[OldDeckHand]

I think you have a point. There are some LEOs that have very thin skin. On the other hand, police very frequently do what they can to deescalate tense situation. People who are are enraged, and are becoming increasingly enraged sometimes leave cops no choice but to arrest them. And, Gates' case isn't unique insomuch that the charges are often times dropped.

Cops have a tough job and I'm sympathetic to what they have to put up with on a daily basis. But, I'm more concerned about the militarization of our civilian police forces than I am about police trying to reduce pressure in a tense situation, even if that means people are arrested for borderline "disturbing the peace" or disorderly conduct charges.

[parsifal]

And how about the cop who shot the family dog in Tennessee. And the nutso cop in Oklahoma who choked the EMT.

parsy