Ever since 911 it seems that a lot of Cops have taken on new persona...

[busterbrown]

That they are the last line of defense against Terrorism in our Country..

That they are to be feared,respected and deferred to at all times by everyone..

And it seems as though they act as if we don’t employ them..

Am I alone on this line of thinking?

http://happyplace.someecards.com/28737/man-detained-by-police-for-giving-homeless-guy-75-cents

[valerief]

1. They're the Soviet-era thug cops we heard about back in the 60s and 70s. nt

[JaneyVee]

2. They give off that 'everyone's a suspect' vibe instead of that 'protect and serve' vibe

[warrant46]

3. The Marine type high and tight haircuts are the tip off

And the references to "civilians"-- by the same wannabe ass kickers.

Many of them think they are fighting the Taliban

The "Real" Taliban would kick the Local Cops ass

[Dawson Leery]

4. The result of glorifying the uniform and authority after 9/11.

[arely staircase]

5. they have always thought themselves thus. nt

[busterbrown]

6. Not so much, when I was a kid..

Ego filled, yes... But not like today..

[arely staircase]

7. they have entusiastically militarized themselves in the last decade or so

9/11 probably accelerated that but it didn't cause it.

[Downwinder]

8. Think it started well before that.

I would date it to FBI training of local enforcement.

[Historic NY]

9. Its more about work ethic, than anything else.

[oldhippie]

10. Power corrupts .....

... and lack of consequences is no help, either.