Swamphunter Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 I have decided that the main reason I come to these forums is to exchange stories with the people I call friends. There are so many people on here anymore and some of them I may not agree with, which is fine. By deciding to leave the forums, I not only would have effected my life, but also those that think of me as a friend. I come here for some good solid information that I can rely on that would be tough to find otherwise. I have received enough PM's and emails of support from those who matter, that make me realize that my decision to leave the forums whether temporarily or permanently, was probably an over-reaction on my part. There are times I come home from work after a particularly hard or stressful day of solving everyone else's problems, some of which, with a small amount of thinking, may have been able to be solved by themselves, just to meet face to face with my own problems. I then get settled in for a bit and decide to come to the forums to read what is going on and I read more and more negative comments about law enforcement. Not just this one thread, but several over the last months time. I try to attempt to further the understanding of why something may be just a bit less of a shocker than it appears, I title it Please Read , in big blue letters, and it seems that it was a waste of my time by a few posts. I'm sure it was not even read. Before I respond to something, I read through the entire thread to get the feel for it. Sometimes to understand it for myself, sometimes to attempt to understand someone else's thought process. Sometimes there are negative, non productive comments from people who are still young enough they think that the world is just their Mommy, Daddy and their lawyer. Others from people that may have had legitimate bad experiences. No, not all law enforcement officers are without fault. I agree with this. There are bad apples everywhere including the military (i.e. deserters and the hand grenade guy, whatever his name is), teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, mechanics, businessmen and women (i.e. Enron, Martha Stewart), contractors, and in just about every profession. Wherever you look there are bad apples that ruin it for the rest of us who dedicate our lives towards making your life safer and easier and more convenient. For the most part these forums have changed my life because they are an outlet for me when I actually get a chance to rest. I love to hunt, I love the outdoors, and a few post pounders are not going to drive me away. I received some real good PM's and emails since my decision to leave was made, and seems that some of them feel exactly the way I do also. If not feel the same way, they definitely support me. The forums expanding at such a rate is a good thing, I guess..., but there are so many people here anymore, some of who that seem to just want to "stir the pot", the forums have changed. I am going to take this in stride and consider the sources of some of the obviously stupid comments. These forums are ran better than any other forum that I am a member of, and for that I am thankful. Most of the mods take their job very seriously and without them, this would just be another vulgar place to call names and receive abuse. My 4 year old son asked me Sunday night if he could play on the computer on the "Hunting site", as he likes to play paintball and the 4-wheeler game....(I hear Michael Waddells voice saying "Run rabbit run" in my sleep sometimes ). I told him "no", because I didn't want to even log on to it. I then realized that my decision also effects a little boy who wants desperately to be like his father, and enjoy the great outdoors, hunting and fishing, and I was making the decision to take that from him and it was not fair. My decision to leave was not due to some type of feel bad for me, how many support me stunt, to see where I stand. Believe me, for being involved in law enforcement for 15+ years, I for the most part couldn't care less what people think or say about me. I guess it was just a shocker to see it start happening here. With all this being said, I am glad that I have made the decision to return, and it was due to the members of this forum I refer to as my friends, some well needed rest, and a 4 year old boy, that I return. Thank you, you all know who you are. Some of you will be receiving Pm's in the next couple of days from me. Swamphunter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohiobucks Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 Re: My decision [ QUOTE ] I have decided that the main reason I come to these forums is to exchange stories with the people I call friends. There are so many people on here anymore and some of them I may not agree with, which is fine. By deciding to leave the forums, I not only would have effected my life, but also those that think of me as a friend. I come here for some good solid information that I can rely on that would be tough to find otherwise. I have received enough PM's and emails of support from those who matter, that make me realize that my decision to leave the forums whether temporarily or permanently, was probably an over-reaction on my part. There are times I come home from work after a particularly hard or stressful day of solving everyone else's problems, some of which, with a small amount of thinking, may have been able to be solved by themselves, just to meet face to face with my own problems. I then get settled in for a bit and decide to come to the forums to read what is going on and I read more and more negative comments about law enforcement. Not just this one thread, but several over the last months time. I try to attempt to further the understanding of why something may be just a bit less of a shocker than it appears, I title it Please Read , in big blue letters, and it seems that it was a waste of my time by a few posts. I'm sure it was not even read. Before I respond to something, I read through the entire thread to get the feel for it. Sometimes to understand it for myself, sometimes to attempt to understand someone else's thought process. Sometimes there are negative, non productive comments from people who are still young enough they think that the world is just their Mommy, Daddy and their lawyer. Others from people that may have had legitimate bad experiences. No, not all law enforcement officers are without fault. I agree with this. There are bad apples everywhere including the military (i.e. deserters and the