Arturo, thanks for bringing this all to light. This regime has gone the farthest and is the most nakedly aggressive with regressive policies of all recent administrations. However, as others point out, this is an extension of existing policies that created an already unchecked, overpowered and heavily militarized municipal police presence. It's a dangerous step backwards.
Decommissioned MRAPS, body armor and M4s from overseas wars were already landing in police departments. Cops rarely, if ever, are punished for abuse of force or wrongful death, even with video evidence. Police unions have an abundance of legal counsel, making the pro bono part of this redundant. Mental health and other public services are consistently under or unfunded to annually boost police spending, so more money is useless.
Police work is important, but the simplistic romanticizing of it in culture and the public at large leaves discussion around it frustratingly binary. The sooner this country finds a UK or French policing model more appealing than Judge Dredd, the better.
I can't tell you how much this article has affected me. My husband and son are both veterans and have been highly upset at the militarization of law enforcement. Several years ago, we were eating lunch at a local restaurant. Mem ers of the sheriff's office came in in full military gear and fully armed. They had been at a local school practicing for active shooter drills.
I agree wholeheartedly with building strong community networks. In our small town, we know the people in the police and sheriff departments. There are some caring and ethical people serving as law enforcement. They are not adequately trained to act as military against our own citizens. No EO will be able to go against ethical law enforcement. But, we also know that there are plenty of yahoos who will gladly abuse anyone who stands in their way.
Most everything this administration is doing either radically expands executive "authority" (whether it's legal or not) AND/OR makes a more cruel world for the poor and marginalized in the name of profit.
WE have to build strong community networks and stand up for each other.
Exactly 👍🏿 Amy Cooper dog whistles!
Arturo, thanks for bringing this all to light. This regime has gone the farthest and is the most nakedly aggressive with regressive policies of all recent administrations. However, as others point out, this is an extension of existing policies that created an already unchecked, overpowered and heavily militarized municipal police presence. It's a dangerous step backwards.
Decommissioned MRAPS, body armor and M4s from overseas wars were already landing in police departments. Cops rarely, if ever, are punished for abuse of force or wrongful death, even with video evidence. Police unions have an abundance of legal counsel, making the pro bono part of this redundant. Mental health and other public services are consistently under or unfunded to annually boost police spending, so more money is useless.
Police work is important, but the simplistic romanticizing of it in culture and the public at large leaves discussion around it frustratingly binary. The sooner this country finds a UK or French policing model more appealing than Judge Dredd, the better.
I can't tell you how much this article has affected me. My husband and son are both veterans and have been highly upset at the militarization of law enforcement. Several years ago, we were eating lunch at a local restaurant. Mem ers of the sheriff's office came in in full military gear and fully armed. They had been at a local school practicing for active shooter drills.
I agree wholeheartedly with building strong community networks. In our small town, we know the people in the police and sheriff departments. There are some caring and ethical people serving as law enforcement. They are not adequately trained to act as military against our own citizens. No EO will be able to go against ethical law enforcement. But, we also know that there are plenty of yahoos who will gladly abuse anyone who stands in their way.
There certainly are plenty of "yahoos" out there who Trump's EO will embolden.
Great article.
Most everything this administration is doing either radically expands executive "authority" (whether it's legal or not) AND/OR makes a more cruel world for the poor and marginalized in the name of profit.
WE have to build strong community networks and stand up for each other.
J.
Thank you. I wholly agree. Coalition-building is more important than ever.