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Editorial: Independence Day July 2nd, 2006
Editorial: Once Again... June 25th, 2006
Editorial: Home Ownership June 24th, 2006
Editorial: Mosquito Control in Cedar Key May 11th, 2006
Editorial: Will Gas Prices Go Up? April 30th, 2006
Editorial: Tree Ordinance Violations April 26th, 2006
Editorial: Why Worry about Global Warming? April 21st, 2006
Editorial: The Purpose of Government? March 23rd, 2006
Editorial: Air Boat Regatta, Guests or Pests? January 29th, 2006
Editorial: The East-West Management Plan December 21st, 2005
Editorial: Water, Water, Water December 13th, 2005
Editorial: Bad News for Print News, Good for Online November 14th, 2005
Editorial: A Bad Tradition November 10th, 2005
Editorial: For the Birds October 17th, 2005
Editorial: If It Killed the River.... October 4th, 2005
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Do We Really Want Law Enforcement in Cedar Key? | Do We Really Want Law Enforcement in Cedar Key?Robin McClary Citizens have complained that a Cedar Key police officer, while stopping a car for a traffic violation, overreacted when he observed a firearm in plain view and within easy access of the occupants. He also saw open containers of an alcoholic beverage in the car. Both of these things are against the law in Florida. The sight of the weapon prompted the officer to pull his gun and call for backup. The driver and a male passenger were put in jail. A group of young people spoke out at the City Commission meeting (8/13/02) about the officer's conduct. They felt that the police department was harassing them and they were insulted when the officer pulled his gun. "The police could accidentally shoot someone," they said, "besides, everybody around here carries guns." They completed their argument by pointing out that, "it used to be that some things were allowed to slide in Cedar Key." Chief Swogger responded to these comments by saying that the police department was going to enforce the laws. He added that written citizen complaints would be investigated just as rigorously. Aside from the "wounded" in the audience, the people at the meeting voiced their support for Chief Swogger. The question triggered by this occurrence is whether we really want rigorous law enforcement in Cedar Key. Either we let the cops do their job or give up on enforcing the laws. Police officers can't take any middle road. They swear an oath to uphold all the laws regardless of a violator's age, sex or social status in the community. Perhaps, it is time that both cops and citizens understand that times have changed in Cedar Key and that the Wild West days are over. Drop that clam, pardner!
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