I think both poor black communities and many police officers regard themselves as being in a state of war with one another. And they both have good reasons for feeling this way reinforced by their daily experience of each other. I think understanding the problem in terms the police acting as the repressive arm of a racist state is about as useful as seeing the problem in terms of the inherent criminality of the black community. Both views are part of the problem and what keeps the US in this mess. What can be depressing is that good people have made massive efforts to improve things
Society is in a bit of a pickle. It`s all too easy and convenient for the Federal State to sit on the sidelines and watch a tidal wave of social disillusionment and frustration launched and aimed at local and state Law Enforcement (LE) - who, to many ordinary citizens, are seen as the, as you say " repressive arm of a racist state". But where is the real problem, the deeper problem ? Surely it`s about more than the state of a nation`s policing.
Don`t get me wrong, i`m not defending the cop in the incident involving George Floyd. There seems little doubt that the Cop`s arrest and subsequent murder charge is appropriate and justice will take its course. Policing in the USA, as elsewhere, faces many challenges, but there is never an excuse for criminal behaviour from LE officers, never. I`ve actually worked in the USA with a number of LEA`s, so have some insight into their skill spectrum and working conditions.
So, I`m not saying that the police have no blame in the current situation. But I am saying that out of the almost one million LE officers in the USA the proportion of bad apples is very,very small. But, my point is this: i`m also saying that it`s not down to the police to put right the social wrongs, lack of opportunity and injustices that handicap many in poorer sections of society. That`s the job of the (Federal) State - the politicians. Thing is, who are they most loyal too ?????
I wonder whether society has drifted too far into Supercapitalism ? Where there`s a growing conflict between democracy and capitalism (As Robert Reich argues). He says :
"As citizens, we have ideals, but as consumers, we have needs. We abhor child labour, for instance, but we want a cheap pair of jeans. And we might be dismayed over the High Street`s demise, but we still look for bargains at Wal-Mart. Advancements in technology and a growing, dynamic economy set the stage for corporate competition to enter politics. Today, companies battle it out with other companies, fighting for laws and regulations that favor them and disadvantage their competitors. Such pressures make it more difficult for citizens to have a meaningful say in public policy."
Does Big Business, through political "lobby", have too big an influence on society ? Does it`s ability to influence and shape self-interest leave the wider agenda on social equality too much in the shadows ? Can politicians with genuine motivation to make society a better, more equal place, ever make lasting headway ?
Or does it just suit Big Business to have large pockets of poorer, less privileged people on hand, available to exploit. Who`s really pulling the strings when it come to politics ?
I`m asking, Guv`nor, exactly who`s exploiting whom ? Does anyone have the answer ?
