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OPP officer should give himself a ticket The Examiner, Bracebridge, 2003 A police officer leaves the Gravenhurst station last week and sets out for Bracebridge on a routine assignment. There is no particular need to hurry. As he leaves town he's stuck behind a driver doing the speed limit. The officer is aware of his own impatience and knows he is a bit too close to the laggard in front. He thinks of passing but doesn't. But just as the freeway ramp is in sight—only three seconds away—the devil-inspired psychology of the road takes over, undermining this good officer's judgement. He steps on the gas and passes the guy in front—on the shoulder. Here comes the cop on my right! Officer, I have a message for you. Some people who really do know how to drive may not understand when you treat them this way. They may think you're not such a good driver.They may think you're rude and don't show respect for the people you serve. They may think you don't really care about the law, since you act as if you were above it. Some people might, but not I. I know you're working hard—I could see that right around your brow in the rear view mirror. All those worry wrinkles. You're just an average guy trying to do a job, isn't that so? Far be it for me to stand in the way—drive in the way. We all make mistakes and errors in judgement. It's not a big deal. After all, you guys and gals are prepared to put yourselves in harm's way for the rest of us. Speaking very frankly, I appreciate that and I admire you for it. Heck, I feel almost ashamed writing this. So, please, just take this as a little friendly advice. Give yourself a ticket; you'll feel a lot better. And do ease up a smidgen on the Clint Eastwood "Dirty Harry" movies. And when you're not racing to defend us, please try to relax. Your nerves will thank you for it. And so will those you share the road with. Return to AUTHOR & LETTERS