How not to get your *** kicked by the police

[nick1000000]

If your job is to enforce unjust laws, why should I respect you?

Just because you think the laws are unjust does not make them so. They had a reason to make them and the people WE voted into the city or state councel thought we needed them so they made the laws. If you have a problem talk to them.
Cops don't need your respect. They want you to follow the law. Simple as that. They are doing their jobs. If there is a law in the books to enforce, they will enforce it. Some choose not to and they are the 'cool' ones. The ones that follow the books are a-holes. Do you want your contractor working on your hosue not to follow the unjust housing codes to build your house cheaper? I wouldn't.

 

[Schupo]

Just because you think the laws are unjust does not make them so.

Yes, but just because the laws are on the books does not make them just. I don't think I'm alone in my belief that we should let people do what they will so long as they don't harm another person. Speeding laws in residential areas are justified - you can't predict when someone will dart out from around the corner. Drug possession and gay marriage harm nobody but those who volunteer themselves to be involved.

They had a reason to make them and the people WE voted into the city or state councel thought we needed them so they made the laws. If you have a problem talk to them.

When do I get to vote to legalize marijuana? We elect officials to office who vote on issues. While I understand that a "pure" democracy is too difficult to have in place in a society as large as the US, a republic is not a democracy. The people don't get to vote on the issues they see fit. Even if we do, local laws are overridden by state laws, which are overridden by federal laws.

We don't get the opportunity to voice our beliefs on "unjust" laws. Just because it's illegal doesn't mean it should be (or, if you prefer, just because it's legal doesn't mean it should be).

 

[chris357]

Yes, but just because the laws are on the books does not make them just. I don't think I'm alone in my belief that we should let people do what they will so long as they don't harm another person. Speeding laws in residential areas are justified - you can't predict when someone will dart out from around the corner. Drug possession and gay marriage harm nobody but those who volunteer themselves to be involved.



When do I get to vote to legalize marijuana? We elect officials to office who vote on issues. While I understand that a "pure" democracy is too difficult to have in place in a society as large as the US, a republic is not a democracy. The people don't get to vote on the issues they see fit. Even if we do, local laws are overridden by state laws, which are overridden by federal laws.

We don't get the opportunity to voice our beliefs on "unjust" laws. Just because it's illegal doesn't mean it should be (or, if you prefer, just because it's legal doesn't mean it should be).

Actually we do get to vote to legalize pot. I'm sure there are people running for office all the time that say they will do just that.. and they never get voted in. So yes the the people spoke and they dont want it legalized.

also the speed laws are not only for public safety but for fuel economy as well.

Teh sad thing is that there is enough violence to police officers during routine traffic stops that they do get nervous and usually ere on the side of them going home safe and sound to there family.

if he goes to far and gets fired he is still alive, if he is not careful and gets killed he is dead

if you make a bad judgement call at your job will you get killed? will you leave your kids orphaned your wife a widow?

again, as funny as the video of Chris Rock is.. he is spot on!!!

 

[nick1000000]

Yes, but just because the laws are on the books does not make them just. I don't think I'm alone in my belief that we should let people do what they will so long as they don't harm another person. Speeding laws in residential areas are justified - you can't predict when someone will dart out from around the corner. Drug possession and gay marriage harm nobody but those who volunteer themselves to be involved.

First off, I really hope you did not mean that gay men and women harm themselves or others because they are gay.
Second, you just supported my argument. "People can do what they want so long as they don't harm another person." When they do harm someone else they break a law. If they harm themselves or others and there is no law they make one for it. Why is speeding illegal? Like you said so people cannot harm other people with their cars. Also because insurance companies don't want to pay for your injuries that you caused yourself. Why are tinted windows illegal? Because one time a cop was injured because they could not see into the driver side window.
These laws are just. It is just hard to understand the reason for them. Sometimes it is about the money, sometimes it is about the safety of others and themselves. Want to hear a funny one? In Sacramento, it is illegal to rummage through your own garbage can.

 

[nick1000000]

I agree with you Schupo that some laws are just pointless. I will not call them unjust though. When it comes to a law being in place for the safety of others I will obey it and defend it.
I think we have totally derailed the topic though. That video was really funny.

 

[darien87]

You can call the law whatever you want, I took offense of you bad mouthing the men and women paid to uphold those laws. They're just doing their job dude.

