I think that too often in life we judge people and tend to group them in stereotypes, thus promoting prejudices and at times even racism and discrimination. An example is Brian Roberts letter (Forum Feb. 23) in which he said "all cops are as low as one can get."
I would like to speak in defense of the cops.My husband has been a deputy sheriff for Salt Lake County for 20 years and works in the Metropolitan Hall of Justice. Roberts' letter bothered me tremendously. Even though Roberts has had an unhappy experience with some of them, which certainly does not speak highly for them, it is wrong to judge all police by an experience that in all likelihood may apply to 20 percent or less of them.
My husband has laid his life on the line for 20 years, working shiftwork, weekends, holidays, etc., and has done so in a way that makes me tremendously proud of him. He went into police work because he felt he wanted to be of help to others - not to bully them. In his career he has had numerous letters of thanks and recommendation written to the sheriff's office for doing his job in a way that shows consideration for the rights of others.
Many other officers have done likewise, and many families have put up with the danger and stress of police work and the worry of their loved one perhaps giving his life in protection of others' rights and enforcing the law. The money is not worth it by itself, since the pay is low. If it is not appreciated by others, it makes it just that much more difficult.
I teach my children respect for the law and that policemen are the friends of the people - and in most cases they are. Without their willingness to enforce the law, we truly would have a lawless society. At times police become corrupt, but if society has values of integrity then this can be corrected. When all of society becomes corrupt, then a civilization falls.
In promotion of a democratic society, we need to be grateful for those who are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect others, and not jump to conclusion or judge all of them on the basis of a few.
Mary Lou Staten
Draper