In response to all of the recent Sound Offs complaining about our local law enforcement officers, specifically state troopers and Border Patrol; I know they ask the questions they do because they are trying to get a feel for who the driver is and where they are headed and why. This information helps them to pick up on who’s suspicious and who isn’t. I have yet to meet a state trooper who isn’t polite and professional in our region. I was pulled over by a trooper who asked where I was headed and when I responded that I was headed for the hospital, he became even more deferential. I was given a warning because I didn’t give him any lip and I’m a senior. He was doing his job and doing it well. Perhaps folks need to take a different attitude toward these men and women working to keep our roads and communities safe. There’s a heck of a lot more than illegal aliens sneaking across the border as one commenter focused on. Drugs and other illegal products are a constant focus for the Border Patrol. That check point on the road takes just a few minutes and it helps make it more difficult for smugglers. Be polite and cooperative and make your day and theirs a little bit better. Try smiling and thanking a cop for just being there (for you and the rest of us) for a change. Your civil rights aren’t being violated; they’re being protected. They are our neighbors, our relatives and they can be our friends. Remember, they’ll be there when you need them.