Not my argument to jump in, but I will anyway.
In my 61 years I can't say I have ever needed an officer. Of course I am an independent minded conservative libertarian/common-law type citizen who carries everyday. I realize that carrying can't protect me from all dangers, but it enables me to live my life without fear the street criminals among us.
However, during the past 30 years I have come to fear LEO's. Not because I purposefully break any laws, but simply for the possibility that I may not feel like kisisng hsi ass that day.
The Garner case in New York is just the most recent example. Garner died from a choke-hold because he would not kiss the LEO's asses. When the LEO's first contacted him he was not violent and had done nothing illegal. The LEO's escalated the situation and killed him over a prior tax violation. You or I would certainly go to prison for this, but the LEO's have a"get out of jail free card". Its called "I was in fear for may safety".
I remember the police officers of my youth who were thinking, caring members of the community. They used common sense and reason. They had the respect of the community. If one of them were wounded or killed in the line of duty the entire community would be enraged and looking for retribution.
Unfortunately, the majority of today's "LEOs" (yes, there is a difference from a deputy or police officer and an LEO) are jackbooted a-holes looking for a reason to kick ass and take names. They become incensed when their authority or actions are merely questioned. They would rather escalate a situation to prove they have the power than use reason and common sense to keep the peace.
I see public opinion of LEO's continuing to erode and they have no one else to blame but themselves.
Must have taken you most of those 61 years to visit and evaluate the entire US, but thank you for that objective data.
"I see public opinion of LEO's continuing to erode and they have no one else to blame but themselves."
Well, that and the thousands of drug-crazed maniacs that are roaming the streets, out of control, wantonly killing for a high. Add to that the insane controls placed on officers that make ROE look like 007's license to kill.
"The Garner case in New York is just the most recent example."
Garner selling cigarettes illegally certainly makes him a poster boy for honesty, integrity and "Man of the Year". But, I like your Obama-type anarchical, every-man-does-what-is-right-in-his-own-eyes style of antinomianism. Soon it won't be the "jack-booted" thug cops knocking on your door, it will be the cartel. Enjoy.