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When I lived in Belgium, I was once almost in an accident while I was riding my motorcycle. A woman cut me off, clipping my front wheel. It scared the hell out of me, and I flipped her off. At the next light, I was just checking to make sure that the bike was ok when three cops came up from behind me. Two of them pinned my arms, and the third hit me around the shoulders and on my helmet with his stick.
What made it interesting was the fact that they were yelling about what a dirty morrocan I was. The fact is, I'm scottish, and virtually pale blue in complexion. But I had a helmet on, face shield down, gloves etc.
I think that certain groups have every right to fear the police. I have african american friends who can tell stories for hours. At the same time, I think the root of this is that the police are also scared. They do not know if the teen in the car upfront is dealing drugs, has a gun, killed his parent OR is just nervous. But today anything is possible, and the police need to be ready for it.
Its an imperfect system, populated by people just as flawed as you and I. The scary thing is that an imperfect you or I does not carry a gun and badge or have the freedom to act on their impulses.
Be scared of the police. Because the simple fact that we need them, in such numbers, with guns and body armor, is a reflection on our soceity as a whole. A soceity torn in fits of self destructiveness.
Oh, and by the way...
15 years of driving and never been stopped or ticketed (even parking tickets)
Never been arrested.
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