That being said, the manner in which the drug war has been prosecuted is so destructive, militarized, and excessive as to deprive it of any legitimacy it otherwise would possess. It is discriminatorily targeted at minority communities, it takes away needed resources from other law enforcement priorities, it leads to absurd political competitions amongst elected officials to appear "tough," and it has ushered in a police culture of complete disregard for law, legal restrictions, and basic norms of justice in the pursuit of conviction at any cost.
I got this picture from The Agitator, whose coverage on drug war excesses has been stellar. Tell me, does this picture represent the America you and I think we live in?
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Clap you hands, say vote!
Hey, all locker room towel-snapping aside - you and I are on the same side of this argument, or at least mostly overlap.
ReplyDeleteI have a huge problem with the militarization of law enforcement. I didn't like it when SWAT teams run around like some cross between a Ninja and a member of the Waffen SS, and I like it less not that everyone feels the need to dress like a SPECOPS guy when they decide they want to take down some putz selling cheap skunky weed. Not right, not the America we should want.
It is, however, a local problem. Talk to your mayor...but do it in a bi-partisan manner with some respected locals. If your spokesman is some jerk with a bullhorn from the usual suspects, or some black helicopter type, you won't get anywhere.
Oh, shame works best.
See, we can work together. Let's have a big hug!
A big hug would be the hippie thing to do.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, the picture you have next to me does look unnervingly like one of my roommates (minus the peace sign).
Good stuff, it's in, and you're linked, thanks!
ReplyDeleteabsurd thought -
God of the Universe wants
all alcohol illegal...
increase black market profits
corrupt more law enforcement
.