"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed, and third, it is accepted as self-evident."
Arthur Schopenhauer, Philosopher, 1788-1860
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"The people who cast the votes don't decide an election; the people whoCOUNTthe votes do." -- Joseph Stalin
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The Disappearance of Your Friendly Neighborhood Cop
As a child growing up in San Francisco, I remember the friendly neighborhood policeman, Officer Delury, an overweight, friendly Irish cop whose presence as he walked the streets was appreciated. Everyone loved Officer Delury. He always had a word of encouragement, talked with members of the community, and knew the personal stories of many of the locals. He was always dressed in his full uniform, no matter the weather, and gave a feeling of quiet confidence that he was there.
Today, the military industrial complex has absorbed a huge amount of our economy and the military has transformed local law enforcement into para-military organizations by giving them billions of dollars in military equipment. We are rapidly being reduced to a nation whose economy primarily employs industry that supports the military, government, policing and prison systems. If we don't slam the breaks on this insanity and fast, our nation is going to become a total fascist police state. It's perched right on our doorstep as it is.
In 1776, our founding fathers made a bold pronouncement: that all men are created equal, that we were endowed with inalienable rights, and, among these were Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Enshrined in our Constitution were more bold pronouncements: that no man could be deprived of his rights, that no man is above the law, and, that our government was designed to protect these rights. How come then that Maui police act as if they are above the law? Many times I have seen them do illegal U-turns, and driving at speeds faster than the legal limit. In fact, the times that I have had dealings with Maui police, I have found them to be rude, arrogant, and interrogating in instances where I have been nothing but a law abiding citizen. When, exactly, was it a requirement that your local policeman had to wear reflector sunglasses so that you cannot see their eyes? Have people become so complacent that they don't recognize this? Whatever happened to the friendly policeman that you called upon when you needed help? What I've experienced in Maui seems more like organized crime, rather than a public service. Recently, I needed to make a police report on damage done to my vehicle by accident for insurance purposes. The policeman I dealt with interrogated me, was loud-mouthed and overbearing. I could not get a word in! It made me feel very uncomfortable. My advice to these small town powermongers... in order to gain my respect, you need to give it. So be nice to me!
In 1776, our founding fathers made a bold pronouncement: that all men are created equal, that we were endowed with inalienable rights, and, among these were Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Enshrined in our Constitution were more bold pronouncements: that no man could be deprived of his rights, that no man is above the law, and, that our government was designed to protect these rights. How come then that Maui police act as if they are above the law? Many times I have seen them do illegal U-turns, and driving at speeds faster than the legal limit. In fact, the times that I have had dealings with Maui police, I have found them to be rude, arrogant, and interrogating in instances where I have been nothing but a law abiding citizen. When, exactly, was it a requirement that your local policeman had to wear reflector sunglasses so that you cannot see their eyes? Have people become so complacent that they don't recognize this? Whatever happened to the friendly policeman that you called upon when you needed help? What I've experienced in Maui seems more like organized crime, rather than a public service. Recently, I needed to make a police report on damage done to my vehicle by accident for insurance purposes. The policeman I dealt with interrogated me, was loud-mouthed and overbearing. I could not get a word in! It made me feel very uncomfortable. My advice to these small town powermongers... in order to gain my respect, you need to give it. So be nice to me!
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