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It’s Time for Conservatives to Stop Defending Police
nationalreview ^

Posted on 07/22/2014 9:32:19 PM PDT by chessplayer

Imagine if I were to tell you there is a large group of government employees, with generous salaries and ridiculously cushy retirement pensions covered by the taxpayer, who enjoy incredible job security and are rarely held accountable even for activities that would almost certainly earn the rest of us prison time. When there is proven misconduct, these government employees are merely reassigned and are rarely dismissed. The bill for any legal settlements concerning their errors? It, too, is covered by the taxpayers. Their unions are among the strongest in the country.

No, I’m not talking about public-school teachers.

I’m talking about the police.

We conservatives recoil at the former; yet routinely defend the latter — even though, unlike teachers, police officers enjoy an utter monopoly on force and can ruin — or end — one’s life in a millisecond.

On Thursday in Staten Island, an asthmatic 43-year-old father of six, Eric Garner, died after a group of policemen descended on him, placing him in a chokehold while attempting to arrest him for allegedly selling cigarettes. A bystander managed to capture video in which Garner clearly cries out, “I can’t breathe!” Even after releasing the chokehold (chokeholds, incidentally, are prohibited by NYPD protocol), the same officer then proceeds to shove and hold Garner’s face against the ground, applying his body weight and pressure on Garner, ignoring Garner’s pleas that he cannot breathe. Worse yet, new video shows at least eight officers standing around Garner’s lifeless, unconscious body.

(Excerpt) Read more at nationalreview.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society
KEYWORDS: copsarescum; donutwatch; leo
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To: KJC1
How about you are a cop and you arrest another cop who is a meth-addicted psycho, who has the full backing of the department? How about that one?

It sounds like you're using a real life example. If so, what are the details?

81 posted on 07/23/2014 1:18:58 AM PDT by Ken H
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To: Jack Hydrazine

The comment you just made is a long was from your asset ion in #4.


82 posted on 07/23/2014 1:21:53 AM PDT by BunnySlippers (I LOVE BULL MARKETS . . .)
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To: hinckley buzzard

I see your point but I don’t think we should go down the path of pitting citizen against police officer just because a number of them were bad apples. They are getting a little carried away with the SWAT gear and military type equipment in places where it’s not needed. I would say it is needed in places like Los Angeles, Detroit, New Orleans, and New York City though...


83 posted on 07/23/2014 1:23:43 AM PDT by jsanders2001
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To: Ken H
It sounds like you're using a real life example. If so, what are the details?

It is a real-life example. Worst nightmare. Maybe over time I'll share it with you in FReepmail. Right now the topic is raw with me.

84 posted on 07/23/2014 1:27:22 AM PDT by KJC1 (When you are dealing with the devil, the only answer is God.)
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To: KJC1

Did the union back you, or did it back the psycho?


85 posted on 07/23/2014 1:30:58 AM PDT by Ken H
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To: KJC1

Oh, I get it, all right. You would just go along with the status quo, maybe watching a little closer, but won’t take a chance of reprisals or worse because he has the badge behind him.
Just like the battered wife who knows not to call cuz she knows what will happen and there is no badge ready to help her.

My question to you is:
What happens when the methhead goes off and harms someone? Will you be there backing him up or cuffing him? I mean, now that there is a victim. Do you cover for him? Do you feel any regret for not arresting him, getting him help and so on sooner? Sometimes right is right and it hurts.


86 posted on 07/23/2014 1:38:41 AM PDT by ozaukeemom (Is there even a republic left?)
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To: Ken H
Did the union back you, or did it back the psycho?

Both. From what I can tell.

87 posted on 07/23/2014 1:39:30 AM PDT by KJC1 (When you are dealing with the devil, the only answer is God.)
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To: ozaukeemom

You are a total disgrace. But, it makes you feel better. If you knew the circumstances I am talking about, you would be ashamed. I don’t expect that on your part and it doesn’t matter to me.


88 posted on 07/23/2014 1:44:09 AM PDT by KJC1 (When you are dealing with the devil, the only answer is God.)
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To: ozaukeemom

In my very humble opinion, cops are out to create revenue for their jurisdictions. Sometimes, in doing so, they stop someone from doing something wrong. Most times they are a nuisance that costs money.
Sometimes a simple traffic stop can turn deadly and I have praise for those POs in that situation. I am watching a case in AZ about one such event. So, while I paint most cops as bullies and/or government lackeys, not all are.

The very bottom line is that I do not trust them to protect me, my family or anyone I care about. That is my responsibility.


