Forum Post: Show compassion to the police.
Posted 13 years ago on Oct. 15, 2011, 5:07 a.m. EST by Gravelsack
(2)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
First off let me say that I am a supporter of the Occupy movement. I have seen some videos lately of police violence, and I want to remind anyone who may read this to please, for the sake of your cause, show compassion to the police. The police are actually not your enemy. They are underpaid overworked citizens just like yourself, and right now they are facing one of the most challenging situations that their job can present: A large, organized group of potentially hostile civilians. Think about it from their perspective. It is their job to keep the peace. They MUST show up to police you because if they don't they will lose their job, and their families will suffer. They are under a significant psychological stress as they walk among you. They are surrounded and outnumbered on all sides by an openly hostile group of civilians. I am not advocating or excusing police brutality, but try to see it from their perspective.
Also: Remember, if this protest explodes in widespread violence then your cause is lost. Retain your composure at all times and do not succumb to baiting. Nonviolent protest is the only way to maintain legitimacy.
Thank you for this excellect reminder! You are right, neither the police nor the military are by any means our opponents. On the contrary, they have taken much of the brunt of trying to hold together a society in critical decline due to massive moral and fiscal corruption. Let's let them know that we appreciate that sacrifice.
also, if you look at a lot of the videos that only show the police getting violent, they dont show the multiple verbal warnings that im sure these people were issued.
Thanks for saying that, or as I said in my comment. They don't make enough to pay for their kids' college educations either