Law Enforcement Support

[DeanFL]

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I would sincerely hope that most of us here in The Villages feel this way too.
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[bobdeb]

Well said. Well done. I'm in.

[Stu from NYC]

very well said

[billethkid]

And let us not forget that those of us who back our police are in the majority.

Contrary to the images and agendas of too many politicians, media, special interest and minority groups!!!!!

[fourjayranch]

100% agree. It’s disgraceful how they’ve been demonized by the politicians and the media.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I back the concept of a strong police department with humane, properly trained peace officers who know how to put their bias aside when it comes time for them to do their jobs. Honestly I don't care if they have a bias against the disabled, or if they're racists, or hate Jews and Muslims. As long as they leave that stuff at home and not bring it to work. But the second they step over that line, then the entire blue line disintegrates. Because of the actions of any singular officer. They rise together, and they fall together.

I'll gladly offer a thirsty-looking officer a bottle of water if I see him in the neighborhood on patrol. But if I see that same officer stop someone on the street because he's walking while black, that's when I turn on the video on my smartphone. Police are not a singular infallible entity. They are a collection of individual personalities. When we demand that they be treated as a singular unit deserving of respect that the ENTIRE collection hasn't yet earned, then we justify how any ONE member of them can commit crimes against anyone who isn't one of them.

Humans are flawed creatures. We ALL have our weaknesses. Police are not immune to that, and it's time we stop putting them up on a pedestal. I've worked with the police, I've had to call the police for help in the past, I've been pulled over for speeding by the police, I've been friends with the police, my parents' best friend was a cop and he and his wife and my parents used to go out once a week for dinner. So I have no beef against "the police." My problem is with the individual officers, and the departments that protect them even when they screw up. They are the ones that give "the police" a bad name, they are the ones who need to be held accountable, and they are the ones who need to either be rehabilitated, or removed from the force.

No one is above the law. That includes the police.

[Fredman]

I back the concept of a strong police department with humane, properly trained peace officers who know how to put their bias aside when it comes time for them to do their jobs. Honestly I don't care if they have a bias against the disabled, or if they're racists, or hate Jews and Muslims. As long as they leave that stuff at home and not bring it to work. But the second they step over that line, then the entire blue line disintegrates. Because of the actions of any singular officer. They rise together, and they fall together.

I'll gladly offer a thirsty-looking officer a bottle of water if I see him in the neighborhood on patrol. But if I see that same officer stop someone on the street because he's walking while black, that's when I turn on the video on my smartphone. Police are not a singular infallible entity. They are a collection of individual personalities. When we demand that they be treated as a singular unit deserving of respect that the ENTIRE collection hasn't yet earned, then we justify how any ONE member of them can commit crimes against anyone who isn't one of them.

Humans are flawed creatures. We ALL have our weaknesses. Police are not immune to that, and it's time we stop putting them up on a pedestal. I've worked with the police, I've had to call the police for help in the past, I've been pulled over for speeding by the police, I've been friends with the police, my parents' best friend was a cop and he and his wife and my parents used to go out once a week for dinner. So I have no beef against "the police." My problem is with the individual officers, and the departments that protect them even when they screw up. They are the ones that give "the police" a bad name, they are the ones who need to be held accountable, and they are the ones who need to either be rehabilitated, or removed from the force.

No one is above the law. That includes the police.
Why would u pull out your camera if u see an officer stop a black man. Sounds like you are painting them with a broad brush as being prejudice. You don’t know that police officer. Your prejudice is showing.

[billethkid]

Like I have for my entire life....I trust the police....The constant dialogue about the less than 2 percent bad apples being made out to be the profile of the majority of the police force is just plain wrong.

How about we focus on the 98+% that do it right....every day.

[Bucco]

I back the concept of a strong police department with humane, properly trained peace officers who know how to put their bias aside when it comes time for them to do their jobs. Honestly I don't care if they have a bias against the disabled, or if they're racists, or hate Jews and Muslims. As long as they leave that stuff at home and not bring it to work. But the second they step over that line, then the entire blue line disintegrates. Because of the actions of any singular officer. They rise together, and they fall together.

I'll gladly offer a thirsty-looking officer a bottle of water if I see him in the neighborhood on patrol. But if I see that same officer stop someone on the street because he's walking while black, that's when I turn on the video on my smartphone. Police are not a singular infallible entity. They are a collection of individual personalities. When we demand that they be treated as a singular unit deserving of respect that the ENTIRE collection hasn't yet earned, then we justify how any ONE member of them can commit crimes against anyone who isn't one of them.

Humans are flawed creatures. We ALL have our weaknesses. Police are not immune to that, and it's time we stop putting them up on a pedestal. I've worked with the police, I've had to call the police for help in the past, I've been pulled over for speeding by the police, I've been friends with the police, my parents' best friend was a cop and he and his wife and my parents used to go out once a week for dinner. So I have no beef against "the police." My problem is with the individual officers, and the departments that protect them even when they screw up. They are the ones that give "the police" a bad name, they are the ones who need to be held accountable, and they are the ones who need to either be rehabilitated, or removed from the force.

No one is above the law. That includes the police.

Well said.

I am sort of tired of the same kind of threads on here and discussions on certain national channels...

The implication of this thread and the comments are that if you want justice for all, and applaud when it is applied fairly, then you must be anti police.

Of course all support the police, but not injustice.

Thus it is not a either or, and I, for one resent being placed in the position of picking one or another.

It is new commentary the last few years.....if you do not support me 100% totally, right or wrong, then you are totally against me and my enemy. What short sighted immature childish view that is.

I think as with some national figures, these threads are pleading for some kind of adoration and pledge of loyalty no matter what.......THAT alone is un-American, but even so it is so dumb and waste so much time.

And on behalf of those you think are anti police, I can only say...you dont know them and thus you cannot judge them.

Have done much "work" in the field....as a young man and in the last few years on the streets of Tampa with young black males and females who have total and complete respect for police in general but fear for their very life when confronted by them.

