Elbers said the $50 donation was a “serious” violation and that the hours will be worked on vacation or rest days.
“As a police officer, there comes a time when you must take the political issues out of your head when you are making decisions,” Elbers wrote in his decision.
If that's true (and I think it is) then there shouldn't be any decisions made by Police Chiefs that are political in nature.
They are there to enforce the law (supposedly) - not the latest fashion in brain-washing.
edit: Also, the Judge is presuming that 'as a police officer' means that the guy is never off duty - i.e. he isn't a free human being, he's a slave who must do as he is told and toe the line.
It should only be an issue if the guy did it 'as the police' - i.e. in uniform or made a declaration to the effect that he was supporting the truckers 'as a policeman'.