What do you all think about the atmosphere right now?

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Two cops were just shot and killed in NY, maybe because of all the tension between cops and certain communities right now although it hasn't been confirmed.

Do you all think it will just get worse and worse, meaning, this incident will inspire others to do the same thing so they become more belligerent thus the cops will in turn become more paranoid and apt to use deadly force rather than be killed by an angry citizen.

Where do you all think this is headed?

I think this is just another symptom of the problems of an unjust, unequal society.

If things don't start getting better economically, socially, etc. those who feel marginalized will turn to violence more and more... and yes, if cops are being killed more frequently, they will certainly be less likely to act with restraint when dealing with certain groups.

There's definitely potential for a very vicious cycle here.

I hope I'm wrong.

We all need to keep in mind number one thing all cops are thinking will I live to go home to my family tonight because when someone is thinking that, they are in no mood to be toyed with or messed around. It really is the smartest and safest thing to do. Just be quiet and respectful of the cops. We all have the right to remain silent but lets all remain still and calm as well. That way we all return to our families eventually, even if we have broken the law, we are still in the game.

Cops shouldn't enforce unjust laws or just quit, I have no sympathy for them if they're afraid. I don't support violence in any way but the chickens always come home to roost.

Are you a cop working a tough beat?

A beat which wouldn't be as tough if you weren't around to enforce laws which contribute to it being that way?

Are you an unemployed black man who gets harassed by cops on a daily basis?

there's two sides to every conflict...

Hey I've been harassed by cops but I can tell you the WORST thing I could do which would endanger myself is to get a belligerent attitude toward the cops. If you aren't doing anything, the best way to handle the cops is to just stay quiet, stay legal, and ignore. Pretend like they aren't there. I have been followed by them while driving and pestered but I have learned how to deal with them. Stay legal and don't pay attention to them. I know the only way I can get into trouble is by breaking the law and if I am not doing that, they can't do a thing to me so who cares?

What most people don't understand is cops aren't really popular with any group. They aren't popular with blacks. I live in a town that was 95% white for years even though it's not so much now and the vast majority of whites didn't like seeing a cop around looking over their shoulder but they didn't cop an attitude with the cop. They just complain when the cop isn't around but when the cop is, just smile, be friendly or don't pay attention at all, don't make eye contact. It is how most cops are treated by the vast majority of society. You may not like cops but they are a part of life and they are not going away so just learn how to deal with them and get on with your life.

And if you ARE doing something illegal and the cop catches you, it really is in your best interest to cooperate and let your lawyer sort things out. The odds aren't in your favor.

Last edited by ooOoOoOAnaOoOoOoo on 20 Dec 2014, 6:37 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Stay out of trouble and you'll be fine. It's not rocket science.

Everything the Nazis did in Germany was completely legal, what is right and wrong matters more than what the law is.

Feel free to break the laws you don't like then, and be prepared to face the consequences.

Be real. This is nothing like Nazi Germany. We have a country where people will help one another. All a black man has to do is stay in a black church, he will find good black men who will encourage and help him. There are so many people who want to help black youth. So many want to help steer blacks from gangs and violence. All they have to do is develop the mindset they won't be sucked into the gangs and that violence is stupid. It is a complete one eighty for some of them because they are so caught up in that violent world. It's all they know. All they are. But if they change the mindset, there are doors that open.

^^^ I think you're the one who needs to get real... As a white woman (I'm making assumptions here), you cannot begin to know what life is like for a young, poor, urban black male--especially in a place like New York where they practice "stop and frisk." It's pretty hard to ignore the cops when they push your face into a wall and squeeze your ass every time you see one!

Hell, as an old white dude I don't pretend I know what it's like either, BUT I know my experience is VERY DIFFERENT.

The last time I got stopped by a cop I yelled at him because he was making me late for work. He actually ducked his head like a little kid who just received a scolding (because that's what he was--he could not have been more than 24). And, he apologized and let me go as soon as my driver's license checked out. One of my Hispanic neighbors would have never gotten away with that!

There's two sides that both need to chill and rethink.
On one side there are the people with money causing people to be oppressed.
On the other side there are people who think being 'gangsta' is cool.
Some people on both sides take things too far.
The cops have bought into it, and the mob have bought into it.
Both sides need to rethink.

Oppression will bite the oppressor in the butt. No surprises there.
Gangsters will provoke a police response. No surprises there.
And innocent people on both sides will pay.
And the collateral will include family, friends and a way of life.
But nobody wants to table it.
Wealthy will clutch their bags.
Gangsters will take pride in their attitude.
And we'll continue going in circles.
Are we dizzy yet?

Man, I couldn't get away with it. Cops aren't exceptional people, I'd argue most are probably less than that and are wholly ruled by prejudice. Race, age, economic status, how you dress, whatever, sometimes no reason they're just having a sh***y day or they're just evil. People are naturally inclined to abusing their authority and being cruel, that's just a fact. I've had cops had cops pull guns on me 4 times, I've been "detained", I've been manhandled, and where I came from we didn't think to highly of cops and especially snitches. I've never done anything, I've never cause harm to anybody and these cops were a twitch away from killing me on multiple occasions. There definitely a racial prejudice with cops and what I've experienced in my young life might normal year for some black folks in the hood. How can blame people for hating cops? There is no recourse, they can do whatever they want in perpetuity, they're above the law. The law is not fair and it not just, the drug war and war on terror have destroyed this country and turned our police forces something resembling the Gestapo.

Old white dudes are not known to cause much trouble compared to young black males.