Out of the mouths of babes

The Jan. 7 editorial (‘Hold cops to higher standard,’ The Chronicle) was the exact scenario I found myself facing last week. I was out with my four-year-old son and we saw two police officers who were wearing bright red hats, sparkly sunglasses and red boots. It was embarrassing to watch these two "officers" climb out of the police cruiser. I have taught my children that police officers are meant to be respected, trusted, and that are there to help us. I understand the officers are frustrated and want a resolution, and three years is long enough to wait, but these two men looked like absolute buffoons. My son starred at them for a while and finally asked if they were going to a birthday party. I said no, and tried to explain as simply as I could that they were unhappy with their work situation and they wanted a change. He didn't say anything at first, and then asked, "But how is wearing silly clothes going to help them?" My thoughts exactly.

Andrea Hutchison, Kirkland