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The Inside Story on Police Militarization

The Inside Story on Police Militarization
Mon, 7/30/2012 - by Al Jazeera

Extreme police tactics are not a new phenomenon in the U.S. But in the age of social media, police violence, such as the shooting of unarmed people and the use of pepper spray and taser guns, are being documented for the world to see. Occupy protesters throughout the country felt the full force of police tactics - many are subject to violent arrest.

It is more than 20 years since the beating of Rodney King was caught on video and the footage shocked the world. But two decades later, how much has changed? Police in Anaheim shot and killed Manuel Diaz, an unarmed man who they said was running from them; local residents say the Latino men were victims of racial profiling and an overly aggressive police force. Anaheim's mayor says federal officials have agreed to investigate the shootings. But the city, where there have been six fatal police shootings this year, is now being compared to a powder keg.

So is policing in the U.S. becoming increasingly militarized? To discuss this, Inside Story Americas, with presenter Shihab Rattansi, is joined by guests: Jumana Musa, a human rights lawyer who is deputy director of the Rights Working Group; Gustavo Arellano, the editor of the OC Weekly, a newspaper that has been covering the shootings; and Raymond Lewis, a retired Philadelphia police captain who was arrested by New York police while taking part in the Occupy Wall Street protests last year.

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Article Tabs

Yarvin saw the “red pill” as the realization that the Enlightenment ideals he came to associate with “the cathedral” and democracy are actually a poison leading to societal decadence and decline.

It is clear that authoritarian fascists, in the United States and elsewhere, do not want education that promotes critical thinking.

As the American public continues to publicly stand up to the administration, Trump’s grip on power will eventually slip.

If Trump indeed tanks your 401(k) to make himself and his friends even richer, the opposition party should make that the centerpiece of their attack heading into next year’s election.

The burgeoning pro-democracy, anti-Trump movement known as 50501 expects to drive tens and possibly hundreds of thousands to protest in 1,000 cities and towns on Saturday.

Yarvin saw the “red pill” as the realization that the Enlightenment ideals he came to associate with “the cathedral” and democracy are actually a poison leading to societal decadence and decline.

It is clear that authoritarian fascists, in the United States and elsewhere, do not want education that promotes critical thinking.

As the American public continues to publicly stand up to the administration, Trump’s grip on power will eventually slip.

In many European countries, the far right holds or shares power. Democracy is in crisis.

If Trump indeed tanks your 401(k) to make himself and his friends even richer, the opposition party should make that the centerpiece of their attack heading into next year’s election.

The burgeoning pro-democracy, anti-Trump movement known as 50501 expects to drive tens and possibly hundreds of thousands to protest in 1,000 cities and towns on Saturday.

Posted 1 month 3 days ago

In many European countries, the far right holds or shares power. Democracy is in crisis.

Posted 3 weeks 4 days ago

If Trump indeed tanks your 401(k) to make himself and his friends even richer, the opposition party should make that the centerpiece of their attack heading into next year’s election.

Posted 3 weeks 4 days ago

The only thing overshadowing the evil of the regime is its incompetence. And the people are only just beginning to realize the power we have.

Posted 1 month 3 days ago

As the American public continues to publicly stand up to the administration, Trump’s grip on power will eventually slip.

Posted 6 days 6 hours ago

In many European countries, the far right holds or shares power. Democracy is in crisis.

If Trump indeed tanks your 401(k) to make himself and his friends even richer, the opposition party should make that the centerpiece of their attack heading into next year’s election.