The police need to pick a side

[genxlib]

The police are taking a lot of well earned criticism in Texas.

My view on this might be a little more nuanced than most people because I know a lot of heroes. Those of you that know my posting history know that I have spent time with rescuers in 9/11, Haiti, Surfside and others. I know what heroism looks like. I also know that not all people that look the part are able to act the part when the shit hits the fan. I get it.

But here is the thing. It is time for the police to pick a side.

Either you are on board with the 2nd Amendment crowd or you push for gun restrictions.

If you are on board with the 2nd Amendment crowd then our expectations are that you think you can handle policing that kind of nation. Including all the danger and deadly situations that it puts you in. If that is your position, we have the right to hold you accountable when things go wrong.

Otherwise, just admit that you are overwhelmed in an arms race and cannot effectively police a nation like this. Become an advocate for restrictions, licensing, background checks, a modern traceable registry and all the other things that would make it so much easier for you to do your job.

Be a part of solution or you are part of the problem.

You can't have it both ways.

[VMA131Marine]

1. Police are paid to protect the people in power and their property

When you understand that, it all makes sense.

[Irish_Dem]

2. They have picked a side.

[randr]

9. :thumbsup:

[comradebillyboy]

3. The police picked sides long ago.

[Chainfire]

4. A lot of cops are apparently what the gun group refers to as "shopping mall Ninjas."

The bald heads, tattoos, a ton of protective gear, bristling with weapons and walking around with a manly strut, while deep down in side they are just bullies and cowards. The cops will fight like hell to defend the "thin blue line" but not so much for children. They should be taking a hard look at themselves.

[elleng]

5. Sure, like FACTS and TRUTH.

[walkingman]

6. They picked a side a long time ago - it is a revenue game to keep the injustice system

going. After all there are a lot of lawyers, prisons, bail bondmen, cops, judges, DEA, FBI, Homeland Security, TSA, and Deputy Dogs that have to be paid.

[brush]

7. Wonderful post. Get with sensible gun legislation...

or live with the possibility of every yahoo who can get his hands of a gun going over the edge and killing everyone in sight.

And that happening over and over and over and over...

[WhiskeyGrinder]

8. It's like you think they haven't?

[genxlib]

10. Maybe I am just hoping they will come to their senses

Some of them have to be thinking that this isn't what they signed up for.