Recalcitrant
by
Mark Spencer
On Wednesday February 17, 2010 the editorial staff of the Arizona Republic described the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association by writing, “PLEA has long been the city’s most recalcitrant union.” Was this a criticism or a commendation? At first blush, police officers who risk their lives on a daily basis might take offense at this description. But when one considers the history of the word, the antonyms that offset the term, and the management style of Phoenix and the police department, it might become easier to consider “recalcitrant” as a backhanded compliment. Dictionaries tell us that the word dates back to approximately 1843 and comes from a French word which literally means “kicking back.” It carried the sense of “to resist obstinately” – similar to a victim fighting off and kicking back at an attacker.
Listen Now! to comments on the topic aired on the Mike Broomhead show on KFYI on Friday March 5, 2010.
The evolution of the word as used today carries a range of meanings including aggressive, bold, gutsy, daring, challenging, resistant, indomitable, defiant, and willful. Antonyms of the word provide meaningful context for a deeper understanding. For recalcitrant, antonyms include amenable, obliging, and passive. PLEA “kicked out” at an illegal immigration policy that was imposed on Phoenix Police Officers – a policy that was not in line with 70% to 80% of the citizens, a policy that lacked deterrence and common sense, a policy which failed to address the high cost paid by Phoenix Police Officers and the Hispanic community. The policy turned a blind eye to the rule of law and was clearly connected to the deterioration of the quality of life in our city. Yes, PLEA was recalcitrant. The Association challenged the obvious problem. At the members’ direction, we did not passively sit by while damage was being done to our cops and their communities. Chief Harris did the right thing, changed the policy, and almost as if a switch was thrown, crime dropped double-digits.
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