# How could a police officer be this wrong? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 30, 2012, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759 "2012-06-30T00:54:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/241 "2012-07-28T03:04:02Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > How am I obsessed? Because I write about them here? Because I notice it happening IRL? Dude, I am directly impacted by the violations, how could I _not_ develop a rather ‘keen eye’ for them? What about this OP demonstrated “obsession”? And please be clear. I could see if I sought out these illegally parked cars; if I went looking for people parking where they shouldn’t. Then I think some of this criticism might be justified. But I only deal with what I come across in the normal path of my day-to-day life. I don’t “circle the parking lots” or wait around looking for people; if I see a car parked in handicapped parking when I am coming or going to/from a parking lot without a placard or permit, I notice it. Now I am interpreting this criticism as saying I shouldn’t notice these things. That I should just be willing to turn a blind eye when I see the law being blatantly broken in a way that has a direct impact on my daily life. Now if I notice these things enough, and I notice nothing ever being done, as well as experience the hardships of being deprived of my rightful space because of it, I begin to consider it unacceptable as an aspect of life. Not only is it law but it’s about common decency. Don’t park in the handicap spots. Is that _really_ a hard thing? Not only is it law but people actually _need_those spots and it may be for reasons that have never even occurred to the person breaking the law (such as the extra space for manual and especially electric wheelchairs). Now when I see this unacceptable thing occurring with regularity everywhere I go, and I also see _no one ever_ doing anything about it, I feel compelled as a human being to address it when I see it. If that means sometimes doing the wrong thing (like blocking the guy in at the gym) or doing the right thing (like calling the police on a habitual offender at the new gym), it always mean doing something. Because apathy is the worst thing. Apathy only breeds more disharmony. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/242 "2012-07-28T03:05:05Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > because multiple people you don’t know have rendered an opinion based on what you’ve written as well as the reaction of people who you interact directly with. > > Your response is pronounce those responses as non-credible or ridiculous. The people who have responded have no vested interest in whether you eventually figure it out. They took the time to respond and the responses are meant to help you. Thanks **Magiver** I’m giving you a big internet hug right now. Swell guy. ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/243 "2012-07-28T03:31:48Z")
It’s obvious that the OP isn’t after any reasonable view- he just wants toadies to validate his vigilante crusade. Good luck to you. I’m out of here. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/244 "2012-07-28T04:41:38Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > Um, go back and read for comprehension prior to posting next time, kay? Take your own advice. ---
**Author:** ![Lanzy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/74df32/32.png) [@Lanzy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lanzy)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/245 "2012-07-28T04:59:57Z")
Ambivalid, Yes please by all means report handicapped space violators all you want, you should, really. But, find something else to post about, even something else that pisses you off. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/246 "2012-07-28T05:10:47Z")
> [@Lanzy](#): > > Ambivalid… find something else to post about. Riiiight, because this issue makes up the majority of my posts. Solid advice. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/247 "2012-07-28T05:25:53Z")
What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/248 "2012-07-28T05:27:26Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > That’s a hell of a lot more impact than you having to wheel further through the parking lot or even \*\*skip going to a store \*\*because the last spot was taken by some jerk. (my bold) > [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > Wow, all those places are in your gym’s building? Because the situation you described wasn’t a hypothetical. It was at a gym. Originally Posted by Ambivalid Um, go back and read for comprehension prior to posting next time, kay? > [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > Take your own advice. As you can _clearly_ see, **CarnalK** did in fact suggest that the most a handicapped person would be ‘inconvenienced’ by the illegal parking by someone without a permit would be to “skip going to the store” or having to wheel a bit further (further demonstrating the ignorance that is so prevalent). So again, **LD** , I beg you to read for comprehension before posting. It prevents embarrassments like this. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/249 "2012-07-28T05:41:12Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. You know, just for once I’d like to see you contribute to this board in some way _other_ than jumping on the bandwagon of ‘who’s getting dumped on today’ with your little remarks. Just for once. Surprise me. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/250 "2012-07-28T06:31:57Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > If he were gay, and prevented from entering the store because a bigoted store owner refused him entry, the computer screens would scorch with the heat of vitriol directed at the store owner. Not many people here would say, “Hey, just walk away, what’s the big deal?” You’re not even trying anymore, are you? > [@Ambivalid](#): > > “Your obsession with these perceived infringements on your existence are worrying” > > This quote of yours is ridiculous. Simply ridiculuous. If by “ridiculous” you mean “entirely accurate,” then sure. > [@Leaffan](#): > > Jamie, dude. You’re a good guy. I appreciate your insight in other threads. You’re level-headed and intelligent. Right. Ugh, at the risk of being serious, which I HATE, let’s have some sharing time. I don’t fault jamie for being madder than hornets at people parking in handicapped spots because they’re only running in for some smokes, or they don’t feel like walking all the way across the parking lot or whatever. I get it. People who selfishly use these spots are not only assholes for being lazy, but they bring potential legitimate harm to people who aren’t able bodied and can’t just go to level four of the parking ramp and take the stairs down. I get it, and not just in an intellectual “Oh, I understand that this is wrong” sense. My brother is a triple amputee. That’s right – triple. His right arm is the only original limb he has. Holy shit did that open my eyes to a lot, and fuck me if I didn’t shed many, many tears during his illness. I will never understand firsthand what it’s like to be disabled, and am not even going to pretend that I do, but I get it and am entirely sympathetic. This does not excuse trouble-seeking jackassery. And I remember the very first thread I saw by jamie about the whole airplane thing, and agreed with him wholeheartedly, and was outright upset with other posters for not understanding. Shit, I \*still \*feel many posters to that thread just didn’t understand, but that aside, I’ve had to draw the unfortunate conclusion that our friend mcgarry is just a jerk. That’s all there is to it, folks. We get his strife. _I_ get his strife. But the Parking Lot Police shtick is tired and it sucks. If my brother started playing mall cop on everyone all the time, I’d be like, “Hey, can you stop being an asshole?” Yes, yes, sure, gays, oppressors, wrongdoers and the like, but when you make it a point to go out of your way sniff out wrongdoers, maybe you need to relax. Look, I’ve dealt with bigotry in my life. Hell, I’m a black person who moved to the Midwest. “Whoa, you are not on the coasts anymore, Toto.” Anyway, I can come up with a more articulate response later when I’m not 8 drinks in. > [@Guinastasia](#): > > What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. The definition of insanity is having to read this goddamn quote over and over again. Can you people PLEASE update your Successories catalogue please? ---