I call to mind the recent event of the 2nd LT in the Army pulled over in Virginia for having temporary tags on his back window, as is the case most time when you buy a new car and await permanent tags.

Pulled over and greeted with guns drawn (he has driven to a lighted are to stop)....in his face and explained he was afraid to get out of the car....told that "he should be afraid", he was pepper sprayed. No charges filed by the police for a man in his Army uniform.

Black americans have grown up with a "fear" of police but recognize them as having a tough job. That fear is manifested differently, but starting threads like this or broadcasting things in a slanted light is not fair at all.

Hard to think of one single person I have met in my 82 years on this earth that do not respect police.

It needs no special affirmation, and these kind of threads, etc. simply imply facts that are just not in existence.

I have thanked many police officers in my life.....do not need a thread on here or some kind of talk of riots to have me do that.

[Bucco]

Like I have for my entire life....I trust the police....The constant dialogue about the less than 2 percent bad apples being made out to be the profile of the majority of the police force is just plain wrong.

How about we focus on the 98+% that do it right....every day.

While you are 100% correct in what you say, some feel very comfortable in having dialogue where the assumed facts about black americans are way way out of accuracy, but we do not dwell on that at all.

[Bogie Shooter]

This thread and others like it are posted to only stimulate political posts. And most end up being closed or deleted.

[bobdeb]

I'm going to support law enforcement as I believe they 'have my back' so to speak.

And I don't believe in throwing the baby out with the dirty bathwater.

Wow, a metaphor and an idiomatic expression.

[DeanFL]

This thread and others like it are posted to only stimulate political posts. And most end up being closed or deleted.

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STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!! I'm the OP. And I posted the illustration for ONE REASON - to show MY support.

If others AS YOU must degrade and condemn and assume the worst - yes it will be closed. Some folks here sit behind their keyboard and simply MUST slam others or their points of view.

Reminds me of what my mother said when my brothers and I horsed around the house...

"This is why we can't have anything nice around here!"

The 'usual suspects' come out, and many times ruin, what could be, a positive discussion.
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[bobdeb]

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STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!! I'm the OP. And I posted the illustration for ONE REASON - to show MY support.

If others AS YOU must degrade and condemn and assume the worst - yes it will be closed. Some folks here sit behind their keyboard and simply MUST slam others or their points of view.

Reminds me of what my mother said when my brothers and I horsed around the house...

"This is why we can't have anything nice around here!"

The 'usual suspects' come out, and many times ruin, what could be, a positive discussion.
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What he said...

[GrumpyOldMan]

It seems many feel it is all or nothing, on almost every topic. Pandemic has a cure or doesn't. Vaccines are 100% affective or not affective at all.

And people have to chose to be for the police or against them. PERIOD.

I disagree with those presumptions. I can support the police while at the same time call for the incarceration of police that abuse their positions of power or break the law.

There are 15,000 murders in this country every year. That is only 0.015% of the population of Americans. Since it is such a small percentage should we just look the other way when a murder is committed? Why bother prosecuting that small percentage of Americans - when it is obvious that the overwhelming majority of Americans are good people are not murders.

Pretty silly?

Well, so is ignoring a police officer spaying pepper spray in the face of a patriot serving his country in uniform.
So is, justifying shooting a person in the back who is walking away with their hands raised, because they were walking away.
So, is, justifying killing a person by kneeling on their throat.

So, is.

These officers, the ones that are guilty, are a disgrace to the police force and the uniforms they wear.

I completely support the officers that uphold the law. I am 100% in favor of prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law any officer that abuses their position of power, or brakes the law in the line of duty.

[bob47]

I back the concept of a strong police department with humane, properly trained peace officers who know how to put their bias aside when it comes time for them to do their jobs. Honestly I don't care if they have a bias against the disabled, or if they're racists, or hate Jews and Muslims. As long as they leave that stuff at home and not bring it to work. But the second they step over that line, then the entire blue line disintegrates. Because of the actions of any singular officer. They rise together, and they fall together.

I'll gladly offer a thirsty-looking officer a bottle of water if I see him in the neighborhood on patrol. But if I see that same officer stop someone on the street because he's walking while black, that's when I turn on the video on my smartphone. Police are not a singular infallible entity. They are a collection of individual personalities. When we demand that they be treated as a singular unit deserving of respect that the ENTIRE collection hasn't yet earned, then we justify how any ONE member of them can commit crimes against anyone who isn't one of them.

Humans are flawed creatures. We ALL have our weaknesses. Police are not immune to that, and it's time we stop putting them up on a pedestal. I've worked with the police, I've had to call the police for help in the past, I've been pulled over for speeding by the police, I've been friends with the police, my parents' best friend was a cop and he and his wife and my parents used to go out once a week for dinner. So I have no beef against "the police." My problem is with the individual officers, and the departments that protect them even when they screw up. They are the ones that give "the police" a bad name, they are the ones who need to be held accountable, and they are the ones who need to either be rehabilitated, or removed from the force.

No one is above the law. That includes the police.

This is one of the most rational postings I've ever read.

[tophcfa]

I will support an officer of the law over LeBron James seven days a week and twice on Sunday.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The term, DeanFL, is "flamebaiting." If I recall correctly, the term for the person who commits the flamebaiting is not allowed to be used on this forum (talk about cancel culture, which predates the term cancel culture, which is political jargon most often used by people who fit the definition of the term we're not allowed to use, for the purpose of flamebaiting).

Some of us know that. And we're calling out out on it. You might not know the term, but your "provocative posts" fit the definition. Feel free to look it up.

[CFrance]

It seems many feel it is all or nothing, on almost every topic. Pandemic has a cure or doesn't. Vaccines are 100% affective or not affective at all.

And people have to chose to be for the police or against them. PERIOD.

I disagree with those presumptions. I can support the police while at the same time call for the incarceration of police that abuse their positions of power or break the law.

There are 15,000 murders in this country every year. That is only 0.015% of the population of Americans. Since it is such a small percentage should we just look the other way when a murder is committed? Why bother prosecuting that small percentage of Americans - when it is obvious that the overwhelming majority of Americans are good people are not murders.

