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LETTERSasked all how to address/correct this situation with honor. Andjust like the organizers, if they found out later that they weren’tcurrent, and they did nothing, then they are back to serious error.What they can do then, I shall address below.But I would assume that the PHRF rules and rules of racinghave a solution to this situation, and I bet anything it isdoing what you can to correct any mistakes made in the mosthonorable way.As to what the parties can do if they still all acted in seriouserror, I say this: If all parties, or even one, acknowledge later thattheir serious error—which means they knew beforehand the certificatewas not current, or that they did nothing when theyfound out later it was not current—was a serious error, theyshould be allowed to redeem themselves by acknowledging theyacted poorly and can ask for forgiveness from the racing community,who can then judge this situation as it feels best. This goesfor both the organizers and entrants. I would allow this situationbecause I, like most humans, sometimes act with serious errorand seek forgiveness.The final situation would be—if all parties, or even one,knowing they acted in serious error, still did nothing, then it is upto the racing community to banish them all to live in a place withno winds—er, wins, whatever the case may be.Of course, if the boat had not won any honors, it would notmatter so much, but the mistakes—whether human errors or seriouserrors—should still be addressed.And that— is my humble opinion.EditorARE FLORIDA FWC OFFICERS FACING THE SAMECHALLENGES AS IN THE TV SERIES COPS?I am a little behind with a response to a letter from DavidLiscio, “Welcome to Florida, Boaters, You Are UnderArrest” and your response as the editor from yourNovember 2007 edition.First, let me say I never condone the unprofessionalactions by any person. Everyone has the right to respect andcourteous treatment as long as it occurs in a give-and-takemanner. Law enforcement officers, because of their uniquepositions, are often exposed to the more stringent requirementsof giving respect when they are being totally denigratedby the public. Just watch Cops. Many officers that Ihave been associated with appear gruff, paramilitary andseem to treat every encounter with vessels’ owners as ifthey are murder suspects (research Miami murder suspectapprehended by FWC Law Enforcement Officer on his sailboatfollowing gun battle — This was a drunk sailor with a gun- editor). They cannot ever let their guard down. They knowwho they are, you can recognize who they are, but for goodnesssake, they do not know who you are, how many of youthere are, or what your intentions are until it’s too late (75officers killed in 2007 by hostile gunfire/vehicular assault).Take a step in their shoes! These young men and women arethe first you call upon when you are in peril or in need ofassistance. They are the first to respond and put their liveson the line for complete strangers. You say it’s their job. Isay it is their professionalism and dedication to their duty!I say they are special!Speaking of professionalism, had Mr. Liscio read theaccompanying letter from what sounds to me to be a true12 April 2008 SOUTHWINDS www.southwindsmagazine.com