Aren't the police concerned about their pensions/unions?

[mod mom]

I have usually been on the opposite side of the police during rallies until this spring when their right to organize was under attack (and after our Lehman Brothers/FAUX News Contributor governor called the police "idiots" in a public event that was recorded for giving him a ticket while driving). I would think after the bad treatment that 1st responder received after 9/11 regarding their healthcare needs, the police would be moving towards realizing that they have been used. Does anyone know NYC police that side with the protesters or are they willing to overlook their best interests and protect the powers that be?

[msongs]

1. dull boring jobs make people want to do crazy things when given a chance nt

[izquierdista]

2. Perplexing dilemma

The "white shirts" who are the beneficiaries of Jamie Dimon's largesse probably aren't too concerned; they know who butters their bread. The average rank and file cop on the beat, he may not be so willing to accept being crapped on.

When the palace guard drop their weapons and abandon their posts, THAT is when the revolution is inevitable.

[mod mom]

3. Are the "white shirts" union members?

I honestly don't know. :hi:

[izquierdista]

5. Maybe at some point they were

The farther up the management ladder they go, the farther they get from the concerns of the union members. Those that can do what the city wants -- contain costs, curry political favor, look tough on crime, they get promoted. Those concerned with pensions, working conditions and safety, they may advance in the union, but would have a difficult time on the management ladder.

[TacoD]

7. NYPD "white shirts" are represented by the Captains Endowment Association www.nypdcea.org (nt)

[me b zola]

4. I attempted to make a similar argument

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2064924

I really think that we should reach out to the blue-shirts. It won't be as easy to beat the crap out of people once you identify with them.

[KamaAina]

6. They sure are in San Jose

the budget-slashing mayor just laid off about 100 uniformed cops. This probably explains why a police cruiser going past Occupy San Jose downtown used its bullhorn to thank the people for protesting!

[mod mom]

8. good news! thanks.

[libinnyandia]

9. Police concerns

One thing I've noticed while living in NYC and seeing problems in states like Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, etc. the police and firefighter unions' members quite often vote Republican. Why, I don't know. I think it may be because they think of themselves as different than the common person. Maybe someone else has insight into why so many act against their own best interests.

[TacoD]

10. On the flip side

I have often heard or read right-wingers excepting police and firefighter unions from their anti-union rhetoric, making statements along the lines of "Abolish public employee unions except for police and fire!"

[mod mom]

11. The arrogance of this asshole helped change things in Ohio:

Kasich repeatedly calling cops idiots:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF0_Qe4zNrE

that & Kasich's attempt to kill off their unions!