Pretty silly?

Well, so is ignoring a police officer spaying pepper spray in the face of a patriot serving his country in uniform.
So is, justifying shooting a person in the back who is walking away with their hands raised, because they were walking away.
So, is, justifying killing a person by kneeling on their throat.

So, is.

These officers, the ones that are guilty, are a disgrace to the police force and the uniforms they wear.

I completely support the officers that uphold the law. I am 100% in favor of prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law any officer that abuses their position of power, or brakes the law in the line of duty.

The first thing we can do is get rid of qualified immunity. Some have taken it and run with it.

[graciegirl]

The term, DeanFL, is "flamebaiting." If I recall correctly, the term for the person who commits the flamebaiting is not allowed to be used on this forum (talk about cancel culture, which predates the term cancel culture, which is political jargon most often used by people who fit the definition of the term we're not allowed to use, for the purpose of flamebaiting).

Some of us know that. And we're calling out out on it. You might not know the term, but your "provocative posts" fit the definition. Feel free to look it up.

Horse feathers! I like Dean's posts. I guess It all depends where you sit what is provocative. I read a lot of people's Facebook pages. I have seen me some damned good flamebaiting there. How we deeply believe is not going to be negated by new words or "Woke" culture. I personally think "Woke" culture and relabeling does much more harm than good.

[villageuser]

We are not against “them”, the police. We are against the human beings, some who wear police uniforms, who are racist, and use their “superiority”, either because of their whiteness or their uniform, to be abusive to others.

[jswirs]

I back the concept of a strong police department with humane, properly trained peace officers who know how to put their bias aside when it comes time for them to do their jobs. Honestly I don't care if they have a bias against the disabled, or if they're racists, or hate Jews and Muslims. As long as they leave that stuff at home and not bring it to work. But the second they step over that line, then the entire blue line disintegrates. Because of the actions of any singular officer. They rise together, and they fall together.

I'll gladly offer a thirsty-looking officer a bottle of water if I see him in the neighborhood on patrol. But if I see that same officer stop someone on the street because he's walking while black, that's when I turn on the video on my smartphone. Police are not a singular infallible entity. They are a collection of individual personalities. When we demand that they be treated as a singular unit deserving of respect that the ENTIRE collection hasn't yet earned, then we justify how any ONE member of them can commit crimes against anyone who isn't one of them.

Humans are flawed creatures. We ALL have our weaknesses. Police are not immune to that, and it's time we stop putting them up on a pedestal. I've worked with the police, I've had to call the police for help in the past, I've been pulled over for speeding by the police, I've been friends with the police, my parents' best friend was a cop and he and his wife and my parents used to go out once a week for dinner. So I have no beef against "the police." My problem is with the individual officers, and the departments that protect them even when they screw up. They are the ones that give "the police" a bad name, they are the ones who need to be held accountable, and they are the ones who need to either be rehabilitated, or removed from the force.

No one is above the law. That includes the police.
You ECHO my sentiments, exactly. NO ONE, including policeman, are above the law, and it's about time those that discredit the police force are held accountable for their actions. Like many other organizations who go to extremes to protect their own, (for example, the Catholic church and their pedophile priest), it's time for accountability.

[BillY41]

You are recording a police interaction for what reason?

[Billy1]

Yes, lets get rid of the dirty water.

[Eg_cruz]

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I would sincerely hope that most of us here in The Villages feel this way too.
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100% back the Blue

[irishwonone]

What I can’t understand is why you would reduce your police force numbers and take millions away from their departments. Somehow they believe they’re punishing the police yet they are punishing all citizens. More theft, rape, murders. Police need MORE TRAINING just like any professionals NOT LESS TRAINING. They are dealing with life and death daily. Are we blind?

[Eg_cruz]

Why would u pull out your camera if u see an officer stop a black man. Sounds like you are painting them with a broad brush as being prejudice. You don’t know that police officer. Your prejudice is showing.
Agree

[Billy1]

Yes, accountability for evil acts. God is against evil.

[Get real]

Self serving politicians are more dangerous than any cop...
This is the advice I gave my rookies....

89166

[Get real]

What I can’t understand is why you would reduce your police force numbers and take millions away from their departments. Somehow they believe they’re punishing the police yet they are punishing all citizens. More theft, rape, murders. Police need MORE TRAINING just like any professionals NOT LESS TRAINING. They are dealing with life and death daily. Are we blind?

It is about money, power and control. It has nothing to do with police. Police are once again the pawns for corrupt politicians, poverty pimps, and scammers.

[collegeref]

I'm going to support law enforcement as I believe they 'have my back' so to speak.

And I don't believe in throwing the baby out with the dirty bathwater.

Wow, a metaphor and an idiomatic expression.
Don’t forget the Super Star athletes who “appear” to have made personal threats against police officers.

[graciegirl]

We are not against “them”, the police. We are against the human beings, some who wear police uniforms, who are racist, and use their “superiority”, either because of their whiteness or their uniform, to be abusive to others.

They use the same methods on all races. Many police officers are not white. We are using bigotry to fight bigotry.

[Skunky1]

Keep the cameras rolling so that we can get rid of the bad cops.

[graciegirl]

Keep the cameras rolling so that we can get rid of the bad cops.

Keep the camera's rolling so that we can see who commits crimes.

[wrestle1]

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I would sincerely hope that most of us here in The Villages feel this way too.
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Yes we do. Thanks for posting!

[golfing eagles]

Keep the camera's rolling so that we can see who commits crimes.

Exactly!!!!!!

[maggie1]

[/U][/I][/B]
You ECHO my sentiments, exactly. NO ONE, including policeman, are above the law, and it's about time those that discredit the police force are held accountable for their actions. Like many other organizations who go to extremes to protect their own, (for example, the Catholic church and their pedophile priest), it's time for accountability.

