(no subject)

[darxus]

http://www.copblock.org/5475/when-should-you-shoot-a-cop/

'Most of the incomprehensible atrocities that have occurred throughout history were due in large part to the fact that most people answer “never” to the question of “When should you shoot a cop?”'

But it couldn't happen here?

Comments

Re: Major fail

[milktree.livejournal.com]

Wex, I think you are *exactly* the sort who the author is talking about when he says, "...makes most “law-abiding taxpayers” go into knee-jerk conniptions."

What do you suggest we (or anyone) do about routine, institutionalized violations of our rights by those using the cover of law?

Re: Major fail

[drwex]

Oh, please. Even you have to admit that there is such a concept as proportion and appropriateness. I may be allowed to do something, but to suggest that someone who prevents me doing it gives me the right to use unbounded force in retaliation is flat-out absurd.

I may be allowed to walk down the street. Someone blocks my way - should I be permitted to slit his throat in response? If you honestly think the answer is "yes" or even "maybe" then we don't have even a shred of a basis for conversation.

If you accept that there is proportionality of response, then the question is what determines proportionality. That system, more or less since Hammurabi, is called "laws". Part of the system of laws is the delegation of some or all responsibility for enforcing them. Nowadays we call the entity to which we delegate that responsibility "police".

If you're still with me in conceptual structure then we are in agreement and the essayist is wrong. If you fell off the progression somewhere then you are describing something other than a modern society and we're likely not sufficiently close in concept.

And if you think any of this is "knee-jerk conniptions" well then I don't know what to say to you.