Quote:
Originally Posted by pigglet
hulk,
you don't see any difference in extremity in these two cases? i tell you what. why don't you go out and start tasering the shit out of every third person you pass on the street, and then justify it with "they could have been packing." see where that gets you. it would seem you're essentially backing that position for the police. do you back it for private citizens as well?
|
You've entirely misinterpreted what I've said. If I was a police officer and someone presented a threat, I would not put myself nor anyone else at risk. The guy was _breaking the law_ by not complying. They weren't just trying to get him to leave, they wanted to make sure he wasn't some psycho waiting to jump someone. n0nsensical claimed you have a freedom of action - it is clear you do not, hence why if you break the law you will be punished, hence why these officers will no doubt have their choices reviewed and if need be reprimanded, hence if I act in a threatening manner I have no cause to complain when I'm subdued.
Quote:
Originally Posted by n0nsensical
All I can guess by now is that you're deliberately ignoring my point, and the point of the whole debate. Yet as ridiculous as this is getting, you've given a perfect example to illustrate what that actually is. I can do that, and I'll be arrested, as I should be arrested, but the police will handle it in a civilized manner and will NOT start beating me with nightsticks and tasering me because I COULD have a weapon or just because they think I'm a jackass and deserve it, the latter being a very disturbing reason that people are giving to justify the UCPD actions.
|
If they come to arrest you, and you drop to the ground screaming at the cops and making it a risk for them to do their jobs, damn right they're going to taser you. They used to beat with nightsticks for that sort of thing. The best way to attack someone is with surprise. A drop to the ground could, and very likely has in many cases, disguised a reach for a hidden weapon. Unless it was pure hyperbole, your claim that in the US you have a freedom of action implies that you believe that the Constitution protects him from being arrested.