I can't argue your point about anyone being above the law, and there should be consequences for a police officer that disregards that premise. As a former state trooper and our son that followed the same career path, we can say that no one hates a bad cop more than a good cop. There have been consequences lately with Chauvin being convicted, the officer that pepper-sprayed the Army lieutenant was fired, and the lady police officer who mistakenly shot the driver when she thought she had a taser in her hand. In this last incident, I can't call her a bad cop - it was an accidental discharge in the heat of battle, but still resulting in her being charged with 2nd-degree manslaughter.

Was the Columbus officer that shot the 15-year-old girl who was about to knife another girl a bad cop? Hardly! He had to make an instantaneous decision to prevent an innocent victim from having her intestines spilled all over the sidewalk, yet LaBron James, without even knowing the circumstances, posts a picture of the officer and the words "You're next".

I guess what I'm trying to convey is yes, we must weed out the bad actors of law enforcement, but not all actions resulting in bad outcomes are committed by bad police officers. Police officers are a reactionary force and seldom have time to consider their options in the heat of battle. More often than not the person that is shot initiated the action that caused their death. If George Flloyd or Daunte Wright had just given up to arrest, neither of them would be dead now.

[Love2Swim]

I back the concept of a strong police department with humane, properly trained peace officers who know how to put their bias aside when it comes time for them to do their jobs. Honestly I don't care if they have a bias against the disabled, or if they're racists, or hate Jews and Muslims. As long as they leave that stuff at home and not bring it to work. But the second they step over that line, then the entire blue line disintegrates. Because of the actions of any singular officer. They rise together, and they fall together.

I'll gladly offer a thirsty-looking officer a bottle of water if I see him in the neighborhood on patrol. But if I see that same officer stop someone on the street because he's walking while black, that's when I turn on the video on my smartphone. Police are not a singular infallible entity. They are a collection of individual personalities. When we demand that they be treated as a singular unit deserving of respect that the ENTIRE collection hasn't yet earned, then we justify how any ONE member of them can commit crimes against anyone who isn't one of them.

Humans are flawed creatures. We ALL have our weaknesses. Police are not immune to that, and it's time we stop putting them up on a pedestal. I've worked with the police, I've had to call the police for help in the past, I've been pulled over for speeding by the police, I've been friends with the police, my parents' best friend was a cop and he and his wife and my parents used to go out once a week for dinner. So I have no beef against "the police." My problem is with the individual officers, and the departments that protect them even when they screw up. They are the ones that give "the police" a bad name, they are the ones who need to be held accountable, and they are the ones who need to either be rehabilitated, or removed from the force.

No one is above the law. That includes the police.

Well said.

[graciegirl]

[/U][/I][/B]
You ECHO my sentiments, exactly. NO ONE, including policeman, are above the law, and it's about time those that discredit the police force are held accountable for their actions. Like many other organizations who go to extremes to protect their own, (for example, the Catholic church and their pedophile priest), it's time for accountability.

Stop ignoring black victims of violent crime (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/stop-ignoring-black-victims-of-violent-crime/ar-BB1fX3wX?ocid=msedgdhp)

New video shows Columbus police shooting of teenager Ma’Khia Bryant Video - ABC News (https://abcnews.go.com/US/video/video-shows-columbus-police-shooting-teenager-makhia-bryant-77257521) He shot the teen with the knife a second before the knife would have entered the body of the girl in pink.

[jebartle]

We definitely support law enforcement but qualified immunity must be addressed. Not a fan of broad brush descriptions, pro or con. Does racism exist?, oh my yes, Can we improve? Maybe with baby steps. We should walk in the shoes of any minority.

[Bridget Staunton]

Love & support our men in blue. My family members were (gods paradise) & are great police people

[geobet]

We too have always supported our law enforcement wherever we’ve lived, as most officers are wonderful. We put money where our mouth is and fly the thin blue line flag along with our American flag..

[Bobby De]

I'm all in for it, couldn't agree anymore with the post.

[Dust Bunny]

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I would sincerely hope that most of us here in The Villages feel this way too.
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The first line of defense needs to hear the support of the public!

I am retired from NCPD

[DeanFL]

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Well folks, I made an attempt to start a Thread with (what I thought was) a POSITIVE message. But as time went on, the thing went downhill with some responders. Most aggravating to me was the personal slams. I tried to take the High Road, but always rebutted with IMO baseless personal comments.

...perhaps if I began the Thread by saying "Support the 99% of our LEOs", but not the 1% bad apples. Or, I'm sad about the % of LEOs that may have over-reacted to minority communities. Or, preface it with whatever what may have mollified those who spout one-liners or condemnation.

As I said in one of my posts, "this is why we can't have anything nice around here".
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[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

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I would sincerely hope that most of us here in The Villages feel this way too.
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As a parent of a Retired LEO with 28 years service, I do feel exactly like that, if I see a LEO in trouble, I will help him, in my home you will always have food, drink and a place to stay. God Bless all of our Police, Sheriffs, Fire fighters, EMT’s and God Bless America!!!!!

[J1ceasar]

The trouble is you all want 100% perfection but the reality is no one is perfect we all carry prejudice with us and we will have hormones pumping through our blood and make us make mistakes in judgment. Yes some of us are bad people. It's unfortunate and that's why there's something called training

[crash]

Like I have for my entire life....I trust the police....The constant dialogue about the less than 2 percent bad apples being made out to be the profile of the majority of the police force is just plain wrong.

How about we focus on the 98+% that do it right....every day.

How about focusing on getting rid of the 2% so everyone can trust the police.

[merrymini]

What amazes me is that people write 10 paragraphs and expect everyone to read it.

[jbrown132]

I back the concept of a strong police department with humane, properly trained peace officers who know how to put their bias aside when it comes time for them to do their jobs. Honestly I don't care if they have a bias against the disabled, or if they're racists, or hate Jews and Muslims. As long as they leave that stuff at home and not bring it to work. But the second they step over that line, then the entire blue line disintegrates. Because of the actions of any singular officer. They rise together, and they fall together.

