6)    ”Know your strengths and weaknesses.” Sun Tzu

         In the coming weeks, I am targeted by a series of inexplicable events concerning police. I am stopped going too fast for conditions by doing thirty-five in a forty-five zone because it is raining; car search. My vehicle is stopped for a wobbling rear wheel that didn’t wobble; car search. On and on; in short, I am targeted for a stop when I’m seen on any pretext, and it works. The power of the badge becomes apparent, and I am helpless against the sheer strength brought to bear.

7)    ”Choose your battles wisely.” Sun Tzu

Real law is coming to the county; cops are being required to take classes before being certified. Even as I rail against the machine, my subconscious formulates a plan for the future. Fighting the government is tantamount to losing, war from the inside is the only way to win. I take my first stab at college; it will take three more.

8)    ”Conflict and change present opportunities. No one wins in conflict.” Sun Tzu



        All the upheaval in various law agencies takes some of the heat off for a while. I duck my head, keep out of town, losing no opportunity to tell everyone I’m changed. The public at large hears how it’s time to grow up, I’m going to school. However, their “stop Walter” campaign works; I move into another county where I’m unknown. There, in peaceful anonymity, I take a long hard look at where I’m at -evaluating my present position; it stinks.