Is The U.S. Becoming A Police State?

WSB-TV2 Atlanta, Georgia (04/01/2014)-
VIDEO HERE: 11-year-old building tree fort says officer pulled gun on him, friends

COMMENTARY
For a very long time I've resisted the temptation to make such a post as this. However nearly every other day I read about some cop that goes nuts. This is not to say the vast majority of police aren't there to "serve & protect", but there's been far too many over the last few years who've gone gonzo.

Could it be police aren't being trained properly? Could it be too many police departments have hired ex-soldiers who still think they are in some sort of village in Iraq or Afghanistan? Soldiers are not mediators. They've been trained to do two things. Kill & break things. That's what soldiers are suppose to do. Not exactly the best background when they have to adjust to civilian policing. Police departments are looking more militarized with their sharp shooters, equipment and vehicles.

In this country it is illegal to use the U.S. military on American streets. It's not illegal however to hire ex-soldiers, slap a badge on them then equip police departments with military hardware. Whatever the problem is, this is getting way out of hand to the point of ridiculous. When I see stuff like the following happening it scares the hell out of me.

March 2014 YORK, SC
A 70 year old Vietnam vet was shot during a traffic stop when a police officer
stopped him for expired tags and mistook his walking stick for a gun



July 2013



January 2014


This does not represent the large majority of those in law enforcement. I wonder whether police are becoming more aggressive or are we seeing more of this because of all the cameras which are now nearly everywhere?

Either way, as the public becomes more aware of the actions of a few, it does not bode well for law enforcement who depends on both the public's respect and support. The knuckleheads both on the streets and in the police departments need to be weeded out as quickly as possible. The very existence for law and order depends on both the public's cooperation and respect for those who wear a badge. This is for both their and our own welfare. Because of the actions of a few I've been hesitant to speak to this issue, but it still needs to be said.

Turning a blind eye or making excuses serves no one's interests well. Let us support those who risk their lives trying their best to keep us safe. While eliminating those few who abuse the gun and badge that they've been given. Same goes for the lack of respect cops are now given. Hopefully posting about this will in some further way bring to light and benefit all concerned.