I'll gladly offer a thirsty-looking officer a bottle of water if I see him in the neighborhood on patrol. But if I see that same officer stop someone on the street because he's walking while black, that's when I turn on the video on my smartphone. Police are not a singular infallible entity. They are a collection of individual personalities. When we demand that they be treated as a singular unit deserving of respect that the ENTIRE collection hasn't yet earned, then we justify how any ONE member of them can commit crimes against anyone who isn't one of them.

Humans are flawed creatures. We ALL have our weaknesses. Police are not immune to that, and it's time we stop putting them up on a pedestal. I've worked with the police, I've had to call the police for help in the past, I've been pulled over for speeding by the police, I've been friends with the police, my parents' best friend was a cop and he and his wife and my parents used to go out once a week for dinner. So I have no beef against "the police." My problem is with the individual officers, and the departments that protect them even when they screw up. They are the ones that give "the police" a bad name, they are the ones who need to be held accountable, and they are the ones who need to either be rehabilitated, or removed from the force.

No one is above the law. That includes the police.

Wow! How do you even begin to respond to this. Under your philosophy that means if you have one bad teacher they are all bad, one bad soldier then all should be looked at as bad because that one bad one has tainted them all. Let’s face it, in life there are bad people in every profession. There are bad doctors, lawyers, nurses, plumbers, carpenters police, soldiers etc. etc. etc. so the next time you really, really need one of these people and have to call them make sure you have your camera ready just in case. The rest of us will go on seeing the best in these people and not live our lives in a state of paranoia.

[Girlcopper]

I back the concept of a strong police department with humane, properly trained peace officers who know how to put their bias aside when it comes time for them to do their jobs. Honestly I don't care if they have a bias against the disabled, or if they're racists, or hate Jews and Muslims. As long as they leave that stuff at home and not bring it to work. But the second they step over that line, then the entire blue line disintegrates. Because of the actions of any singular officer. They rise together, and they fall together.

I'll gladly offer a thirsty-looking officer a bottle of water if I see him in the neighborhood on patrol. But if I see that same officer stop someone on the street because he's walking while black, that's when I turn on the video on my smartphone. Police are not a singular infallible entity. They are a collection of individual personalities. When we demand that they be treated as a singular unit deserving of respect that the ENTIRE collection hasn't yet earned, then we justify how any ONE member of them can commit crimes against anyone who isn't one of them.

Humans are flawed creatures. We ALL have our weaknesses. Police are not immune to that, and it's time we stop putting them up on a pedestal. I've worked with the police, I've had to call the police for help in the past, I've been pulled over for speeding by the police, I've been friends with the police, my parents' best friend was a cop and he and his wife and my parents used to go out once a week for dinner. So I have no beef against "the police." My problem is with the individual officers, and the departments that protect them even when they screw up. They are the ones that give "the police" a bad name, they are the ones who need to be held accountable, and they are the ones who need to either be rehabilitated, or removed from the force.

No one is above the law. That includes the police.

You ruined a beautiful posting by the OP. They are touting support for police and you go and post how you video a cop for stopping someone who is walking while black! How do you know why he was stopped? Who are you to critique the actions of the cop? You know the old saying.......people who live in glass houses? Oh. Thats right....you have cop friends. Just like someone saying......I have black friends....to prove they arent prejudice. .

[christine J Toft]

Why would u pull out your camera if u see an officer stop a black man. Sounds like you are painting them with a broad brush as being prejudice. You don’t know that police officer. Your prejudice is showing.
You really need to ask that question?

[Nanny32162]

You would pull out your camera because it is well documented that people of color are stopped more frequently than whites. My nephew-in-law is black, he is stopped at least once a month for driving while black. As soon as he shows his identification, he is a Federal Magistrate Judge, the officers start to back peddle. What would happen if he didn’t have Federal I.D.? I think the stop would last much longer, the car might be searched, and I don’t like to think that he would be treated more harshly. How many of you have been stopped for driving while white?

[Petersweeney]

The girl in the pink - why isn’t she on CNN ? Where is her mom?

[billethkid]

How about focusing on getting rid of the 2% so everyone can trust the police.

Exactly what the politicians, the media, special interest and minority groups dwell upon, presenting the 2% as though it represents the overall behavior of the police.

Because of the 98+% we do trust the police!!

[bluecenturian]

How do you know the officer stopped him because he was “walking while black”. Did you see the entire encounter? Did you find out why he was stopped? Did you get the same reports at briefing the officer got about someone wanted for committing a crime that matched his description? Did you read the reports where the “victim” provided that description? Do you know that minorities are 5 times as likely to be a victim of a violent crime? Did you know a member of the same minority group is the suspect in 87% of those crimes?

Have you ever walked down the street in a minority community? And if so have you ever seen a person and cross the street or thought he looks suspicious? Have you ever called 911 to report a suspicious person with no evidence they committed a crime but they “looked” suspicious to you? Have you had any human behavioral training to learn what people do when they are up to no good?

Have you ever risked not coming home to your family and making your spouse a widow or your kids orphans so that someone you don’t even know can live another day ?

You need to have some serious self reflection and realize what you said is full of prejudice. Most people who find fault in strangers do so because of the faults they find in themselves but just don’t want to recognize it.

[meridian5850]

I had and continue to have a lot of family in law enforcement. They put up with a lot of crap from people on a daily basis. However, the following is true of the vast majority of LEOs in the country, especially in large urban areas:

"I have pulled dead, mangled bodies from cars.
I have lied to people as they were dying.
I said you are going to be fine as I held their hand and watched the life fade out.
I have held dying babies. Bought lunch for people who were mentally ill and haven't eaten in a while.
I have had people try to stab me. Fought with men trying to shoot me.

I've been attacked by women while I was arresting their husband who had just severely beat them.
I have held towels on bullet wounds.
Done CPR when I knew it wouldn't help just to make family members feel better.
I have torn down doors, fought in drug houses. Chased fugitives through the woods.
I have been in high-speed car chases.
Foot chases across an interstate during rush hour traffic.
I have been in crashes. Been squeezing the trigger about to kill a man when they came to their senses and stopped. Waded through large angry crowds by myself.
Drove like a madman to help a fellow officer. Let little kids who don't have much sit in my patrol car and pretend they are a cop for their birthday.

