Silver Supporter
- Messages
- 9,920
- Reactions
- 28,796
- Thread Starter
- #581
Agree with you as it pertains to me. I have chosen to obey directions issued by uniformed law enforcement personnel several times. I have personally visited the chief of police in the next town over to discuss face to face the lack of professionalism (and intelligence) of his subordinates. I am a reasonable adult. I didn't get shot ,or even have a gun pointed at me. I'm not calling for disbanding the police, and I also never raise them on a pedestal.For better or worse, we have rules in a civilized society. One of those rules is that you obey the duly-enacted laws — as my freedom to swing my fist stops at the tip of your nose. When a citizen chooses to disobey the duly-enacted laws, we the people impose consequences. One of the consequences is possible physical detention and confinement in accordance with the severity of the transgression. As you just stated above the value you place on your personal freedom, apprehending people who wish not to lose theirs is a dangerous business. We task agents of the state with apprehending these people, and we provide them with training and equipment to insure to the best of our ability that these transgressors are lawfully detained with the least risk to life, liberty, and property. We also authorize these agents to use physical force — up to and including lethal — to accomplish this end. We also authorize these agents to issue lawful commands to further minimize the risk and contain any potential threat. If a cop tells you to keep your hands visible, for example, that is not an assault on your freedom. If a cop wants to get home to his or her family at the end of each shift, they must view you as a potential threat until they can establish to their satisfaction you are not.
If you value your freedom, the best course of action is to obey the duly-enacted laws. You may also work to change them if you feel they are unjust. However, if you are in violation of the law prepare to accept the consequences. It is a fallacy to suggest force is justified on your part in "defense of your liberty" if you are under lawful apprehension to answer for your transgression of the duly-enacted laws.
If you think cops have it too tough, I submit the fact that it's an all volunteer vocation.
I wouldn't have a problem with making law enforcement an educated person's profession. Lawyers pass the bar , doctors do med school and residency. Too far?