LT07:
>both
Well at least we agree on one.
>there are standards of behavior for every role
Agreed. I hold that the obligated standards of behavior for addressing a disrespectful public official vary greatly from a respectful one.
>the kid made a *minor* infraction of these rules
First, there is no "rule"(as in law) that says that the kid calling the cop "dude" is unacceptable. You can say that the kid made a minor infraction of some "common sense" standard, and I'll agree with you.
>the cop made a *very major* infraction of the rules
Very, and in this case their are *laws* governing the threatening words and actions from the cop.
>the former, does not justify the latter, but
>the latter does not nullify the former
Of course not -- but it's a question of appropriate response. Since there is not law stating that a cop can't be called a "dude", the appropriate response from the police officer (a *law* enforcment officer after all) would be to ignore it.
>on the rare occasion i get pulled over, i pull over
>right away. dome light on, keys out of the ignition,
>hands on the wheel with licence and registration
>in left hand. sunglasses off if it's daytime
I'm with you. The only thing I do different is that I wait (with hands on the top of the wheel) and I *ask* if I can go into the glove box for my papers. Some officers understandably get nervous when people paw through the glove box as they approach -- might be going for the gun.
>a cop told me this, that you're more likely to
>get a return courtesy, if your actions show a
>concern for your mutual safety in the stop
I believe that I have gotten out of tickets several times because of the above stance alone. They genuinely appreciate someone who understand their job and makes it safer for them.
I'm not a cop hater -- just an out of control cop hater.
JB