The war of drugs, and most other similar initiatives, mainly exist as tools for “law enforcement”. In reality , “law enforcement” is primarily aimed at the lower classes when they step out of line.
It’s extremely important to recognize that “laws” are enforced selectively. Those with power, money, and influence rarely suffer anything more than performative punishment, and only when not doing so might cause a substantial public backlash.
At the start of the war on drugs with Nixon, it was recognized (openly in conversations made public thanks to Watergate) as an extremely convenient way for cops to target and control blacks and anti-war protesters.
This continues today. Cop pulls you over and gets suspicious because you aren’t white… “Is that marijuana I smell? I’m going to have to search your vehicle to find or, maybe even plant, something I can use to charge you with a crime.” … “You don’t consent? That’s sounds really suspicious. What are you hiding? Nothing? Well then it’d be easier if you just consent. It’s really in your best interest.” … “Still no? Well, I hope you don’t have somewhere to be, I’m going to have to call a K-9 in while I take 30 minutes to write up your ticket…”
Protects civilians and good cops. Exposes bad ones. Willfully shutting off your bodycam during an incident should be a 3 strikes rule. Mistake? Warning. Two times? Suspended without pay. Three times? Fired.
Also BANNED FROM BEING HIRED ELSEWHERE.
Too many fucking times a corrupt/awful cop just goes to another branch to keep working. Should be stricter than the military. Dishonorable discharged.
The war of drugs, and most other similar initiatives, mainly exist as tools for “law enforcement”. In reality , “law enforcement” is primarily aimed at the lower classes when they step out of line.
It’s extremely important to recognize that “laws” are enforced selectively. Those with power, money, and influence rarely suffer anything more than performative punishment, and only when not doing so might cause a substantial public backlash.
At the start of the war on drugs with Nixon, it was recognized (openly in conversations made public thanks to Watergate) as an extremely convenient way for cops to target and control blacks and anti-war protesters.
This continues today. Cop pulls you over and gets suspicious because you aren’t white… “Is that marijuana I smell? I’m going to have to search your vehicle to find or, maybe even plant, something I can use to charge you with a crime.” … “You don’t consent? That’s sounds really suspicious. What are you hiding? Nothing? Well then it’d be easier if you just consent. It’s really in your best interest.” … “Still no? Well, I hope you don’t have somewhere to be, I’m going to have to call a K-9 in while I take 30 minutes to write up your ticket…”
This is why I support bodycams.
Protects civilians and good cops. Exposes bad ones. Willfully shutting off your bodycam during an incident should be a 3 strikes rule. Mistake? Warning. Two times? Suspended without pay. Three times? Fired.
Also BANNED FROM BEING HIRED ELSEWHERE.
Too many fucking times a corrupt/awful cop just goes to another branch to keep working. Should be stricter than the military. Dishonorable discharged.