The police didn’t create this atmosphere. Want someone to REALLY blame? Blame the media who blow these stories up before there is a shred of evidence, who broadcast edited videos and give time to the single mothers who created these monsters. THOSE are the ones to blame. The police didn’t create the “us vs them” mentality, but who must now react to it. Do you know that the young policewoman who was shot was alone investigating a simple traffic accident when the perpetrator rode up on a motorcycle, pumped at least 5 rounds into her FOR NO REASON? The police don’t want to work this way, but they ALSO want to go home at night. The governments ARE corrupt, but then, the voters keep voting these criminals back in. You’re right, the police don’t have any say about the laws, i.e., how do you think that cop feels who had to arrest that guy in NY for selling single cigarettes? Did he believe in that law? Who could with half a brain? Did he know that the guy was an uncontrolled diabetic with a blood pressure problem, or that the guy would fight them like he did? Undoubtedly not ESPECIALLY since the guy only had to pay a fine and would be out that afternoon. They don’t agree with many of the laws, but it is a hill they choose not to die on. Bigger things are coming- for instance...I know that cops here in Georgia have absolutely NO intention of confiscating people’s guns if such a law is ever passed. The hill you choose depends on importance.
I agree...most of it depends on the locale. Chicago, New York etc are beyond redemption but the United States is a different matter. And the media...what a god-awful institution.