I am not trying to be a dick, it just comes out naturally when I am drinking. That said, I see this decal on so many vehicles now that it seems everyone is running the thin blue line in the hopes they will get some sort of advantage. It completely cheapens the meaning behind it and removes the prestige of someone that has put in the time, energy, blood, sweat, and tears to earn the badge.
This is all coming from someone who is prior service Army with 3 combat tours, Prior Federal Air Marshal, licensed armed security officer in Washington DC and Virginia, and now a Bail Bondsman and Recovery Agent. I have spent a lot of time in the past 20 years around law enforcement and have the highest amount of respect for them.
While it doesn't "get you out of shit" it still provides an image to people that is false. For years this badge was a subtle way to recognize a LEO, recently in the last few years it has been discovered (best description I can think of) by the average Joe Public and there has been a huge rush to try and use it as a free pass, Similar to the FOP badging years ago.
I can appreciate you saying that it is there for symbolic reasons, however I still feel that it should be a badge that should only be worn by LEO's. It should go hand in hand with the shield!
It is not just this, but I am this way about many symbols of service. For instance, I take huge disrespect to see some ragged looking kid out at the mall wearing a BDU/ACU military top when it still has the patches on it. Sadly these are readily available at any surplus shop, but I still consider it a slap in the face. I busted my ass to earn the right to wear them. I have been known to walk up and ask were they served, obviously knowing the answer, and let them know exactly how I feel.
I hope that makes sense as to where I am coming from.
Of course there is the possibility of the fact that I had been drinking and am still a little bitter that I have to deal with shitty broken down parts that I am getting off of your last truck is playing a bit of a role in all this as well.
