Running "Cops be crazy yo" thread

I think it is the greatest thing in the world. There have always been abusive cops, and lots of them who think nothing of taking shortcuts to railroad people, such as planting evidence or filing false charges. And they prey on the people who are the most ignorant of their rights or who are the most socio-economically powerless. These videos are shining a spotlight on the police and it is a great thing if it helps keep them honest because they now always have to worry about being filmed. So I think it is wonderful and hope it happens more and more. If it stops even one cop from beating the shit out of someone -- because he used to know he would get away with it -- great! Transparency is never a bad thing.

We become indoctrinated at an early age to believe that the police are our friends. And so many people believe that they are supposed to subordinate themselves to cops -- as in, the cops are an authority over our lives. But it should be the opposite, in my opinion. We're free people. The cops should be leaving us alone unless there is a VERY compelling reason -- a high probable cause standard. And even if a cop can meet a high probable cause standard--let's say they really wanted to detain all of those kids--there should always be a primacy on our rights as free people. The cops are the intruders on our lives when they get involved with us (and detain anyone), not the other way around. I think societally we have stepped farther and farther away from that fundamental idea, and when that happens you are that much closer to losing your freedom as a people.

All cops can do is take away your freedom. So to my way of thinking, they are NOT my friend. They can only create a hellish problem for me. Worse, you never know who you are dealing with -- that one bad apple, that people are talking about (and I'd argue that there are way more bad apples, than just one). If you have to worry about their abuse, being roughed up by one, having false charges brought against you, having evidence planted, or whatever crappy things they can do to mess with you, it makes it a real problem for society. So I say film away. Keep them honest.