I have no problem with a cop enforcing the law. Just enforce the ones that make sense and will actually do some good for the community. Though I think that the speeding ticket I got last month is BS, at least it makes a modicum of sense; slower traffic should lead to safer streets. My having tinted windows has NOTHING to do with public safety.

If a cop is just doing his job by enforcing the law, then why don't they enforce EVERY law? I know there are numerous antiquated laws still on the books that are just plain stupid. I believe that there's an old law on the books that forbids sodomy. So are you saying that if I feel like doin' my wife in the *** some night, a cop has the right to come and arrest me? Of course not, because that law is stupid. Just like the tint law is stupid. I admit this is an extreme example, but I'm just trying to make a point. Cops should be spending their time doing things that make the public safer, not writing bullshit tickets in an effort to fill the city's coffers.

I'm sorry that you're offended, but the way I have been treated by cops in the past has led to the way I feel about them. Cops hassle me for bullshit reasons, therefore I think they are *****. It's as simple as that.

 

[Schupo]

First off, I really hope you did not mean that gay men and women harm themselves or others because they are gay.

No, I mean that gay men and women harm themselves by getting married.

Second, you just supported my argument. "People can do what they want so long as they don't harm another person." When they do harm someone else they break a law.

Pot harms nobody but themselves. Well, you can make the argument that it harms those around them because it makes you lazy and then you hear "I want my old friend back", but that's a foolish argument.

If they harm themselves or others and there is no law they make one for it. Why is speeding illegal? Like you said so people cannot harm other people with their cars. Also because insurance companies don't want to pay for your injuries that you caused yourself. Why are tinted windows illegal? Because one time a cop was injured because they could not see into the driver side window.

Agreed with everything you said there, except I don't give a hoot about insurance companies. They don't want to pay at all.

Edit: Except for tinted windows. I believe that my rights come before the rights of police officers. The officers are there to serve (the people) and protect (the people), not infringe upon my fashion sense. An officer can tell the person being pulled over to roll their windows down and put their hands out where they can see them before they approach the car. So much for tint at that point.

Actually we do get to vote to legalize pot. I'm sure there are people running for office all the time that say they will do just that.. and they never get voted in. So yes the the people spoke and they dont want it legalized.

Not exactly. On some levels (local), marijuana laws would pass with flying colors. Unfortunately, when you get up to the state level, money gets so intertwined with politics that the two party system really shines. Independents are occasionally elected to state offices, but only if they're running on platforms that parallel already existing parties.

Also, industry gets their hands into politics by means of lobbyists. Look into why cannabis is illegal in the first place. Hint: It has nothing to do with it being a drug.

 

[nick1000000]

Pot harms nobody but themselves. Well, you can make the argument that it harms those around them because it makes you lazy and then you hear "I want my old friend back", but that's a foolish argument.

This argument can be debated for days. For the record I agree with you.

Agreed with everything you said there, except I don't give a hoot about insurance companies. They don't want to pay at all.

I know they don't want to pay but they do come into play when laws are made.

 

[CraigV]

There are law makers (those who get voted into office) and law enforcers (the police). Don’t confuse the two – the police don’t make the laws, they enforce them. Speeding has been shown to lead to accidents, injuries and deaths – THAT’S why it’s illegal. Just because you don’t agree with a law doesn’t entitle you to a free pass.

Perhaps what some people here need is a fresh perspective - If you’re still not convinced, go try living in Somalia, North Korea, Iran…law enforcer/law maker/judge/jury all rolled into the same gun toting guy. You’ll thank the American Officer for giving you that speeding ticket, and be more than happy to pay it.

 

[rnatalli]

There are law makers (those who get voted into office) and law enforcers (the police). Don’t confuse the two – the police don’t make the laws, they enforce them. Speeding has been shown to lead to accidents, injuries and deaths – THAT’S why it’s illegal. Just because you don’t agree with a law doesn’t entitle you to a free pass.

I agree with this. My problem is when cops are rude and abusive. Granted, some people deserve it, but many do not. It also bothers me when I see a cop car parked at a hydrant while they're visiting a friend across the street. If it's an emergency situation, I understand not caring about parking, but not when visiting their friends. Look for parking like everyone else. Then of course there's the turn on your lights to get through an intersection to your favorite pizza shop which I've seen them do. These sorts of things disgust me even though I realize they don't represent the majority of the police force.

 

[adwilk]

I have no problem with a cop enforcing the law. Just enforce the ones that make sense and will actually do some good for the community.

