I don't expect much empathy, but the scenario law enforcement finds itself in has evolved.
Mayberry has fallen. Domestic terrorism exists. Happy anniversary Boston.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/04/15...g-anniversary/
Of course, the police over reacted with long guns and pistols chasing two poor immigrant boys around town that were just expressing their first amendment rights, maybe the second amendment too. They were about to turn their lives around. I'm sure the MIT officer's family feels bad that his killer, whoops I mean the oppressed citizen, was offended by all that militarized police presence (
http://tech.mit.edu/V133/N19/policeman.html).
Foreign terrorism on US soil is just a myth. It would never happen here, not with our "Dear Leader" at the controls. Hasn't he restarted and made friends with all those misunderstood nations that support misunderstood individuals looking for an outlet for their feelings.
I'm sure the armed forces feel they have all the resources they need to prevent a domestic attack. Police don't even need to be armed. Look how well it's working out for the Brits, nobody has a gun there. Just try to avoid taking the underground (
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_Jul...ondon_bombings), or African immigrants with kitchen knives (
http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/m...ident-woolwich) .
The men and women I serve with could care less if a hippy or some low life wants to smoke a little weed to forget his troubles. We are engaged with an organized adversary that is well funded, armed and entrenched in communities.
I agree with all that say that the application of force must be measured and appropriate to the circumstance. I also agree that excessive force should always be brought to light for accountability. I am a big supporter of the second amendment. A well armed citizenry will give pause to the predatory criminal. But if you think police should be armed with smile and a ticket book, unable to defend the citizens they swore to protect, themselves and come best prepared, I don't think anyone would take the job and throw away their life.
If all you want is a report taker, or social worker, we'll be happy to appease your wishes. Let the citizens take their stand, after all it's granny's right to self defense and she doesn't need any help at all while the two local boy's choirs settle their disagreement on who gets control of the fund raising corner. Just call us when it's over and we'll give you a report for you records.
Oh and we might be a little late because everyone knows that we ain't goin' till the last doughnut's done.