hand grenade guy, whatever his name is), teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, mechanics, businessmen and women (i.e. Enron, Martha Stewart), contractors, and in just about every profession. Wherever you look there are bad apples that ruin it for the rest of us who dedicate our lives towards making your life safer and easier and more convenient. For the most part these forums have changed my life because they are an outlet for me when I actually get a chance to rest. I love to hunt, I love the outdoors, and a few post pounders are not going to drive me away. I received some real good PM's and emails since my decision to leave was made, and seems that some of them feel exactly the way I do also. If not feel the same way, they definitely support me. The forums expanding at such a rate is a good thing, I guess..., but there are so many people here anymore, some of who that seem to just want to "stir the pot", the forums have changed. I am going to take this in stride and consider the sources of some of the obviously stupid comments. These forums are ran better than any other forum that I am a member of, and for that I am thankful. Most of the mods take their job very seriously and without them, this would just be another vulgar place to call names and receive abuse. My 4 year old son asked me Sunday night if he could play on the computer on the "Hunting site", as he likes to play paintball and the 4-wheeler game....(I hear Michael Waddells voice saying "Run rabbit run" in my sleep sometimes ). I told him "no", because I didn't want to even log on to it. I then realized that my decision also effects a little boy who wants desperately to be like his father, and enjoy the great outdoors, hunting and fishing, and I was making the decision to take that from him and it was not fair. My decision to leave was not due to some type of feel bad for me, how many support me stunt, to see where I stand. Believe me, for being involved in law enforcement for 15+ years, I for the most part couldn't care less what people think or say about me. I guess it was just a shocker to see it start happening here. With all this being said, I am glad that I have made the decision to return, and it was due to the members of this forum I refer to as my friends, some well needed rest, and a 4 year old boy, that I return. Thank you, you all know who you are. Some of you will be receiving Pm's in the next couple of days from me. Swamphunter [/ QUOTE ] Talk about posting just to increase your total post count........... J/K Ken, glad you made the right decision. I for one, could not imagine not visiting this place on a daily basis. There are bad apples wherever you go, just takes some time to sort through them and pitch them to the side. Later buddy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanH Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 Re: My decision I started off on these forums with a BUNCH of great people! I was considered and WAS a Post Pounder. I have become more of a reader in the last couple months! These forums have REALLY changed ALOT since i even joined! At time I dont blame your desicion and at time i just Think, WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT THIS PLACE. Im glad you have decided to stay with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fisherguy Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 Re: My decision [ QUOTE ] Ken, Well sure miss ya. [/ QUOTE ] LOL you just proved his point. Nobody reads posts anymore. You will notice in the last paragraph he is staying, not leaving. And swamphunter i understand how you feel, since i am going to be applying to police forces in a few months it sort of drives me nuts so many people are so quick to bash the police for doing their job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 Re: My decision Ken, I for one am glad that you have decided to stay, I sure look forward to your posts and advice, and this just made my day that much better.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanH Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 Re: My decision Deleted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 Re: My decision darn---i missed out on all this Swamper--that's what i get for going turkey hunting. Didn't know you were thinking about leaving but glad you decided to stay! todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBUCK Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 Re: My decision Ken I am not sure what happened here, but I am glad to hear your decision to stay. There are times that I get frustrated by the forums and when that happens you won't see me post much. I usually read all the post. Then there are other times that I read post and it changes my whole day. That is it brightens it. Like I said, I missed the post that you are talking about but I will look for it, but I have the utmost repect for you and your profession. I have a couple real good friends that are sherriffs, local cops, and two cousins that are state troopers and a couple of high school friends that are also troopers. My hat goes off to you and all in law inforcement. I like you, don't care what people think about me, you either like me for who I am and what I stand for or you don't. am not going to loose any sleep over it. Again, I am glad you decided to stay and look forward to more of your post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 Re: My decision Glad you decided to come back swampy. i respect the law enforcement officers and everything they do. even though i sometimes go "UH-OH!!" when i see one coming down the road towards me and i'm going a bit over the speed limit but then i think what it would be like with no police officers. how many more lives would be taken each day from careless drivers, and criminals. there would be no world without them, i think it would be one big war. the leo's are a big part of the world, we could seriously not be safe without every one of them in the field. the laws are made to protect people, and the leo's are out there to enforce that the laws are being followed. they should be respected at all times for everything that they do, and people that break the law shouldn't get po'ed at the police officers when they get into trouble with the law, because they are just doing they're job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSGB Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 Re: My decision Glad you decided to stay! We all "have had enough" every now and then. You gotta stick to your guns and ignore those who make blanket statements without any real knowledge on the subject. Take it in stride and go about your day. Did you ever get that map program working? