The big city near me is laying off police officers
By dragon54u
@dragon54u (31633)
United States
July 8, 2009 4:06pm CST
I live near Dayton, Ohio, which one article I read said was one of the most violent in the nation. I wouldn't go that far, but I'm awfully glad I don't live there! Violence is escalating there. So the city is laying off 11 police officers and the union rep pointed out that waste and water weren't cut although they could be. He also said the city officials still had their skybox at the Cincinnati Reds stadium (baseball) and he named a number of other luxuries that I can't remember.
So, why can't we make officials give up their luxuries before they endanger our lives by laying off police officers? This is ridiculous. It's as if the people don't matter as long as those in charge are taken care of. And the remaining police are in even more danger than before.
I'm just ranting, not expecting many responses. I'm really fed up with the way cities, states and the nation are being run. They want us to sacrifice but they won't do without in order to help. 
2 people like this
3 responses
@andy77e (5156)
• United States
9 Jul 09
It's because of politics. People in government are their to get perks. They'll never cut their perks out, because the job wouldn't be worth doing then. It's not like they are paid gobs of cash to do what is supposed to be "public service". So the result is, they keep their perks at the sacrifice of all else.
A much better question is why don't they cut welfare, unemployment comp, and all these government give aways, before cutting water, sewer, and law enforcement?
I just looked at the budget for the State of Ohio. (I'm in Columbus) Did you know that the State budget is $55 Billion dollars? Out of that $55 Billion dollars, Highway and Construction, plus State Law Enforcement, Plus General Government expenses combined is only 15% of the budget... or only $8.25 Billion dollars.
So let me get this straight. We have to cut law enforcement, and pot hole repair, when the other $46.75 Billion dollars is being spent on non-essentials?
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
9 Jul 09
I looked at Columbus when I was looking for a house two years ago--I had lived in the Southwest for almost 30 years and was so homesick for Ohio! I used to live in Columbus. It had changed so much, though, that I really didn't want to live there and I settled on Springfield.
They really should cut out a lot of that 85% that is going to programs that don't really benefit anyone. While I've been hungry and homeless in my life and I really empathize with people who are in that situation, I pulled myself out of it with no help from the state and I was the better for it. I can think of a LOT of ways to cut the state budget to manageable figures and still keep our police protection and our firemen.
Dayton is the city I was referring to--it's said to be one of the most violent in the nation and it's not really that big. I'm glad I didn't move there. But they need to increase their police force, not reduce it!
@clutterbug (1051)
• United States
9 Jul 09
Hey, I heard about the Ohio police layoffs on the radio, that's a lot of cops. Unfortunately, now that the criminals are aware, they can start making their bank heist plans, 7/11 robberies, etc. It seems the little people always have to sacrifice for the BP's (Beautiful People). I read something about how in the end times there will be lawlessness, maybe this is the beginning. Thanks for your time.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (40976)
• Philippines
9 Jul 09
That place must have big losses and worse off this thing is that the most vital institution of a community is being shed off the budget. I think they have lost sense of priority in their budget cuts. It is normal to make budget cuts but it is should be done by eliminating those that are non essentials than to those that are neded by that place and police should be preserved at all cost or else the whole city would suffer from it heavily in the long run. Once the criminals know that the police force there is low for sure they would love to stay in that place.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
9 Jul 09
You're right, and that was the point I was so clumsily trying to make.
Here in Ohio we are going to have libraries closing, police forces reduced, there is talk of downsizing fire departments and our food pantries are fighting to keep enough food on hand to feed the needy. Seems like all the things that are essential to the peoples' well being are being cut.
