Letter: Controversy over 'trooper' usage misses bigger issue

The use of "trooper" in campaign flyers by Harney appears to be the main bone of contention. What makes it ironical comedy is that both parties have counterfeited the term "trooper" for years, for personal and institutional image polishing.

A quick check of the dictionary reveals that the term "trooper" denotes brave soldiers mounted on horseback, charging the enemy at the risk of life and limb. It is somewhat of a stretch to apply this analogy to an organization that paints its vehicles an inconspicuous midnight blue, hides behind hills and in arroyos and under bridges, in a "trick and trap" mode -- to nab unsuspecting motorists at random.

This practice is justified in the name of "public safety." But it completely ignores reputable studies which show that conspicuous patrol vehicles, in plain sight, lower average highway speeds and contribute to public safety in many other ways.

A more applicable term for them might be "armed tax collectors" or "chase and capture drivers" or "gotcha cowboys." But these labels don't polish an image the way "trooper" does. Both know the value of that handle -- and thus the cat fight over its use.

I guess if "trooper" Harney could parlay the title into a commission seat, we would all see the value of it. And Director Hood would be partially responsible, because he allowed Harney to polish that image for years, and now he has grown too big for his britches. Regardless of who is the victor in this cat fight, it is good for a laugh!

Hugh Gannett

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