Wow, didn't expect that!

[kirch]

The other day I was on duty and walked into a local convenience store to get my stay-awake staple - a 1-liter bottle of Mountain Dew. There was a line of at least 7 or 8 people being served by one clerk, so I took my place at the back of the line and waited.

Those who hadn't noticed me walking in were soon aware of my presence due to my portable radio. One gentleman, who looked of Middle-Eastern descent, kept looking back at me with a puzzled expression. Being the grizzled veteran of three months on the street, I was thinking this guy must have warrants, be on paper or something.

The man paid for his gas, turned around and walked straight for me. Then, with a big smile, he stuck out his hand to shake mine. I normally don't get in the practice of shaking someone's hand while in uniform for safety reasons. But this guy caught me off guard and I shook his hand.

The following dialogue ensued:

HIM "In my country, soldiers do not stand in line."
ME "I'm not a soldier, I'm a police officer."
HIM "In my country, they are the same. This is why I love America."
ME "I'm not better than anyone else here, there's no reason I deserve preferential treatment."
HIM "Thank you for this attitude."

Then he smiled, shook my hand again, turned around and walked out of the store.

You could have knocked me over with a feather.

[Mike Tx]

[ 09-09-2002, 07:01 PM: Message edited by: MikeTx ]

[Sam]

Actually there are more Christain middle-eastern types in this country than Muslims. About 25% are muslims and most of the rest Christians. They flee this country to avoid persecution from the Muslims I suspect. Not all of the 25% are the radical type Muslims, I think they only represent 10% of that 25%. Thanks for posting this story.

[Summer Rain]

Kirch: I don't see anything wrong with shaking someones hand. I remember a few months ago a man approached me while I was doing foot patrol just to conversate. I felt myself get this hostile attitude and I must have been pretty obvious about it because the guy said "relax babygirl, I just wanted to tell you that it's great to see you in uniform" (I work in my hometown and EVERYONE knows me, some folks that I don't even realize know me.) My point is, of course be cautious and keep officer safety in the forefront at all times, but don't act awkward and stand-offish when someone approaches you. Just my little tidbit

[wonderwoman]

Caution is a given but don't let that stop you from receiving kindness from others. Its something we need to encourage.

[Watchman]

Sam, you are correct. I work with a guy from Iran that became a Christian. He fled here as he was told by his brothers that they would kill him as it is their "duty" to allah.

He hasnt seen his mother or family in over 20 years and he misses them terribly. He is a great guy, but he has been getting a little flack from some workers because of his heritage. We have had many disccusions about the ways of muslims and the Koran vs.the Bible.

The Koran takes a very dim view of those that turn away from the muslim religion. It states that those people must be killed and that their blood will not be on thier hands as it is their duty to do so.

[Sam]

Thanks for the comfirmation Watchman, You are correct, Muslims are to give people of other religions a chance to convert but Muslims who convert to Christianity must be killed. I will find it in the Qu'ran if you like.

[klar]

It is always nice to recieve a thanks from anyone for the job you do or have done in the past. I think that more people should thank the local Police officers for the job they do but it never seems to happen.

SO for all of you out there that have not been told today: THANK YOU OFFICER!!!

Klar

[InSane1]

Just remember to wash your hands after those handshakes... and dont stick your fingers in your mouth. I hate it when people on the street want to shake my hand. As reserve I got that all the time. Handiwipes are nice to carry in the squad. or just buy some of those Luvs baby wipes.

If I ever get caught in the PD parking lot by a passerby they ALWAYS want to shake hands. bleh... I hate it! Some people actually chose to nod and take a step back, but out of politeness I just shake it, no matter how much I tend to cringe.

[CinaC]

I want to know what MikeTX's post said before he deleted it.

Sam, I'm interested in that passage. Please, find it. Or just cite the chapter and I'll try to find it. I'm also interested in your basis for those percentages you gave. Thank you.

[ 09-10-2002, 02:33 PM: Message edited by: Crazy in a Jeep ]

[kirch]

Before this topic gets off into a direction I had no intention of it taking, let me say this: It didn't matter to me that the man was of Middle-Eastern descent. I only pointed that out because it was obvious he was not originally from the U.S. His fairly thick accent confirmed that suspicion when he spoke to me.

Second, I will shake hands with people while in uniform in certain situations -- other cops, members of the community I talk to on the street, etc. Where I like to draw the line is when someone wants to shake my hand after I've just given them a citation (surprising how often that happens), or a complete stranger wants to shake my hand for no apparent reason. Like I said, it's an officer safety thing that was drummed into me by my training officer - never give up your gun hand.