I have a long-standing frustration with local police officers. From my travels in other American cities, it appears to be the same issue elsewhere. I can't speak for other societies, and I'd be interested in knowing if it's the same in, say, Peru, or Malaysia.

Here's my beef: Tonight I watched a cop on a motorcycle stop at a restaurant. He pulled into the parking lot and immediately swerved onto the sidewalk, nearly knocking down a mother and small child. He then parked his machine in the middle of the sidewalk, effectively blocking it. Why did he do that? Maybe the parking lot was full? No. Perhaps the street right next to the sidewalk didn't have any spaces and he needed to get away quickly? Not likely, the parking space two meters from the spot where he rested his bike was empty.

This practice by local police appears to be the norm. I was at an office picnic a few weeks ago at a park. Two officers in a cruiser spotted some parking violations by members of the group, so they drove up the park sidewalk in their cruiser and pointed out the infractions. I certainly appreciate the warning they gave us (I suppose they could have just ticketed or towed), but driving 20 meters on a sidewalk?

This is arrogance. Then they wonder why people, especially those from modest backgrounds, resent and distrust them. I can only shake my head.

Jerks.

CDs listened to today:

• Benjamin Lees: Concerto for French Horn and Orchestra
• Parliament/Funkadelic: The Best of Parliament
• Dogs Die In Hot Cars: Please Describe Yourself
• Vernon Reid: Mistaken Identity
• Steven Stucky: Nell'ombra, nella luce
• Steve Reich: Four Organs
• Steely Dan: Two Against Nature

CDs Listened to yesterday:

• John Mellencamp: The Best that I Could Do
• Robin Holloway: Fantasy-Pieces on the Heine Liederkreis of Schumann