**Author:** ![Cinnamon\_Imp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58956e/32.png) [@Cinnamon\_Imp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cinnamon_Imp)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/251 "2012-07-28T07:10:07Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > Oh. I misunderstood, I apologize. > > Well that goes back to what I was saying; I had always had a cordial, polite and respectful relationship with this man, as far as it went. I always said hello to him in passing and made small talk with him in the steam room. I absolutely never had even the slightest uncomfortable, awkward or negative experience with him at all. He wasn’t a member of my old gym, either. He’s obviously joined the SDMB. Between this grumpy old man, and your [curmudgeonly neighbours](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=15182637&postcount=20), I’m convinced your town is full of Dopers 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/252 "2012-07-28T11:59:32Z")
> [@Cinnamon\_Imp](#): > > He’s obviously joined the SDMB. Between this grumpy old man, and your [curmudgeonly neighbours](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=15182637&postcount=20), I’m convinced your town is full of Dopers 😛 I’m trying to think of a way to phrase this without being a dick… Hmmm, I don’t think I’ll succeed but here goes: Ambi, you’ve been a pretty outspoken defender of all things steroids; don’t you think it’s possible that perhaps they’re affecting your inter-personal interactions? Maybe you don’t realize how aggressive other people perceive you as. Either that, or everyone in Michigan is a dick except you. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/253 "2012-07-28T12:15:31Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > (my bold) > > Originally Posted by Ambivalid > Um, go back and read for comprehension prior to posting next time, kay? No, you go fucking read for comprehension next time. We’re talking about this situation. He may have said “a store”, but anyone with half a brain could see he was responding to the specific situation that you posted about. Quit being so fucking coy. ---
**Author:** ![stolatt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@stolatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stolatt)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/254 "2012-07-28T12:32:32Z")
Every now and then I find myself getting pissed about the stupid things people do and dwelling on them. That’s when I realize I need to find something better to do. I honestly do not mean to sound condescending. I’m wondering if you are involved in any programs as a volunteer or a participant. I know there are Extremity Games for athletes. Google Wheelchair Daze for the company my sweetie works for. They are really active in a lot of programs since that is their business. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/255 "2012-07-28T12:59:03Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > “Hey, can you stop being an asshole?” Yes, yes, sure, gays, oppressors, wrongdoers and the like, but when you make it a point to go out of your way sniff out wrongdoers, maybe you need to relax This has been my repeated point: I absolutely do _not_ go out of my way to “sniff out wrongdoers”. This shit is what I just face on a daily basis. Jesus Christ. “Trouble-maker”? Aren’t those usually the law-breakers? I am utterly confused as to what I am doing wrong or how I am being an “asshole” in the slightest. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/256 "2012-07-28T13:06:10Z")
> [@stolatt](#): > > Every now and then I find myself getting pissed about the stupid things people do and dwelling on them. That’s when I realize I need to find something better to do. I honestly do not mean to sound condescending. > > I’m wondering if you are involved in any programs as a volunteer or a participant. I know there are Extremity Games for athletes. Google Wheelchair Daze for the company my sweetie works for. They are really active in a lot of programs since that is their business. You don’t sound condescending, you sound ignorant. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/257 "2012-07-28T13:07:52Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > No, you go fucking read for comprehension next time. We’re talking about this situation. He may have said “a store”, but anyone with half a brain could see he was responding to the specific situation that you posted about. > > Quit being so fucking coy. You dumbass, he was talking about hypotheticals when he said you might even have to “skip going to a store” if a jerk parks illegally in handicap parking. ---
**Author:** ![stolatt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@stolatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stolatt)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/258 "2012-07-28T13:11:57Z")
I’m not the kind to be really blunt with people I don’t know. But apparently being nice about it is a waste of time. I suggest some of the programs that are available that you could involve yourself in as a person in a wheelchair and as an athlete and I am ignorant? Ok then. Enjoy your life hanging out in parking lots arguing with idiots you can’t control and call it meaningful. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/259 "2012-07-28T13:13:36Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > You dumbass, he was talking about hypotheticals when he said you might even have to “skip going to a store” if a jerk parks illegally in handicap parking. Are we in the pit now? If so, I’ll start calling you names, too. I’m just glad to know we can all start shifting goal posts in the middle of the conversation. Instead of going to the gym, you were actually pregnant and trying to park at the hospital. The car parked in the handicap space was being driven by Genghis Khan. This is fun! ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759/260 "2012-07-28T13:14:54Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > You can’t answer can you? I have been trying to figure out the answer myself this entire thread. Of course I can come up with an answer. But what’s the point? Because all you’re going to say is that “I don’t think that makes me a dick.” Your problem seems to be a failure to be able to see how people perceive you and your actions. Trying to put yourself in their position might help you go down that road a bit. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-police-officer-be-this-wrong/626759.md?page=14)