• Skiluros
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    17 days ago

    I generally oppose notions such as “all cops are bad” and I do think they should even command some respect in society (it should go both ways of course). You want the police to be on side of society in a broad sense and for them to be civic minded.

    I wouldn’t say American police are bad (even though I do have stories of their cowboy antics) per se, but I did get the impression that the US police is somewhat subrevient to the oligarchy.

    Having a civic minded police is the best option, but even a self-interested police force can show flexibility and have a indirectly positive influence.

    One hypothetical example would be the police not willing to easily, directly side a group in a given case. Their thinking could be something along the lines “why don’t we sit this out, no point in taking all the risks for some breadcrumbs, when the vast majority of the benefits go to someone else. Let them put their asses on the line and we’ll see how things play out.”

    • pinkystew@reddthat.com
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      16 days ago

      Is there anything that could happen this year that would change your mind? About some cops being okay.

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        16 days ago

        Cops in general? Absolutely not. You won’t change my mind on this. I have real life examples from my country that for me make it impossible to say “all cops are bad” - very couregeous acts of bravery in defense of the country and in a sense me and my family too.

        With respect to the US, I did have issues with the police acting out and roleplaying as cowboys and generally being a bit unprofessional (I am aware that it can be far worse for many other Americans). I also had good personal interactions with someone who worked in a US police department. It would be difficult for me to call him a bad person.

        I am sure there are a lot of bad cops in the US (and my country too), but I got the impression that systematic/institutional issues should not be underestimated.

        These are just my direct experiences and some general knowledge. I am not really in a position to make calls about the US.

        Do you have something specific in mind?

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            16 days ago

            If you don’t mind me asking, why did you ask me that question. I am genuinely curious.

            I feel like I am not getting something.