I have taken a lot of people to jail. Given many breaks. Prayed for people I don't even know. Yes, and at times I have been "violent" when I had to be. I have been kind when I could.
I admit I have driven to some dark place and cried by myself when I was overwhelmed.
I have missed Christmas and other holidays more than I wanted to.

Every cop I know has done all these things and more for lousy pay, exhausting hours, and a short life expectancy.

We don't want your pity, I don't even ask for your respect. Just let us do our jobs without killing us."

[EileenRo]

Because too many black and brown people are being killed when they are pulled over by the police...

[DaleDivine]

I have worked with police for years and have a thin blue line flag proudly displayed on my golf cart. I had a couple of women in TV asked me what it was for and I told them I support the police and one replied "Well we don't". This was long before the George Floyd incident.
:bigbow::bigbow:

[Gogreyhound]

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I would sincerely hope that most of us here in The Villages feel this way too.
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Well said,I absolutely feel the same way. My son is a proud officer of the NYPD, and he loves his job. I worry about him daily but he loves what he does and that makes me happy. Most police officers are out there in sometimes unpredictable and dangerous situations doing a great job of keeping us safe. For that I thank all the hard working police officers and I support all of them.

[DAVES]

And let us not forget that those of us who back our police are in the majority.

Contrary to the images and agendas of too many politicians, media, special interest and minority groups!!!!!

The tactic is obvious. They clearly think if they yell louder and yell fouler they will seem important.

Sadly, history shows that it does work. Nothing new.

[Proveone]

"Funny" commentary, really I am laughing. You must be talking about yourself because you are a minority and will continue to be going into the future. You better hope the majority doesn't look at and treat you they way you do to them. Special interests - you mean Police Unions who support bad cops! Pathetic commentaries.

[Two Bills]

What amazes me is that people write 10 paragraphs and expect everyone to read it.

What amazes me are people who have an opinion, yet never bother to read all the posts!:icon_wink:

[Proveone]

Thanks! Well said!

[Bay Kid]

Life without police would be a terrible place to be. Seems like some prefer crooks over police. We are becoming a sad country.

[Cheapbas]

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STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!! I'm the OP. And I posted the illustration for ONE REASON - to show MY support.

If others AS YOU must degrade and condemn and assume the worst - yes it will be closed. Some folks here sit behind their keyboard and simply MUST slam others or their points of view.

Reminds me of what my mother said when my brothers and I horsed around the house...

"This is why we can't have anything nice around here!"

The 'usual suspects' come out, and many times ruin, what could be, a positive discussion.
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Oh for criss sakes, yes they have a very difficult job, but stop with the genuflecting and hailing the ground they walk on. They get paid. There are plenty of risky professions that deserve equal billing.

You dragged this down from some right leaning website and they made it available for a reason. Police vs Black is very much in the news spotlight, probably #1 right now. Whoever wrote this pro police sentiment had anti black running in the background. That was the intent.

Seriously they are not the baby Jesus, you can just simply respect what they do. Get off your knees, stop bowing, this “all hail police” notice has certain racial undertones.

BTW, why was the thin blue line flag being carried by the white supremist rally in Charlottesville?

[Jokomo]

Why would u pull out your camera if u see an officer stop a black man. Sounds like you are painting them with a broad brush as being prejudice. You don’t know that police officer. Your prejudice is showing.

Because a picture is worth a thousand words. Nothing to see? Then the camera’s not an issue. Something wrong happening? Then I want my camera and everyone else’s focused on that action. And the officers need body cameras as well. It eliminates a huge amount of disinformation and protects the Officer from false charges.

[Bucco]

Oh for criss sakes, yes they have a very difficult job, but stop with the genuflecting and hailing the ground they walk on. They get paid. There are plenty of risky professions that deserve equal billing.

You dragged this down from some right leaning website and they made it available for a reason. Police vs Black is very much in the news spotlight, probably #1 right now. Whoever wrote this pro police sentiment had anti black running in the background. That was the intent.

Seriously they are not the baby Jesus, you can just simply respect what they do. Get off your knees, stop bowing, this “all hail police” notice has certain racial undertones.

BTW, why was the thin blue line flag being carried by the white supremist rally in Charlottesville?

But the original intent has been met.

Note, the posts are now “we” and “they” which represents a totally ludicrous attitude.

The “support” part is or has disappeared.

But this was and is the intent...play on a situation, create a “false reality” to vent hate. Never changes.

This is so far divorced from reality, it is ridiculous. There is no “we” and “they” except for the creation of alternate reality.

[wisbad1]

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I would sincerely hope that most of us here in The Villages feel this way too.
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Anytime! Thanks for all your service.

[PugMom]

What I can’t understand is why you would reduce your police force numbers and take millions away from their departments. Somehow they believe they’re punishing the police yet they are punishing all citizens. More theft, rape, murders. Police need MORE TRAINING just like any professionals NOT LESS TRAINING. They are dealing with life and death daily. Are we blind?

:pray::bigbow:

[Justus]

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I would sincerely hope that most of us here in The Villages feel this way too.
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Thank you for this! Few people understand the sacrifices, selfless devotion and idealism required for what has become a thankless job! Can you tell where to find a printable version of this so that I can send it on to family and friends? :bigbow:

[stanley]

But this was and is the intent...play on a situation, create a “false reality” to vent hate. Never changes.



Now that sounds all too familiar..........and in a strange way I agree with that.

[Gray lady of the sea]

To orange blossom baby - the THEME today is DEMONIZE THE POLICE - NOT- SUPPORT THE POLICE. Have you not been aware of this. I am a nurse who worked for 24 years in a LEVEL 1 TRAUMA HOSPITAL in a big city. Would you like to know how many doctors that I have personally been privy to that have made deadly mistakes ? Several !!!

I don’t blast it all over the airways and social media that all doctors are terrible “Get rid of doctors in the United States “. Their errors were handled INTERNALLY.

