Zoo, it wasn't directed specifically at you. But since you appear to take exception to our comments / opinions, I'll share my perspective a bit more in depth.
I wouldn’t say I “take exception” to you and Jeffrey’s comments but rather I’m suggesting end goals may be better achieved by taking into consideration other perspectives than those you seem to hold. You two fellows ARE interested in keeping officers and the communities they serve safe, right?
There is a strong atmosphere of anti LEO sentiment across the entire nation right now, more so than in past years. Some officers are even leary of doing their job as they are unsure if their own Administrators will back them up if "it" hits the fan. There are some VERY vocal people in the media / online who have no idea what they are talking about, criticizing Police every chance they get, deserved or not. A little whiff of that anti LEO sentiment blows into TFL on occasion, which irritates some of us, hence the previous comments.
You've either led a sheltered life or you haven't been getting the memos. What you've described is not a new problem. And quite honestly from what I've observed it is no worse now than in decades past but maybe for the fifties… and even then it depended on where you lived. In all fairness, you should also know you seem to be coming across a little defensive on this topic. You getting a few too many “little whiffs”? Maybe I should wear a better deodorant or get a haircut.
It's been said that a few bad apples spoil the barrel. I agree with that. It's a fact that a few bad LEO's deserve incarceration for their criminal behavior. Lock them up, absolutely! The corrupt cops make us all look bad. Hold LEO's to a higher standard, I agree. The Constitutional rights of law abiding Americans should be of more importance than a corrupt individual on a power trip. Unfortunately some forget their oath and what our flag truly represents when their egos and prejudice take charge. This is precisely why we have internal affairs divisions, Attorney generals and Federal Government, to oversee and investigate individuals and Agencies. Honest Officers have nothing to fear. We are a nation of laws, this is exactly how it should be.
Nice speech. For the most part I agree.
But when the left wing media, ANTIFA extremists, politicians and the just plain ignorant start inferring that ALL law enforcement are jack booted thugs, bullies, etc. and inciting civil disobedience, calling for the disarmament of officers, defunding of Police Departments requests for equipment and training, demanding lax enforcement of the law by the Courts.... it is wrong. The law applies to ALL, but without enforcement, it is useless. And without respect for the law (and fair and just judicial enforcement), and respect for those who wear the badge to enforce the law, society WILL NOT fare well over time. For our system, a nation of Laws and not men, to work as it should, it requires teeth.
Even worse when many from the right or independents also start voicing the same perspectives.
As far as the military type equipment, training and appearance of agency's across the US, you take issue with that, even if it saves fellow officers lives? Seriously????
Not at all. I only take issue with it when it starts causing more lives (both civilian and law enforcement) to be lost and serves to increase hostilities and dysfunction between communities and governmental authorities at the local, state, and federal levels.
You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but I would think as a retired LEO and taxpayer you would want a civil nation controlled by the RULE OF LAW, and not by rioters, arsonists, looters and armed thugs / extremists who are often better armed than the local police who are hired to enforce the law?
Where did I leave you the impression I would like to live among death and chaos?
Come on, stop being silly.
You don't think Officers deserve or need military grade equipment & training to deal with vicious and heavily armed MS-13 gang members, various Mexican drug Cartels, "Baltimore" type riots where people are burning down their own neighborhoods, white supremacist / prison gangs, Outlaw biker gangs involved in the narcotics and arms trade, etc.??
LEO live's don't matter? If you were in Law enforcement,
You MUST have seen Intel bulletins and be aware of what was / is going on? Nightly news perhaps? How long ago did you retire??
Where did I imply that or anything of the nature? “When you absolutely, positively, got to kill every
<redacted> in the room; accept no substitutes” …or at least that is how I look at it.
I was a peace officer in the seventies and eighties then later got back into the line of work in the 2000’s. Yes, I got the “Intel Bulletins” and received the “nightly news” sometimes even in the form of hot lead being sent my way. How about you?
I'm all for the improvement of relationships between officers and community's... trust me, but NOT at the risk of Officer safety. If that means using military equipment and training to keep the peace and enforce Law & Order, I'm ALL FOR IT.
How about if it also means something a little more than using “military equipment and training” more emphasis on “civilian”? The "us vs. them" mentality and the thin skin you've exhibited towards alternative yet valid criticisms of law enforcement fails to help move the ball towards the goal posts assuming we've got the same goal posts; safety and security for all.