WSNIA - The Educator

INFORMATION ♦ EDUCATION ♦ ENFORCEMENT

THE EDUCATOR - Fall 2008

From Where I Sit (a commentary)

by Jessica Manley

From where I sit your world is a gruesome and dangerous place. I can’t tell you how many times my lunch has been cut short by an e-mail containing messages of such a graphic nature that I lose my appetite. From my little office chair, I’ve seen it all but not near as much as you.

So this is what you deal with every day I think as I sit tucked safely in my comfy corner office with an atrium view. You are the sheep dog—ever vigilant. The sacrifices that you and your families make to assure my safety are beyond saintly. Mother Theresa herself would commend you for your selflessness. It was this most saintly of Roman Catholic nuns who said that she would never participate in “anti-war” demonstrations, but if there were to be a “pro-peace” rally, she would be there.

I wish the public wasn’t so apathetic to the plight of the under funded narc. The average person I talk to thinks the “drug problem” in the U.S. is a myth perpetuated by the powers that be to punish harmless pot smokers and their small-time dealers. I’ve read dozens of articles for and against the argument to legalize. Some were well written and thoughtful, some plain passionate and all convincing enough but none so far has solved the problem.

In the meantime, keep up the good fight! The least I can do is proofread your article or try to find a good graphic to accompany the text; maybe do a little research on the internet and find filler for you when you’ve been out on surveillance for so long you haven’t had time to kiss your kids goodnight much less submit an article for the magazine. Oh, didn’t I mention you VOLUNTEER to do the magazine in your SPARE time?

Whether you’re dealing with bureaucrats withholding funding, testifying against a perp in court, donning your Kevlar to do a knock and talk or just attending to your everyday average influx of e-mail, phone calls, texts and voice messages that all need attention at this very moment, your job is the most unenviable, yet HONORABLE profession I know. By the way, you’re not supposed to use ALL CAPS in your articles.

It’s not approved usage by the AP Stylebook I’m supposed to adhere to when editing your words. Your words speak volumes. I don’t know if you realize how little you have to say to get your point across. It doesn’t take much. One paragraph becomes two, two becomes three and sooner than you realize, you’re coming to a conclusion. The old saying really is true. Take pictures to illustrate your point or just to entertain.

May you always be safe, rest peacefully and have a steady hand.

Jessica Manley of JM Publishing is the publication designer for The Educator