I've got a police abuse op-Ed planned pretty soon, but first, I'm curious about something

[MrScorpio]

How many of you think that I post a lot of stories about police misconduct because you think that I have a hatred against cops, whether obsessive or otherwise?

And if you don't think that I hate cops, why do you think that I post those kind of stories?

I ask these questions because I'd like to know if you're fully aware of my motivation, which and I might be wrong, I thought that I've made very clear.

It's not like I haven't noticed an increased interest about police misconduct, which has manifested in a rise of the number of GD threads, other than my own, about the subject.

Perhaps there are other reasons for this, and maybe not. However, I've come to the conclusion that my actions are responsible for inspiring a schism between various groups of DU members, who are of one opinion about the police in general and another group who are of another opinion altogether.

Not to take sides, I always prefer to do what's best to promote civil discourse. I'm going to give it another shot. Hence, an upcoming Op-Ed.

Now, in the interim, please vote in this poll, if you find it with in your area of interest.

Thanks.

[ixion]

1. Keep on postin' Mr. Scorpio...

Your posts are appreciated.

"It's not that I hate cops, I just feel better when they're not around."
- Charles Bukowski.

[NoNothing]

2. Because

Someone has to watch the watchers.

That's how you keep good guys from going bad.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

3. be vigilant and aware of our surroundings.

[Angry Dragon]

4. You post for your own reasons

I find them informative and honest. I will wait for your op-ed

[izquierdista]

5. Other

I take it that you are alarmed by an out of control element of society. If garbage collectors or groundskeepers or firemen or any other category of city employee brutalized the public in the way police do, there would be more or an outrage. But police get a free pass because they "catch bad guys", whatever that means. Some days a "bad guy" is sitting in his house watching TV, other days he makes a mistake while driving, but the worst "bad guys" are those who stand up for their human rights instead of submitting to authority.

Police departments recruit authoritarian type personalities, train them to approach every situation in an authoritarian manner, arm them with deadly weapons, close ranks when their authority is questioned, and then they wonder why they have an image problem with some people. There is no quality control at work in police departments, or they would know that they have to remove the personnel that cost the city lawsuits, and promote those who are effective. You need look no further than their DARE program to see something that they believe works, although all the evidence collected shows it doesn't. Like all right-wing appeals to authority, it's just "common sense" that it should work, and if it doesn't, you aren't doing it right.

I'm all for your pointing out the problems with the police. I'll go even further, I'd like to know more about what happens to rogue cops, whether they can be reeducated to be effective in their jobs. Or is there just some two-line filler article that says "Officer X, who was suspended during the investigation of Y's death, has decided to spend more time with his family".

[KansasVoter]

6. You do not hate cops.......

If we posted stories about bad teachers who punched their kids I do not think that would mean we are anti-teacher.

Cops are supposed to be better than the average citizen. I think they are worse. Power mode!

[MajorChode]

7. There are approximately 2 million LEOs in the US

Misconduct is inevitable. Cops are human just like the rest of us and subject to the same failings and like many other professions, when those failings happen they can have a dramatic effect on others.

I don't see anything inherently wrong with pointing out some of those failings and there are many things that are fundamentally wrong with police protection. There are some DUers who I believe genuinely hate cops for whatever reason and they certainly don't promote civil discourse. I don't see you as one of those.

[Tailormyst]

8. I do think you hate cops

Not because you post the stories. The stories SHOULD be posted and talked about. But I do think your posts within those threads show a definite and unchangeable dislike of the police.

Our life experiences shape our attitudes. I've been a victim of police abuse when younger and was also married to a cop who's father and brother were also cops, so I can see both sides.

I would also like to add that : I think maybe you have reason to feel the way you do in regards to some past personal event and that even those I sometimes disagree with what you say, it doesn't mean that I find you disagreeable :)

[MrScorpio]

9. I see

Please, if you will, refer to the statements that you've talked about.
I'd appreciate some corresponding links.

Thanks

[Tailormyst]

11. I can't do a search on DU

And to be honest- it's really just not that important to me. You asked for honest opinions, I gave you mine.

[Mopar151]

10. Dare to mention Lenoard Peltier's name

And watch cops go ballistic. I'll post a story soon (gotta type it in - not online anywhere) about abuse of police power in my hometown. I gotta tell ya - part of what disturbs me most are the attitudes about "contempt of cop" and the "win at all costs" mentality of many of 'em.
The increasing militarisation of many police forces is also a concern. I do not think that it would be a bad thing if the boys in blue got regular reminders about their proper role in society.