Cameras have little downside and are a lot cheaper than the [bleep]ing tanks the Ferguson PD has.

 

It also seems that the police were attacked first.

...

 

My point being, it's not like the protesters are crazy, there is a very legitimate and persuasive argument to be made that Michael Brown / the black population of the US got a raw deal here because he probably should have been indicted.

 

I should probably clarify. First, I have a very strong natural inclination toward public order. I have absolutely no issue with the protesters in Ferguson at all. As I said, they are exercising something I consider a fundamental pillar of a functioning democracy. But I won't support rioters. To their credit, the legitimate protesters have also condemned the riots, as they should, since it's their cause the riots harm. I am also quite biased from my own interactions with local police, and because they represent order (to me), to default to supporting the actions of police, though I do acknowledge the world is not short of shady police officers, even here. It's just, I haven't interacted with them, and I view the organization as whole as a positive force.

 

My opinion on the situation in Ferguson is obviously not an informed one, seeing as I live in another country hundreds of kilometers away and have never even been there. From what I read, and from what I know about the United States, I don't doubt that the police situation in Ferguson is pretty shady, and I fully expect there are problems there that really should be getting protested and addressed.

 

I do not however have an opinion on the Michael Brown shooting. As I said, I am extremely biased in favor of the police, and I don't have access to any compelling evidence that isn't adult eyewitness testimony, which tends to be half accurate at best.

 

Cameras have little downside and are a lot cheaper than the [bleep]ing tanks the Ferguson PD has.

Regardless of what actually happened, I think that the police cameras are a fantastic idea. I can see potential problems with public perception since a lot of the public really doesn't seem to get police procedure (and hollywood is not helping), but I feel that the cameras would ultimately be a boon to the police as well, since it gives accurate testimony, and could even potentially aid in prosecuting criminals. They would be there as much to protect police officers as the public, and I really don't get the massive resistance to the idea.

 

 

Oh, and it always bugs me when people refer to armoured vehicles as tanks, especially when they aren't armed. For example, the RCMP Armoured Tactical Vehicle seen here has no weapons of it's own, and is mostly useful in a protective role for officers (and looks similar to what Ferguson PD were using). I don't object to federal forces like the RCMP having a few military APC's on hand, especially given that the RCMP is a paramilitary organization, though I certainly object to their use by any provincial or municipal police forces. You almost never need that kind of firepower for policing situations, and if it comes up, call in the feds or the army.

I offered a different solution a page ago

There are still plenty of issues with "non-lethal" options like tasers. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Dzieka%C5%84ski_Taser_incident

 

As for treating all cop kills as murder, legal precedent is that cops have a right to use force if they believe their lives are being imminently threatened. Taking away that option would effectively neuter the police force.

Is a cops life more valid than any other citizen?

 

I'm going to say yes. Theyre duty is to keep order and protect. More than an ordinary citizen does for their society.

Tasers have the problem of not having the range or capability to be used in a gun fight. Make a weapon that feels like a gun and can be used against a gun that won't kill or maim the targets. Maybe a modified bullet thats shell is weak enough to not puncture skin, strong enough to be shot and upon contact it releases a powder that causes the victim to become incompacitated.

If we're going to be talking far-fetched hypotheticals, why not just put a chip in everyone's arm that will paralyze them the instant they decide to commit a crime?

 

 

I offered a different solution a page ago

There are still plenty of issues with "non-lethal" options like tasers. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Dzieka%C5%84ski_Taser_incident

 

As for treating all cop kills as murder, legal precedent is that cops have a right to use force if they believe their lives are being imminently threatened. Taking away that option would effectively neuter the police force.

 

 

 

Tasers have the problem of not having the range or capability to be used in a gun fight. Make a weapon that feels like a gun and can be used against a gun that won't kill or maim the targets. Maybe a modified bullet thats shell is weak enough to not puncture skin, strong enough to be shot and upon contact it releases a powder that causes the victim to become incompacitated.

 

Perhaps some engineer can come up with something better. I think that nothing like this currently exists because theres no political will to develop such a weapon. pretty sure such a thing would be useful in military operations too where there is concern over civilian casualties. A great use for a non lethal weapon would be to stop a hostage situation by shooting both the hostages and the attacker and arresting the attacker after its over. Again useful in both military and civilian situations.

 

We already have a bunch of different kinds of non-lethal projectiles.

 

Somewhat relevant:

 

 

Yum, racism.

 

 

That's all what it boils down to. Black shoots black? No problem. White shoots white? No problem. Black shoots white? No problem. White shoots black? Everyone goes crazy.

 

That's literally the exact opposite of the point I was making.

Eye witness testamonies are terrible evidence

 

So true. Witness 10, who's story best lined up with Officer Wilson that was frequently referenced too by the prosecuting attorney was 100 yards away when he was first interviewed by the police, but told the grand jury he was only 50 yards away.  

I like the pepper round as an alternative to rubber bullets. Think of it like a paintball in velocity, but it explodes in pepper spray instead of paint

Uhh...Several days late, but Cowboys won again!! :D

Just in time for them to get squashed by the Eagles for thanksgiving :p

Just in time for them to get squashed by the Eagles for thanksgiving :P

:o Game on! I bet you one oatmeal cookie! :D

Lets see if Sanchez remembers how to play football before I bet anything lol

I like the pepper round as an alternative to rubber bullets. Think of it like a paintball in velocity, but it explodes in pepper spray instead of paint

Great for when a guy is fifty feet away unarmed, not so much for when he's up close punching you.... Or has a gun.

You ever been pepper sprayed? If youre willing to fire a gun while blinded in a riot, you don't deserve a gun.

You ever been pepper sprayed? If youre willing to fire a gun while blinded in a riot, you don't deserve a gun.

I don't think most people getting pepper sprayed and carrying guns during riots care much for rule of law anyway.

encase every police officer in a giant bulletproof zorb ball and every problem will be solved, i guarantee it

 

you're welcome, amerikkka

I bought some chicken for making a curry with only 2 days ago. It's not supposed expire for ANOTHER 4 days, and it's putridly off. Taking it back to Woolworths tomorrow and demanding a refund/repay since that was my major meal for the weekend.

I got a couple sandhill cranes in my yard. They're really loud.

You ever been pepper sprayed? If youre willing to fire a gun while blinded in a riot, you don't deserve a gun.

 

 

I work in corrections, and I'm a s.o.r.t member. :D Good stuff there, so if you got 2% or 5% oc, better get stronger stuff!

It's looking like I'll be running in below-freezing Sunday.. Anyone have tips? I'm trying to crowd source as much advise as possible.

Don't dress too warm.  ;)

It's looking like I'll be running in below-freezing Sunday.. Anyone have tips? I'm trying to crowd source as much advise as possible.

Buy a treadmill and a space heater

 

Also, how bout that Eagles game? :p

Your defence is looking mighty beat there Cowboys

Figured New Jersey folk would like the Giants, RPG

Go Riley Cooper