It's pretty obvious that you've never been a cop, nor been in a situation where people are attacking you without provocation but you can't strike back because you were a badge.
I've never been a cop either, but I certainly can understand how they feel. There is nothing scarier than an unruly mob looking for any excuse for becoming violent.
I saw it during periods when I was tasked with observing Panamanians protesting against US troops. I could just feel the tension and our orders were to do nothing that might provoke a confrontation. In fact, we spent more time looking to make sure our path of retreat was intact than in facing down the protesters.
I don't know what that lady did, or didn't do. But I betcha that cop had been dealing with bat-waving, stone throwing rioters for hours before he ever came upon her.
I have nothing against peaceful protests. But when someone is given a LAWFUL ORDER to disperse, they'd better act upon it and get the hell outta there.
As the cliche goes: They went to town looking for a fight... and by god.. they found one.
If you see a house is on fire, the last thing you do is walk into it and decide to do a sit-down protest. Get outta there and let the cops restore order.
Btw, I'm not hearing much about the peaceful protesters who were being victimized by these violent hooligans. They are having their message subverted and destroyed by the actions of the violent protesters. It undermines the legitimacy of their cause.
Care to offer your perspective on just how far you would go to restore order were you in that cop's uniform, or the Mayor of Seattle??
I didn't think so... no one wants to put themselves in the shoes of the politicians either. They just want to b@tch and moan about people who should know better than to disobey lawful orders from police acting under a state of emergency.
But try and put yourself in that cop's shoes for a minute. Try and figure out just how far you would go to restore order and protect life and property. Think about how those violent and disobedient protesters were violating the rights of each and every citizen of Seattle. People who have the right not to be intimidated or harassed by others.
Think about how you suddenly realize that they can't possibly pay you enough to put your life at risk in the manner that the Mayor is asking you to. Think about how you have no other choice but to take some snot-nosed @sshole's threats because you know the cameras are recording every step you take.
I'm surprised the cops have been as restrained as they have been, given the violence I've seen on the news. Were it me, I wouldn't be pulling my punches.
Regards,
Ron
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