According to darien? You'll decide which ones make sense? I have several buddies in law enforcement and its the jackasses that get treated as such. I'm going to assume that if your attitude had been better in the situation (multiple situations it sounds like) you would have been treated with more respect. I also know a guy personally who was put in a very compromising situation due to darkened windows. For the record, its also for the drivers safety at night.

THE FACT IS, as a citizen with far more privileges than so many other people in this world don't have, it wont kill you to follow a few rules. I get so G D sick of people thinking the world revolves around them and they should be the exception. Obey the law and you wont get into trouble. How freakin hard is that? Dont sit around calling BS, just freakin do it. Its the LEAST you owe this country that I'd imagine you havent done a damn thing for.

Just or unjust, it is what it is and you deserve no more pardon than the next guy. Quit thinking you're "owed" something. Its disgusting...

 

[Schupo]

Perhaps what some people here need is a fresh perspective - If you’re still not convinced, go try living in Somalia, North Korea, Iran…law enforcer/law maker/judge/jury all rolled into the same gun toting guy. You’ll thank the American Officer for giving you that speeding ticket, and be more than happy to pay it.

So because another country has it worse, we can't expect ours to improve?

 

[CraigV]

So because another country has it worse, we can't expect ours to improve?

I’m in no way suggesting the system we have is perfect - because it’s run by humans, whom are not perfect either. I was suggesting that sometimes people need to experience adversity in order to appreciate how good they have it.

 

[darien87]

I agree with this. My problem is when cops are rude and abusive. Granted, some people deserve it, but many do not. It also bothers me when I see a cop car parked at a hydrant while they're visiting a friend across the street. If it's an emergency situation, I understand not caring about parking, but not when visiting their friends. Look for parking like everyone else. Then of course there's the turn on your lights to get through an intersection to your favorite pizza shop which I've seen them do. These sorts of things disgust me even though I realize they don't represent the majority of the police force.

I've seen cops driving while talking on their hand-held cell phones!!!

 

[darien87]

According to darien? You'll decide which ones make sense? I have several buddies in law enforcement and its the jackasses that get treated as such. I'm going to assume that if your attitude had been better in the situation (multiple situations it sounds like) you would have been treated with more respect. I also know a guy personally who was put in a very compromising situation due to darkened windows. For the record, its also for the drivers safety at night.

THE FACT IS, as a citizen with far more privileges than so many other people in this world don't have, it wont kill you to follow a few rules. I get so G D sick of people thinking the world revolves around them and they should be the exception. Obey the law and you wont get into trouble. How freakin hard is that? Dont sit around calling BS, just freakin do it. Its the LEAST you owe this country that I'd imagine you havent done a damn thing for.

Just or unjust, it is what it is and you deserve no more pardon than the next guy. Quit thinking you're "owed" something. Its disgusting...

Bullshit dude. Cops are *****. One of the times that I remember that really pisses me off, was simply sitting in front of my college girlfriends house after a date. Cop rolls by slowly and proceeds on his way. After she and I said our goodbyes, I proceed on my way home. Well I guess this cop went down the street and decided to wait for me. Because here come the lights and I'm getting pulled over. Cop walks up to my window and says, "Why were you sitting in front of that house?" I tell him, "I was dropping off my GF." He then grills me for about 10 minutes about what business I have being in the neighborhood. At the time I was just a scared teenager, so I just answered his questions and was happy as hell when he let me go. I gave the cop NO attitude whatsoever. It wasn't until later, when I had a chance to look back on the situation, that I was able to see what a **** the cop had been to me. There was NO explanation for why he pulled me over. Had there been some robberies in the neighborhood recently? Were they looking for someone that had a similar vehicle as mine? Who knows.

So you're sick of people me that complain about cops' behavior?!? Well I'm GD sick of people like you that give cops a free pass and automatically assume that if someone is mistreated by a cop that it must have been their fault! I assure you that that is not always the case. Sometimes cops are just *****. I know guys from high school that became cops. They were ***** in high school and now they're ***** as cops. They can't stand that they're not the big man on campus anymore, so they had to go out and get a job where they could push people around legally.

You and I are obviously never going to see eye-to-eye on this, so you might as well just drop it.

