^That is so true. I've often wondered what happenned to the concept of the 'peace officer', which we did have once upon a time, long long ago. Some do exist still but they are very far and between and generally aren't very liked by the other cops. I know one personally who's actually a decent friend. He confided in me many moons ago that he didn't give a shit if he got canned for standing up for a true promotion of peace. Oddly, he's yet to be fired even though I'm sure he's given them plenty of reason. Maybe it's because somewhere they realized that if they can him they'd have to hire a dozen to take his place. His methods are of communication where as theirs would be of brute force.
I like what you've said, Mystic. One thing I'd like to add; Cops are bullies that have graduated HS and have no other recourse but to continue to be bullies. This sort of thing (the lead post) happens all the time. Shoot first, ask questions later. Only the answers are for the bully's side and not the victim's. Killing a person is considered OK? But using EM weapons or rubber bullets, or some other form non-lethal subduction violates civil liberties? Go fucking figure.
^even the objects of 'non-lethal' force serve as a tool of self gratifying power. You're so right in that it's alot of bullies. whatever method serves to be 'allowed' is quite acceptable as long as it means they can push themselves around. One more free big mac right?
Yeah, we hear about this in Detroit all the time. I seem to remember some deaf guy getting shot and killed a few years ago because he couldn't hear the cop or something... ah, thank you google: http://www.wsws.org/articles/2000/aug2000/det-a31.shtml and general detroit horror: http://www.freep.com/news/locway/shoot15_20000515.htm
but on a good note, there are many "cop-watch" groups across the country who monitor police abuse and corruption. Just run a google search with "cop watch" and you'll be shocked by all the stuff that pops up. And every year on Oct. 22 (O22) there are marches sponsored by victims' families of police violence and murder, many which draw thousands of people speaking out against "police violence, repression, and the criminalization of a generation" as a popular saying goes. So as usual, there's a glimmer of hope.
I remembered I walked off from school because authority got angry at me for putting up AntiBush flyers (no where in the rules it said that i couldn't). I was waling down the railroad tracks heading home then apparently they called the cops and one saw me and stormed out of his car then ran at me and threw me down (I didn't try to run or even walk away or resist).... wow I hate the fuzz