I drive a 1000 miles a week. Have for 15 years. I have been on the shoulder plenty of times. I will take my chances. Your “you just don’t understand the risks union thugs take” argument is amusing but ineffective”.
I have more respect for coal miners and truck drivers. At least they have a valuable product. They work in a far more dangerous environment, and are economic producers.
Cops, on the other hand, not so much. EMT’s and construction workers, as well as tow truck guys and road service people are all pretty valuable. Union thugs with guns? Economic consumers. They feast on the fat of society, and prey on the productive.
Protect everybody or nobody.
I have no problem with the idea of protecting everybody, provided that everybody have the proper safety equipment and ready to use them if they need to be stopped by the side of the road.
Things like flares, pylons, flourescent vests and whatever else is reasonable to ensure safety.