I was JUST solicited by phone on the day before yesterday, by our local FOP in Jupiter, FL. Let me tell you how that went (I'll call the caller Albert, to avoi

I was JUST solicited by phone on the day before yesterday, by our local FOP in Jupiter, FL. Let me tell you how that went (I'll call the caller Albert, to avoid using his real name): Albert: Hi, <my full name>. This is Albert from the Jupiter Police Department... Me: Hi (...shit, did I cut somebody off and they called the cops?). Albert: [nothing for 3 seconds while I ruminate in my paranoia] Albert: Don't worry, there's nothing wrong. I'm calling about officers in need. I'm from the Fraternal Order of Police... Each year we... yata yata... we help officers that have been injured on the job and officers whose families are in need... can you help us out? Me: [how does this guy know my mobile phone number and full name, anyway] Me: Possibly. ... some back and forth - him trying to convince me that the only amount that can be accepted is $285. Me having patience, thinking about how, despite all the police brutality reports out there, etc., there are also a lot of public servants in need that are now doubly screwed by all the bad press, as a result of the few that do bad things, also how the Jupiter Police Department has always been really great compared to anywhere else I've lived... basically, I'm sympathizing with the officers, rather than wondering what this FOP organization is, and why they're being allowed to say they're calling FROM the Jupiter Police Department. Me: Ok, I'll donate $90. ... quick discussion about check / payable to, etc... Albert: Ok, I've got you at <my address>. Is that correct? Me: [what, does the police department give him the address from my license?] Me: Yes. Albert: Ok, I'll have our guy come pick up the check tomorrow. The call basically ends there, but I'm left with this uncomfortable "well, that guy seemed like a hustler to me" feeling. I do a quick search, pull up their website, and immediately find that they offer legal services, etc. Instantly, I'm thinking, "wait, I was just bamboozled into donating to a fund that is probably used for lobbying / bargaining, and for protecting police that are charged with murdering innocent people! I was donating to help officers directly in need!". I called back and cancelled the donation. Organizations like this are, sadly, basically large gangs, and they only serve to ruin the establishments they "serve" by adding unnatural protections that lead to corruption and abuse. Note: My full name is on my profile page. I only mask it here, in case this comment was, for some reason, copy/paste quoted on NYT or something ridiculous.