Posted on 08/14/2014 9:54:23 AM PDT by MadIsh32
Ferguson is the price we pay for turning America’s police into paramilitary units armed with the Pentagon’s surplus military gear leftover from decades of American militarism overseas.
The era of your friendly neighborhood lawman only out to “protect and serve” the community is over — if it ever existed at all.
Today, “protect and serve” would only be in reference to the State and its power, not the people.
I remember when this all started: The Drug War. Had to ramp up to keep up with the drug gangs.
https://news.vice.com/article/legal-pot-in-the-us-is-crippling-mexican-cartels
And remember the state has a monopoly on violence. There will be no winning against the police, or the military, or Obama’s brown-shirts. Use legal means to resist state violence.
They hear the police & Govt talk about "us" versus "them" and laughably/sadly think they're part of the "us".
As bad as it is, it has been a lot worse.
In 1971, police officers in New York City shot 314 people, killing 93.
In 2011, they shot 16 people, killing 6.
The problem is, THEY decide what the “legal means” are.
If citizens are not allowed to disobey an illegal order from a police officer, then what “legal means” are available to us?
In 1971 were the police armed to the teeth like our military?
Yes.
My mantra regarding those who should be allowed to be police officers:
More Andy Taylors;
Fewer Barney Fifes;
NO Rambos!
Ping.
They shot 314 people.
They were obviously armed with SOMETHING.
PS - Did the officer in Ferguson shoot the unarmed teen with a military weapon?
Yeah, we expect that sort of thing in a major metropolis, but this stuff is happening in small towns now. SWAT raids, which are essentially military assaults, have increased 10-fold at least since the 70s
That is true enough.
That is one fast shuffle, construing a fatal police incident with a Black teen and the ensuing protests, looting, and riots as an argument against the police being provided with military gear. Are you also arguing that if America’s cops gave up their SWAT teams, bullet proof vests, and armored vehicles, then Black teens would reduce their high rate of violent criminality? Would their role in the drug trade also fade away? And would the kids take up their education with renewed vigor?
ever since courts confirmed police have no duty to protect citizens, peace officers became law enforcement officers. fundamental frame of mind shift. revenue enhancers. gotta hit certain quotas for certain crimes and violations.
Law enforcement is charged with being able to deal with whatever contingencies arise. They have become more onerous out of necessity. Using the least amount of force necessary to control a situation is much easier to establish after the fact than in the middle of the chaos.
About 150 LEOs die (USA) in the line of duty every year.
Why are all the cops wear military combat uniforms?
Why have police been given all these military war vehicles?
This has been ramping up for a few decades now...
I wonder what they’re planning for?
Generally, Policemen in the U.S. wear blue or black uniforms. Even SWAT teams.
During riots the front line officers carry shields, batons, and have riot helmets.
The “Police” in Ferguson are wearing cammo/military uniforms and are armed - right up front - ready to go on the offense.
That sends a clear message to me that they are not Police acting in a defensive posture, but are para-military units ready for offensive maneuvers against the local citizenry.
That is wrong and unAmerican.
If they want the National Gaurd, you call the NG. Otherwise, you act like Policemen.
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