A POLICEMAN’s job is more difficult than you could EVER KNOW. GO to one of these big cities and RIDE with one - and- get a much clearer picture of what they face EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY. I’ve done it !!! I KNOW what I’m talking about !!

There are bad apples in EVERY line of work, but for the media to CHOOSE the POLICE to demonize is just - out and out WRONG. I KNOW what a city cop deals with. And I SUPPORT them with WITHOUT RESERVATION. I support the medical field WITHOUT RESERVATION.
You might want to research in 2020
1. How many blacks have been killed by blacks in the city
2. How many police have been killed - just doing their jobs.
3. Just how many blacks have been killed by police in a country of 350 million people
4. How many whites have been killed by police.
You just might be enlightened

[skip0358]

I support the Police 100%. Worked side by side with them on Long Island in the Fire Dept. If I see one in trouble I will assist them in anyway possible. I have close friends down here on the force also. IF there are bad apples they should be weeded out period. However Parents have a responsibility to teach their Children to respect them also. If I ever disrespected a PO when I was growing up and my Dad found out I probably still wouldn't be able to sit. Granted today's issues are also with older kids and adults, they to need to be addressed.

[beaglebrain]

I am 100% in support of the police force - pray for their safety when I attend mass - as well as often as I can.
I support helping them as much as possible and would gladly offer them any food or drink or other support if one of their patrol cars is parked in my neighborhood.
They have a very difficult job and way too many unneeded and unwanted critics. We need our police, especially now.

[cbmerl]

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I would sincerely hope that most of us here in The Villages feel this way too.
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I absolutely, positively agree! Well said...AMEN!

[MrFlorida]

When I walk down the street and I see a cop, I feel safe. When I walk down the street and see a group of gang bangers I feel scared. You decide which side you want to be on.....

[BlackhawksFan]

If it were only that simple.

I'm subscribing to Trevor Noah's theory. There are good apples and bad apples, it's the tree that's rotten.

[Byte1]

In the Villages, a police officer will rarely have to pay for a drink or meal. Every time I see one in a restaurant and try to pay for their meal, someone else has always beat me to it. I am proud of my neighbors when I see this. I have had nothing but good interactions with the local police and have found them to be very professional and yet very easy to have a conversation with.
Defund the police, my "@***!" They need more funding for equipment and training, as well as recruitment.

[Left4850]

Good officers should be admired.
Bad officers should be fired.
They do not rise and fall together.
The same can be said for every profession that exists.

[graciegirl]

There have been some wonderful posts on this thread.

I woke up today very discouraged about the world and the country as half of us are stuck, having to watch events that will have nothing to hold them back.

It is good to know that age does bring wisdom, as is evident by some very wise people sharing their views on this thread. I am so glad to live here. Most people I have met are kind and sage.

[Justus]

This is one of the most rational postings I've ever read.

Obviously you have no idea what happens in the case of a police-related "incident". Police departments are answerable to local governments, i.e., politicos. They do not "protect" an officer involved. On the contrary, the officer, guilty or innocent, is stripped of his duties, badge, gun, etc., and placed on leave until the matter is resolved. This could take months or years. His/her life and career - and that of his family, including his children - is suspended until it is over. Then, the press and all the sidewalk judges and juries, have a field day. Often his family is harassed, maybe their lives are put in jeopardy because of press exposure. If, in the end, the officer is found innocent, it doesn't matter because he has effectively been publicly convicted and his life has been ruined forever. All to protect people who sit back, secure and safe, then condemn them. I wouldn't take the job.

[Marty94]

[/U][/I][/B]
You ECHO my sentiments, exactly. NO ONE, including policeman, are above the law, and it's about time those that discredit the police force are held accountable for their actions. Like many other organizations who go to extremes to protect their own, (for example, the Catholic church and their pedophile priest), it's time for accountability.
My cousin, a lawyer, works in a certain state (not this state) and settles monetary claims for victims of police offenses. He is currently working on a state bill that gives police departments more authority to terminate a police officer for offenses and prevent them from seeking re-employment by simply moving to another county. He said that he repeatedly pays settlements against the same officers as these officers are protected by very strong unions who contribute significantly to elected officials. In the past, there has been little interest in reform, but he is hoping that will change.

I know all too well the power of unions. I had 3 lawyers working full time on termination cases that should have never been questioned. Even with overwhelming evidence, most of the time we had to settle or face lengthy proceedings. Our ability to terminate was greatly hindered.

[giorgio1948]

Count me in ~

[OhioBuckeye]

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I would sincerely hope that most of us here in The Villages feel this way too.
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DeanFL: All I can say is Dido’s!

[Madelaine Amee]

It seems many feel it is all or nothing, on almost every topic. Pandemic has a cure or doesn't. Vaccines are 100% affective or not affective at all.

And people have to chose to be for the police or against them. PERIOD.

I disagree with those presumptions. I can support the police while at the same time call for the incarceration of police that abuse their positions of power or break the law.

There are 15,000 murders in this country every year. That is only 0.015% of the population of Americans. Since it is such a small percentage should we just look the other way when a murder is committed? Why bother prosecuting that small percentage of Americans - when it is obvious that the overwhelming majority of Americans are good people are not murders.

Pretty silly?

Well, so is ignoring a police officer spaying pepper spray in the face of a patriot serving his country in uniform.
So is, justifying shooting a person in the back who is walking away with their hands raised, because they were walking away.
So, is, justifying killing a person by kneeling on their throat.

So, is.

These officers, the ones that are guilty, are a disgrace to the police force and the uniforms they wear.

I completely support the officers that uphold the law. I am 100% in favor of prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law any officer that abuses their position of power, or brakes the law in the line of duty.

Thank you for having the guts to post this piece. Unfortunately, too many using TOTV have an us or them attitude. Perhaps because they have never had the pleasure of living in a community where the police are respected.

[riamd1954]

Agree

[mjpuleo]

A few bad apples, but our law enforcement officers are there for us to protect us and lay their lives on the line for us as seen in so many instances where some officers were killed by thugs. RESPECT YOUR POLICE AND GOD BLESS THEM.

