Forum Post: NYPD is not the enemy.
Posted 12 years ago on Oct. 6, 2011, 5:07 p.m. EST by opsysbug
(0)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
NYPD is working class dudes like us remember? Making a mistake of thinking otherwise is foolish. Try communicating with them and getting them to help facilitate what needs to be done. Keep the focus and don't be cowboy. You might be suprised at the result. Making the Police the enemy and fighting against them every day only shows lack of compassion and intelligence. There are good cops and bad cops just the same way as Dentists, Nurses etc. strike up a conversation today a see what happens. Imagine if the Police/Army joined us?
Be sympathetic. I really like the person who said to one of the cops that he was just a budget cut away from joining in on the occupation. This is certainly the case here in Ohio, where police and fire fighters are under attack, as well as teachers and nurses.
Perhaps it would be a good idea to remind them that their pensions are likely to be targets in any budget showdown? Just look at what happened in Wisconsin.
sorry, the reverse is true. trying to make friends with a pit viper is only going to get you bit.
Individual police officers may have a change of conscience and abandon their jobs, remove their uniforms, and work to reconnect with the population they once policed. But the police are a violent institution with the job of maintaining business as usual. Our Enemies in Blue by Kristian Williams is a good history of police in the US with a good analysis of how they have been and are currently used to repress dissent and protect capitalism and the rich. In a very real sense, police officers are the enemies of anyone attempting to create radical change. Individual police officers stop being our enemies when they quit their jobs and join the struggle against their former officers. That said, it is very rare that police defect and I think time would be better spent recruiting support from everyone else and imagining/preparing strategies to counter the violence of the state.
A very astute and commendable post. As I commented in my own topic, I suggest sending representatives to speak among their unions and orders. Talk with them about their personal issues and add their desires to your cause. These guys are people with families just like us.. Use this to your advantage and gain allies. The cops will be less likely to use that mace or club when they know you are fighting for them!
I agree, that is VERY astute, opsysbug, and morriden's excellent ideas should be incoporated in the plan. Remember how astute the Tahrir Square demonstrators were in getting the ARMY on their side. They went so far as to chant the praises of the Egyptian army for weeks, and the result was unbelievable: the army actually sided with the people against Mubarak!
Granted, whether it be police, army or whoever, there will be some bad apples, but labeling a whole group "pigs" or "goons" will NOT get you anywhere, but instead sabotage your best efforts! Try to resist the temptation to taunt or use swear words or abusive language. If you are religiously inclined, try to stay focused on "praying for those who persecute you".
I have a strong sense that a great majority of police and army in this country are already, in their hearts, leaning strongly in favor of the OWS Movement. This must be carefully nurtured and encouraged, just as it was on Tahrir Square. Perhaps, when things get tense between police and demonstrators, there could be chants of "You too are the 99%" or "We are fighting for your rights too!"
In reality they are working class. But if they use violence, are caught on tape, and their superiors refuse to do anything about it, then they are all THUGS in my book, and nothing more than a GOON.
Today they are your enemy. With words and a show of compassion tomorrow they will apart of your army.
We are all in this together to create a change, a future... No matter the outcome of this peaceful protest, your children and their children will look upon our actions. They could become our greatest oratorator or our worst nightmare.
Im not saying bend over, its comming in dry and hard.. I am saying be smart and think..
you're right, be smart and think. I have been holding this in for 10 F ing years. Thanks.
Great post! Totally agree.
This is true more so among the rank and file, but one needs to remain vigilant nonetheless. I believe that the time will come when their loyalty will be put to the test.
Amen. Got to keep things like this in perspective. They probably hate having to do their job during times like these.
bingo
agreed