89 posted on 07/23/2014 1:46:16 AM PDT by ozaukeemom (Is there even a republic left?)
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To: KJC1

How am I a disgrace? I have mentioned my real life experiences with LEOs while you make vague remarks about not being able to arrest a man wearing a police uniform in public while under the influence of a dangerous drug. It sounded like you did not do something because you believed it would do no good.
If I misinterpreted that, I apologize. I am more than willing to admit when I am wrong. I am telling you how I read your post.
I do not know what you are referencing and yet you can call me names based on my interpretations.
I was asking a real question on how you would deal with a situation where that person harmed someone.
Thank you


90 posted on 07/23/2014 1:52:22 AM PDT by ozaukeemom (Is there even a republic left?)
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To: chessplayer

Once again, the morons are out in force.

Folks, we are going to need the police. Like it or not, they enforce the laws. They arrest people, bind them over for court appearances, and try to keep the peace.

Some officers and some departments are flawed. They’re run by human beings. Who knew?

So who do the people who constantly trash the police call when there is a serious problem? The ACLU? Does the ACLU now patrol neighborhoods protecting citizens, responding to spousal or child abuse? Does it arrest pedophiles? Does it arrest felons?

I think some police have bad attitudes. By reading some of these threads, I’m certain some citizens have a massive chip tilting on their shoulders.

I’m not a big fan of the swat team on every block mentality. I think those things should be addressed. I also think the departments are over-militarizing. I think some of the equipment they’re bringing in is over-kill.

I do however know police officers. I know that they have families that want them to come home to them. Law enforcement isn’t an easy job. Sadly, a lot of folks who think they know everything there is about the righteous needs of law enforcement, seldom sign up. No, they simply carp about how bad ALL police departments are.

This type of mentality goes back to the 1960s and 70s Hippy days, when they term “pigs” was coined.

I’m willing to take bad officers to task. I generally try to not jump to conclusions. Sometimes I do. We generally hear half the story, the story the press thinks will sell the most papers. If it’s sensational, they’re all for it.

It’s interesting to me how little we trust in the press, but by golly if it’s negative about police officers, it’s the gospel truth every single time. Bull stuff!


91 posted on 07/23/2014 2:05:01 AM PDT by DoughtyOne (Think how stupid the average person is, and then realize half of them are stupider than that.)
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To: ozaukeemom

I have ZERO support. There is NO ONE who will step up. You do not understand the dynamic here. I am qualified in CA to evaluate this psycho/meth but no one would/will listen. I know it’s hard for a non-cop to understand, but my word means nothing on this matter. I can complain here and that’s about it.


92 posted on 07/23/2014 2:07:37 AM PDT by KJC1 (When you are dealing with the devil, the only answer is God.)
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To: chessplayer
This is a policeman.

These are Gestapo thugs.


93 posted on 07/23/2014 2:33:14 AM PDT by SkyPilot
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To: jsanders2001
.

until they are no longer law abiding


That's the point of the article. The police are "more frequently" out-of-control ...

It's no longer a Mayberry "protect and serve" mission, and has morphed into a quasi-military-style operation.

Most urban police operations are unfortunately what the IRS has become ... FEARED.

When you're pulled over, what's "your" reaction ?

FEAR.

You have no idea of what's going to happen next.

The cop is either going to hit you with an obscene fine, and if you offer protest, then you'll get several obscene fines, and then get ARRESTED.

Amerika has changed, for the worse.



.
94 posted on 07/23/2014 3:26:17 AM PDT by Patton@Bastogne (.)
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To: chessplayer

Police have crossed the line a long time ago. It’s is an us verses them. They sure don’t look out for law abiding citizens. They try to make everyone into a criminal.


95 posted on 07/23/2014 3:27:11 AM PDT by caver (Obama: Home of the Whopper)
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To: SkyPilot
.

Your photos nailed it ... perfectly ...

THANKS !!!!


.
96 posted on 07/23/2014 3:30:15 AM PDT by Patton@Bastogne (.)
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To: Jack Hydrazine

Is that you Fox Butterfield?


97 posted on 07/23/2014 4:07:48 AM PDT by driftless2 (For long term happiness, learn how to play the accordion.)
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To: Rome2000
"exception"

Of course you have facts to back up that statement?

98 posted on 07/23/2014 4:10:22 AM PDT by driftless2 (For long term happiness, learn how to play the accordion.)
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To: driftless2

Go shoot somebodys dog


99 posted on 07/23/2014 4:12:13 AM PDT by Rome2000
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To: SkyPilot
There is something in what you're saying (through pictures) in your post #93. If you dress someone up like the king of England, soon that person will start to behave like the king of England.

Same goes here. Dress cops up like an occupying military force, and soon they will start to behave like an occupying military force.

100 posted on 07/23/2014 4:13:13 AM PDT by Leaning Right (Why am I holding this lantern? I am looking for the next Reagan.)
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