The Schrammie: Refusing to lead by example

The Schrammie: Refusing to lead by example

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Story Published: Aug 27, 2008 at 12:15 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 1:18 AM PDT

By Ken Schram

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How can they enforce the law when they're permitted to break the law?

Sounds like a reasonable question don't you think?

Well, I'd like to ask Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste to turn off his cell phone and come on down to try to answer that little query.

When our mommies in the state legislature passed the law saying we couldn't talk on our cell phones while behind the wheel, it seems that police were given a free pass.

Yep, law enforcement can drive around with impunity, cell phones in hand, chatting away about whatever they please

Of course, that's prompted state patrol officials to proclaim that when we see a trooper blathering away sans Bluetooth, we shouldn't just assume that he or she is on a personal call.

Now far be it for me to question whether a conversationally impaired trooper is being given instructions on an accident or a grocery store mission, but it sure seems less than fair that officers of the law are given the latitude to whimsically disregard the law, even if Chief Batiste has told his folks to "try" to use a hands-free device when possible.

I wonder if that philosophy filtered through the chief's mind as he personally wrote a cell phone ticket earlier this month?

Anyway, for refusing to lead by example and for letting troopers flip off the public by allowing them to just flip open their phone, take a bow Chief, because this "Schrammie" is for you.

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Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.

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