Blue line getting thinner

In regards to the May 29 letter from Ben Burgad, and his comments about the Spokane Police Department and the parade:

First of all, he should be aware that the police motorcycles escort the colors at the start of the parade, and there should not be clapping and cheering but silence in respect of the flag. Also their function is to clear the route and security, not a parade entry.

The police are the front-line defense for our safety and security and cannot be compared with the Fire Department, whose functions are totally different.

His idea of the police is to arm and train them with all available weapons but never to use them. I wonder if he thinks the same of our military. If so, God help us.

The next time he or others who think as he does need police assistance, please call a fireman or the news media.

The thin blue line is getting thinner, because who in their right mind would want to be a police officer today? Join the Fire Department, where everyone loves you.

Thank God I retired when there was still some respect for the police.

Joe A. Machala

Kettle Falls, Wash.