what? I rarely see them anymore.

I also think the parking of a police or highway patrol car in a neighborhood or apartment complex is an excellent crime deterrent. I know when I see a police car parked in my daughters' complex it makes me feel a little safer for them. I don't think giving this up would save enough dollars to matter.

When you think about the sacrifices these officers make every day, you just can't justify denying them their due. I've heard that officers get their coffee free at the places they frequent but that's a small price to pay for their presence. I would welcome them.

I believe they are worth every bit of pay or benefit they get. In fact, they are worth more. The economy of a police officer (sparing or careful use) is a delinquent (formal failing in one's duty) idea.

Obama Daughters

These beautiful girls are going to have the world at their feet!

China's Stolen Children

I watched a documentary tonight on China's Stolen Children.  It seems that the One Child Policy has opened a market for boys and now even girls as the boys will have no wives available in the future.  The women who have more than one child are forced to either abort or pay a fine to keep the child (a hefty fine).  The poor can't afford to pay and some have their children and have to sell them to survive.  The rich buy the children.  The poor also buy children at a higher price than the rich have to pay.  It's madness.  China does not foresee changing this policy before 2010.  They see that they have created a society without enough women.  If you watch the documentary, you will see that the traffiker used to sell young girls as sex slaves but now has turned to selling children for profit.  He even sold his own son after his wife died.

 

There are nine parts to this story. It is being shown on HBO now if you can catch it. 90 minutes.

News, news, and more news!

My oldest daughter just received the news that she passed her State Board of Nursing License exam.  Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaa!   She is certainly one happy person at work today!  

My youngest daughter was accepted to OU College of Health and Science, but....she got a call yesterday that one of her credits didn't get transferred and she would have to take one more summer class in Gen. Ed upper level.  She just got back from Italy having taken an art class that qualified!  Yeaaaaaaaaaaa!  She was so happy about that and me too.  She found an apartment and a roommate yesterday too.  She moves next week.  :(  Third floor.  

My son smashed his hand at work yesterday.  But this morning it looks much better even though it hurts considerably.  Nothing broken.  Thank God!  He will be moving back to an apartment in August.  Continuing college.  

Viva la Vida
I get to see Coldplay in concert in November. They cancelled their July 10 concert. I can't wait.

For my birthday my daughters and I are going to see John Mayer in Dallas.  We'll stay all night and do some shopping too.  I also can't wait for this!