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWSmith Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 Re: My decision Aight....You breakin bad on my girl Martha....Drop the badge...we throwin down brother You know how I feel Ken! Its not the majority of people here who try to keep the ideals of Honor, Integrity, and understand that their actions here reflect on RealTree....its the ones that dont. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IowaDeerHunter Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 Re: My decision Swamphunter, I for one don't really know you, but i sure am glad you decided to stay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted April 26, 2005 Report Share Posted April 26, 2005 Re: My decision Welcome back Ken I'm glad you weren't gone long enough to miss ya. My hat's off to all law enforcement. What would we ever do without them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJR Posted April 26, 2005 Report Share Posted April 26, 2005 Re: My decision Glad it is in the past! Everyone, where ever you are, needs the military, police & firemen! Might not need them directly, but in the long run, you are going to need them and we should all appreciate what they do for us! Now don't give me a ticket!!! LOL!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archerjg Posted April 26, 2005 Report Share Posted April 26, 2005 Re: My decision I am glad that you decided to stay. It is always good to have several different perspectives. Archerjg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig mack Posted April 26, 2005 Report Share Posted April 26, 2005 Re: My decision Glad you decided to stick around besides I like looking at the bear in the karate outfit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulldawg Posted April 26, 2005 Report Share Posted April 26, 2005 Re: My decision Glad you stayed here, Swampy. I got frustrated a few times in here before, but not enough to let it go. I like reading some of your input at times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted April 26, 2005 Report Share Posted April 26, 2005 Re: My decision Ken's one of the best sources of information on here, I always stop and read what he has to say. Never having met the guy I know that if I did from what I have read from him we would be instant buddies. Glad you are sticking around Ken, god knows we all could use your advice and knowledge. Lou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted April 26, 2005 Report Share Posted April 26, 2005 Re: My decision Not sure exactly what happened that led to this Ken, but glad to see you are not leaving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c_lou Posted April 26, 2005 Report Share Posted April 26, 2005 Re: My decision Glad you are staying. Personnally I would have missed the Bear. As a member of my County Law Enforcement committee, I get to see some of the things that officers have to go through on a daily basis. That is why no matter what the department needs, the will always get my vote. You can never have to many tools when dealing with scumbags. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
too_pointer Posted April 26, 2005 Report Share Posted April 26, 2005 Re: My decision You are too good in here to leave. I support our good members, and you certainly are that My p.m. is always open. I can't possibly see all whats going on. I count on alot of people telling me what is happening, and I will help whenever I can. I don't ever want to lose good people because of a few rotten apples Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NY911Bowhunter Posted April 26, 2005 Report Share Posted April 26, 2005 Re: My decision Glad to see you're hanging in with the "full timers!" [ QUOTE ] My hat's off to all law enforcement. What would we ever do without them. [/ QUOTE ] Well, Buckee, I for one would have a LOT NICER car! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamphunter Posted April 26, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2005 Re: My decision [ QUOTE ] I don't ever want to lose good people because of a few rotten apples [/ QUOTE ] Thanks, but with that I must say that no one did anything personal towards me as far as attacks. Everyone was merely voicing their opinion, but it was all getting so anti-law enforcement it was sickening. I don't expect everyone to agree with what law enforcement officers do, thats the nature of my job. But when people do not take into consideration their lack of knowledge vs the tools of the police, some comments get pretty stupid. It was not just the one thread. There have been several in the last couple of months and it has been building up. I had just had a hard day, came here to relax and got more angry. People have to remember that when someone calls for the police to come, and they do...we don't give time outs. If you don't like it....don't call. Simple as that. Again I must say that I have NEVER been personally attacked by anyone on the forums here, although if I had been, I certainly would not have just up and left the forums. I deal with grief, stress, compromising situations, death, dying, blood, lawyers, DA's, administrators, and the legal system everyday. The majority of people who have ever had contact with anyone of the above or been involved in a legal mess, know the stress it can cause. This is my day to day life that I have become immune to. I simply tried to shed some light on a situation that was unfolding possible to make it a bit easier to understand, and a few people chose to just ignore it and continue to bash. That is why law enforcement officers get burnt out and sometimes even cynical or cold. When I go to work, I very seldom have something positive happen. Think about going to work and everything being negative...I mean EVERYTHING! It wears on you. I seldom to go a complaint where when we leave, everyone is happy and thanking us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkeygirl Posted April 26, 2005 Report Share Posted April 26, 2005 Re: My decision I'm very glad your're back buddy:-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted April 26, 2005 Report Share Posted April 26, 2005 Re: My decision I figured you'd see it my way. Must have been my inspirational PM. WB buddy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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