There is so “much ado about nothing” in the papers about the recent occurrences that have befallen local RCMP officers.

I am a 76-year-old gentleman who in the long past has had dealings with many different RCMP officers. Some on duty, some off.

When I was 18 years old, about to graduate from school in a small town in Alberta, I applied to join the RCMP. I was initially accepted.

Subsequently, I received a letter from the head office in Ottawa that I was rejected because of a conviction when I was 13 years old for stealing chocolate bars from a drug store.

For some time, I was very bitter, so I wrote to ask why. I was told that if I were accepted and if I were to go to court to testify to a high profile crime that small incident could affect the result of the trial. Subsequently, I grew to respect this esteemed organization.

Later in life I got to know personally many members and attended several functions when they were off duty. (RCMP golf tourney, poker, sports, etc.)

I became more understanding of RCMP members, as well as other law enforcement members. Like any other individuals, they are human. Some are or become goodies. Some need to grow up, but most do like to have a bit of fun.

Think if you are in their shoes going out every day to face possible death or to face the crap that’s out there these days — does a little humour hurt? They all love the uniform they wear.

ED BEALLE

Kamloops