Not defending the officers actions here. I would like to say that some here find it perfectly acceptable to lump ALL cops as power hungry freaks, just because a few are, and all cops are aholes, just because a few are. Does it follow that you are ok with cops lumping all people as aholes and threats...just because some are? What is good for the goose... As well, some here seem to have an inordinate number of run ins with cops...
All people are corrupt. All cops are people. We have a bill of rights and representative government that is designed to limit the power of government. That is a good thing.
In the course of a 20 year career a “good” police officer could be at different times, heroic, cowardly, honest, corrupt, indifferent and attentive. Remember, we are talking about the same cop here. We are talking about people. Institutions exist to provide accountability and restraint. Why? Because people are corrupt.
In this modern era the 4th amendment is routinely ignored and gamed by the institutions designed to hold Police and Government power in check. Same goes with the 5th, the 1st, go down the line. Since the institutions that we pay for are failing to curtail overreach of government and overreach by Police, what do you want “us” to do?
Ignore the problem?
Wave the Red White and Blue?
Pretend everything is cool in mudville?
Fine, if you like, but that’s not for me.
I intend to vote against sales tax increases and extensions, as well as bond issues having anything to do with public safety. I will also locally support mayoral candidates and city council men and women who will seek to reign in the growing power of police institutions.
That’s what I will do.
Finally you wrote:
“As well, some here seem to have an inordinate number of run ins with cops...”
It is interesting that any time posters oppose the power of the police and the courts this is a common accusation. It almost always comes up. The assumption that opposition to government power, police and cops is evidence of law breaking. Many times your statement manifests itself as “smoked much dope lately?” particularly when the question at hand is drug related property seizures. I never think highly of that argument by the way.