By the way, to clarify a point, I have no problem with enhanced penalties for someone who attacks a law enforcement officer because he is a law enforcement officer.
Well .. I have read #694 - and you have ONE VOICE against many - so that doesn't prove much.
Your claim that if a federal officer is off duty - he is no longer a federal officer is ludicruos.
If the President takes the day off - is he no longer the President ..??
If a Judge takes the day off - is he no longer a judge ..??
If a District Attorney takes a day off - is he no longer a DA ..??
Your argument has no credibility!
If you have ever watched a program called JAG or NCIS, you would have noted that even though a military person was NOT IN UNIFORM when they were killed - they were still a part of the military - and it was the military who investigated and punished the crime.
As a personal note - when I was an active Deputy - I was told to carry my badge and ID at all times - even when I was not in uniform. Why? Because even when I was not in uniform - I was still a Deputy. That's how it works. I cannot understand why this concept is so difficult for you.