The real shame of the police crackdown on Occupy protests

[matt819]

is that the police themselves are the 99%. They have undoubtedly seen their pensions and benefits cut. When municipalities cut back, police might not be the first to go, but their jobs are at risk. Their homes are under water, and you know full well they don't have any more in savings than the rest of the 99%. And yet, there they are, shooting former troops with rubber bullets, following the commands of their corporate masters to tear down the tents and remove the generators. In NY, particularly, first responders have been treated like dirt when it comes to illnesses from serving at ground zero a decade ago. Sure, I know, they can't afford to lose their jobs, etc., but they lose a little more of their souls every day they are fighting those who represent them more than anyone else has.

[Arctic Dave]

1. It is the mentality of a dog trying to please their masters.

If they willing enough and do all the tricks they are told to do, they think they will somehow be rewarded with a special treat.

[Fumesucker]

2. Eh, kicking protester ass *is* the special treat..

[randome]

5. Right. I'm sure all cops think alike.

Any time you put two large groups of people in a confrontational situation, things will inevitably get out of control.

The police claimed the protesters were throwing things and they reacted and things got out of hand.

There is a video showing mass confusion but it is from one point of view. It is impossible to know how it started unless you can simultaneously watch every person at the same moment in time.

I'm not defending the Oakland police. I'm saying they're not soulless monsters or mindless animals, either.

[Arctic Dave]

6. The, "they started it" excuse.

Funny how they people there were completely peaceful before up to the riot control showed up and poof, they turn into a mob throwing things.

[randome]

7. I don't know what happened. I wasn't there.

I guess you weren't, either.

All I'm saying is neither of us knows how it started and these kind of events are inevitable until OWS gets a coherent message to deliver.

I'm not at all on the 'side' of the police. I'm on the side of OWS but that doesn't mean I won't recognize that a large group of people taking up residence in public areas for an extended period of time won't create unnecessary conflict.

[Arctic Dave]

10. Somehow I doubt you are on their side.

Considering you are parroting "no coherent message" nonsense.

[randome]

11. 'Nonsense', huh?

And 'parroting'. It couldn't be that I came to this conclusion on my own, could it? Can't have rational discussions on a DU forum, can we?

[jwirr]

3. They think they are going to keep their jobs if they obey. Sure for

a bit. But as soon as they no longer need you - there goes the pension, the benefits and the job is privatized. Oh sure a few will get hired by the security agencies but nor for the same wages, etc.

[GliderGuider]

4. The underlying authoritarian mindset and the closed community of the police...

...makes them very easy for their masters to manipulate.

On edit: If you think of "the police" psychologically as uber-Republicans or teabaggers you won't be far off the mark. Individual policemen many agree with OWS and recognize their 99% status, but the threat of losing their jobs in this economy, along with peer pressure will keep them from breaking ranks.

[Riftaxe]

8. Uhm yes, a very closed community, all it takes is being in

moderate shape, and a trip through a state academy. If you want to increase your chances of being hired go get a CJ degree at your local CC.

Basically it is only closed to those to lazy to make the effort, or have previously chosen to take a criminal path in life.

[GliderGuider]

9. Sorry I wasn't more clear - I didn't mean it that way.

I meant it in the sense that they have their own world-view and internal normative mechanisms that are not present in (or shared with) the outside world. Military units, monastic orders, and cults of various sorts are examples of closed communities that operate in similar ways. You can get in easily enough, but once in you must adopt the community's views and values if you wish to remain in. The famous "Blue Wall of Silence" is visible evidence of the closed nature of the police community.