John Carter Need Not Apologise

National MP John Carter has been pilloried - especially by Tv One News tonight - for swearing in the presence of a traffic cop. Note: In the presence of, not at.

This may come as a surprise to some people but policemen are often arrogant, swaggering, sarcastic bullies who hide behind their uniform.

It was said that the police should be shown more respect. Wrong. The police have to earn respect, and they do so by the quiet, firm, professional manner in which they carry out their duties. Indeed, it can be argued that given the appalling performance of the police force in many respects over the past 20 or 30 years - and I hark right back at least to evidence-planting in the Arthur Thomas case - that the police have an uphill job to re-establish the respect and trust that ought be their due.

I have a fair idea what happened in this case. The cop stopped Carter because he failed to indicate at a corner - not exactly the crime of the century. I wish I could get this much police attention when marauding vermin steal my property. The cop, looking at a late model vehicle which clearly belonged to the local MP then passed the remark "Is this vehicle registered?" or some such equivalent. It was a smart-arse sneer intended to intimidate the driver - and that cop knows it.

At which Carter said "Have a look at the fucking window". He was not challenging the issue of a ticket for a traffic offence, he was responding to a provocative statement by the policeman.

Two points seem relevant:

1: Carter was not abusing the policeman. The remark was directed at the window. Had he said "Have a look at the window" there could be no issue.

2: I challenge that policeman to swear an affidavit that he has never used that word himself. If he is unable to do so then he can hardly claim to have been offended by the word. In which case, where is the problem? The only problem is that Carter had the temerity to bite back at the bully.

I'm certain many, many people could recount situations where smart-arse cops pass sneering, sarcastic remarks knowing that they have the other party at a major disadvantge. I know I certainly can.

The stupid cop in this instance should get over himself and grow up.

All of which begs the question: Who put the case in the puiblic domain.