The Schrammie: A wink and a nod

Can you steal and still lay claim to honesty?

Apparently anything is possible if you're a trooper with the Washington State Patrol.

And so it is that I'd like to invite Chief John Batiste to stop humming "Pomp and Circumstance" and come on down.

About a year ago it was discovered that eight state patrol troopers had trumped up fake diplomas from fake schools in an attempt to claim pay raises that come with college degrees.

Following a 10-month investigation, the state patrol concluded the troopers should be kicked to the curb for such bilking dishonesty.

Then last week, the patrol decided differently, settling on suspension instead of firing the eight cheaters/thieves.

The rationale offered was that the officers didn't know that the schools they bought the fake diplomas from were fake.

So, after a year of PAID administrative leave; after lying and stealing, the eight people posing as law enforcement officers will be back on the job next week, with a wink and a nod, no worse for the wear.

And for all his winking and for all his nodding, I think Patrol Chief John Batiste should take a bow - because chief, this "Schrammie" is for you.

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