[PamfromNY]

Thank God that lousy cop was deemed guilty on all counts. He murdered that man. Most cops do serve and protect and I commend them.

[mydavid]

I back the concept of a strong police department with humane, properly trained peace officers who know how to put their bias aside when it comes time for them to do their jobs. Honestly I don't care if they have a bias against the disabled, or if they're racists, or hate Jews and Muslims. As long as they leave that stuff at home and not bring it to work. But the second they step over that line, then the entire blue line disintegrates. Because of the actions of any singular officer. They rise together, and they fall together.

I'll gladly offer a thirsty-looking officer a bottle of water if I see him in the neighborhood on patrol. But if I see that same officer stop someone on the street because he's walking while black, that's when I turn on the video on my smartphone. Police are not a singular infallible entity. They are a collection of individual personalities. When we demand that they be treated as a singular unit deserving of respect that the ENTIRE collection hasn't yet earned, then we justify how any ONE member of them can commit crimes against anyone who isn't one of them.

Humans are flawed creatures. We ALL have our weaknesses. Police are not immune to that, and it's time we stop putting them up on a pedestal. I've worked with the police, I've had to call the police for help in the past, I've been pulled over for speeding by the police, I've been friends with the police, my parents' best friend was a cop and he and his wife and my parents used to go out once a week for dinner. So I have no beef against "the police." My problem is with the individual officers, and the departments that protect them even when they screw up. They are the ones that give "the police" a bad name, they are the ones who need to be held accountable, and they are the ones who need to either be rehabilitated, or removed from the force.

No one is above the law. That includes the police. I agree who hardly

[Jack65]

I was born and raised in Chicago during the 60s. Fun time - right? Not a lot different from now. But I think the most important point has been missed. My father was strict and made sure he taught me one thing - RESPECT AUTHORITY!! If you have an encounter with an LEO or ANY other person of authority, do what they tell you to do!! This has served me well over these years. Young people today do not respect authority. They run, don't put their hands up, resist arrest and do many other things that put the cop in a position that they have to make a quick decision and their first survival instinct it to protect themselves. George Floyd should not have been killed, however, I think there were 2 suspects and the other one followed the instructions by the police and was sitting quietly in the back seat of the cruiser when Floyd started to resist arrest. If he had respected the officer he would be alive today. LET'S US TEACH OUR NEXT GENERATION TO RESPECT AUTHORITY!! Things like this won't happen. How many cops just go around shooting people without provocation?

[Topspinmo]

You ruined a beautiful posting by the OP. They are touting support for police and you go and post how you video a cop for stopping someone who is walking while black! How do you know why he was stopped? Who are you to critique the actions of the cop? You know the old saying.......people who live in glass houses? Oh. Thats right....you have cop friends. Just like someone saying......I have black friends....to prove they arent prejudice. .


👏 :clap2:

[Lindsyburnsy]

Very well said and agree wholeheartedly.

[NAB20]

DeanFL, you thought you asked a simple question and found that it was actually very complex. Of course, most people support the police. Where would we be without them. In a very dangerous world is my guess. We should never stop demanding that officers are vetted, properly trained, and monitored to maintain the highest standards required of their roles in society. They need to be trusted to make the system work. We are thankful that they take on the demanding and dangerous work that is needed to keep safety and order. LEO: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Especially in light of recent situations, answering your question has brought on a lot of in-depth responses because things are not just all one way or the other, black or white (nothing racial intended), sweet or sour, day or night, etc. So thank you, also, for allowing people to have this discussion. There always seems to be a lot of layers once we move past the surface of any topic.

[jebartle]

It seems to me you said the police need top take care of the problem, and correct it. Then you said Obama was wrong for pointing out the problem and demanding the police correct it.

What can the President do except use his bully pulpit to bring about change by pointing out it is needed.

The problem has been growing for many decades, it is not just now becoming a problem, it is just that now people are starting to say, it is wrong, and there are some police officers that should not be police officers. That is not being ANTI cop, that is being anti bully, racist, sadist, white supremest. The vast majority of cops a great people doing a hard job.

But, there are some that have no business being a cop, and we need to do anything necessary to encourage the good cops to clean their own house.

I seriously doubt that any person of color, has never been pulled over for being black, even the politicians of color. The 2% bad cops need to be accountable, but high praise to the 98% that serve and protect with honor, all of us.

[DeanFL]

DeanFL, you thought you asked a simple question and found that it was actually very complex. Of course, most people support the police. Where would we be without them. In a very dangerous world is my guess. We should never stop demanding that officers are vetted, properly trained, and monitored to maintain the highest standards required of their roles in society. They need to be trusted to make the system work. We are thankful that they take on the demanding and dangerous work that is needed to keep safety and order. LEO: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Especially in light of recent situations, answering your question has brought on a lot of in-depth responses because things are not just all one way or the other, black or white (nothing racial intended), sweet or sour, day or night, etc. So thank you, also, for allowing people to have this discussion. There always seems to be a lot of layers once we move past the surface of any topic.
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"I would sincerely hope that most of us here in The Villages feel this way too."

I guess I was very naive, not knowing how some others would respond.

I'll leave it at that.

I always say (re ToTV), I could open a Thread stating "What a beautiful day it is today in The Villages!

...and some would say "NO! there's a cloud!" "Nope I woke up with a backache" "Maybe where you are, it's raining here". "Nope, I see dog poop". "No way, my neighbor put out a gnome!". you catch my drift...grrr.
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[GrumpyOldMan]

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I always say (re ToTV), I could open a Thread stating "What a beautiful day it is today in The Villages!

...and some would say "NO! there's a cloud!" "Nope I woke up with a backache" "Maybe where you are, it's raining here". "Nope, I see dog poop". "No way, my neighbor put out a gnome!". you catch my drift...grrr.
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I agree with this completely.

I refer to it as the grumpy old people syndrome. I am an expert on it as I am the president of the curmudgeon society. :)