 

[owen252]

that is well bad

 

[chris357]

Bullshit dude. Cops are *****. One of the times that I remember that really pisses me off, was simply sitting in front of my college girlfriends house after a date. Cop rolls by slowly and proceeds on his way. After she and I said our goodbyes, I proceed on my way home. Well I guess this cop went down the street and decided to wait for me. Because here come the lights and I'm getting pulled over. Cop walks up to my window and says, "Why were you sitting in front of that house?" I tell him, "I was dropping off my GF." He then grills me for about 10 minutes about what business I have being in the neighborhood. At the time I was just a scared teenager, so I just answered his questions and was happy as hell when he let me go. I gave the cop NO attitude whatsoever. It wasn't until later, when I had a chance to look back on the situation, that I was able to see what a **** the cop had been to me. There was NO explanation for why he pulled me over. Had there been some robberies in the neighborhood recently? Were they looking for someone that had a similar vehicle as mine? Who knows.

So you're sick of people me that complain about cops' behavior?!? Well I'm GD sick of people like you that give cops a free pass and automatically assume that if someone is mistreated by a cop that it must have been their fault! I assure you that that is not always the case. Sometimes cops are just *****. I know guys from high school that became cops. They were ***** in high school and now they're ***** as cops. They can't stand that they're not the big man on campus anymore, so they had to go out and get a job where they could push people around legally.

You and I are obviously never going to see eye-to-eye on this, so you might as well just drop it.

i dont think anyone is disputing whether some police officers have the capacity to be jerks. we all have that amazing gift

its how we handle ourselves with these officers that either A, just get us a ticket and move on to where we we going, or B, get our asses tazed or worse yet beat up.

if rodney king had NOT been on drugs, and just pulled over for the police, and then NOT tried to beat the crap out of them... he would probably not gotten his *** kicked. in fact truth be told with as much force as it took to get rodney king subdued he's lucky they didnt shoot him.. i think those officers showed amazing restraint.

i think that now that there is video in cars, and people walk around antagonizing police if they have a cam corder..

we all have stories of that one time in our lives when we were actually NOT speeding when we got pulled over. you know what though i actually have stories of an officer not giving me a tickets when i actually was... and i even admited to the guy I was speeding..


I think some people any time they get close to a police officer they get an adge.. and that edge comes off as attitude and aggression.. you might not think you were being an *** to the cop but maybe you really were..

 

[darien87]

Its the LEAST you owe this country that I'd imagine you havent done a damn thing for.

Just or unjust, it is what it is and you deserve no more pardon than the next guy. Quit thinking you're "owed" something. Its disgusting...

I didn't even notice this statement before. This country that I haven't done a damn thing for?!?!? I was 97 Bravo in the U.S. Army smart guy. Don't even begin to think that you know me in ANY way, shape or form!!!

I'd tell you to go shove your opinions up your ***, but I don't want to get an infraction.

 

[darien87]

its how we handle ourselves with these officers that either A, just get us a ticket and move on to where we we going, or B, get our asses tazed or worse yet beat up.

i think that now that there is video in cars, and people walk around antagonizing police if they have a cam corder..

I think some people any time they get close to a police officer they get an adge.. and that edge comes off as attitude and aggression.. you might not think you were being an *** to the cop but maybe you really were..

Well, luckily I'm at least smart enough to not antagonize a police officer. I think the people that go around with camcorder's in their car are just trying to incite a reaction from LEO's.

It's only natural to feel fear when you're pulled over by the police. Just by the very nature of the situation, you're going to be defensive. You've been pulled over and now you've got someone, who is armed, telling you that you did something wrong, and you might not even be aware of the problem. The only time I've given attitude to a LEO was after getting the ticket for my tinted windows. And I waited until AFTER he had given me the ticket. I had just had enough since I had received a speeding ticket barely a month before, and being ticketed for tinted windows is bullshit. I reiterate, if it's about public or officer safety, why isn't their just one law for the whole country? The sun shines the same in California as it does in Arkansas or Maine. Driver/officer safety my ***.

 

[nibhaz]

I’m not sure that it’s valid, but it seems that there are racial issues at play in this conversation that may be going unspoken.

At least for Darien, whom I believe is AA, might be expressing a general frustration at being racially profiled, or at least perceived to be racially profiled. I can’t fathom what type anger or distrust that might occur if I was pulled over or suspected of something simply based on skin color. And if it happened once, do you then wonder if every time you’re pulled over whether or not you did something or whether it was due to your skin color? It would be hard to let that suspicion go, in my mind.

Just playing armchair psychologist.