Suck it up, sheriff

Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr.’s reaction to an alleged confrontation he had with a fellow traveler on a recent flight exemplifies a lot of the goonish statements he has made in the recent past (“Hassle me at your own risk, Clarke tells critics,” Jan. 19).

We expect our leaders and people in positions of power to act reasonably and to be mindful of how their actions may be construed by others. So when a sheriff issues a statement saying that someone “may get knocked out” if they attempt to “goof” with him, it makes him look irreverent concerning the responsibilities of his position, which include being a liaison between the police and private citizens.

Our citizens know that we don’t pre-empt possible violence with violence; that’s against the law, and most reasonable people would agree that everyone, especially the police, need to keep a cool head and act rationally where possible. I accept that as a private citizen I don’t understand the responsibilities and stress that come from being a police officer, but I expect a sheriff coming back from a weekend excursion in a first class seat to be able to restrain himself beyond knocking someone out; even if somebody heckles you.

Sheriff Clarke, suck it up next time.

Kyle Piwek

Milwaukee

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