Law enforcement officers/deputies go through extensive training before they start work in the community. One of their many trials in training is to be stunned by a Taser gun before they are allowed to carry one, let alone use one on another human being.
Our law enforcement professionals are often hired for their education and life experiences. Both make them more likely to successfully interact with the negative parts of society.
A combination of education and experience are best for all types of professional positions. Psychiatrists should have to take half of the medications they offer to others so easily. Counselors and bankers should have to live below the poverty level for six months before they can give advice. Doctors should be sent through a medically induced paralysis or depression before they can claim a patient is mentally or untreatable. I think mechanics should have a yard full of broken vehicles... (oh, wait, they do).
I think you get my point. We should hold our officials to higher standards than we do. It should be quite clear when they hire on, whether they are doing it for the people, or the pension. I know the results would be disappointing, but at least we would know and not take what half of them say so seriously depending on their motives.
What is my point? My point is that many professionals start with an ideal set of goals. As young people they found the passion to go for their dreams and help others like themselves. They wanted to change the world and most of them do, by changing themselves or helping themselves first and then taking an honest approach.
Many people are in jobs they love, because they took the time to find what they love, were good at it and learned how to make money there.
Others are in jobs they hate, working with people they wouldn't ordinarily be seen with to achieve status that doesn't really exist for the money/house they will be too old to enjoy.
That sort of work is delusional, but they are not alone. There are millions of delusional people. What is wrong with that? They are doing more damage than good. They are seriously affecting the lives of others in a negative and lasting way. They are holding up the road for those who wish to move forward.
They are the same people who wonder what is wrong with the world. After all, their lives are in order and free of chaos. But while they stand there looking outward to classify the problem, there are those working around the clock to fix it.
If you are in a position of authority, for God's sake (or any other you find worthy) be cautious and compassionate. You are luckier than most; people base their life decisions on what you do and don't do, what you say and how you say it. And why shouldn't they?
You are in a position of power, considered a pillar of society. If you don't know that, if you don't take that seriously, you don't need to be there.
Musgrove lives in Ogden.
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