Focusing on the vandalism is petty compared to the reason for the protests. Focusing on any violence toward the police is not a great complaint because they are refusing to use the equipment they have been provided by the public to successfully convict people of breaking the law. There are enough videos of police abusing their power that we've lost the ability to take their word for it. No jury would convict a protester after seeing the videos of police brutality here in Portland, so it's pointless to charge them unless the police are providing rock solid evidence. Like video.
Supporting the police refusing to collect evidence opens you up to criticism.
Supporting this police behavior is really tough to understand. And if you don't support police brutality and abuse if the public you should be in support of the protests, encouraging police reform. So they will be better prepared.
If you don't have an opinion then you are a part of the problem.
I don't say that in a judging way, but as a matter of fact.
So i understand you have provided info that there is funding for cameras.
Im sorry i do not have time today to open the link and read. Ill take your word for it. Do you know if it shows whether they have tried to get more cameras?
im asking because last year if they wanted cameras but didn't have them, they likely wouldn't have gotten them. Most mfgs were shut down( though i suppose the gvmt could have deemed camera makers as essential)
but now there is a shortage of everything. So even if they were trying to order cameras they would be a ways out.
So my point on that was if they didn't already have the cameras in place im not sure they could have got them up to do this on a large scale.
To the other point, at least for me, i never on e minimized the police abuse. I never once said cameras dont matter other than im not sure they would have the impact some think they would in this situation and circumstance. But in no way is that saying it doesn't matter.
Yet i recall two specific people who railed on me about both siding and supporting killer cops. And a few others that insinuated as much.
No big deal as long as we can communicate now without bashing one another for differences of opinions.
But there is no doubt i was judged pretty harshly based off of a few statements without a request for clarity prior to slamming the hammer down on me with a verdict.
Anyhow, Ive never once said cameras shouldn't be used and ive agreed with you they should be used. Ive said if cops are refusing to use them then they should be at a desk.
but all of this doesn't change the fact that many of the criminals are being protected in part by the protestors and that makes the job more difficult aNd is also considered aiding and abeding.
Then there is the over crowded issue. If cops arrested every protestor for aiding and abeding they wouldnt have room for everyone. So as a cop, what would you do and or feel if you knew that you could make the arrest but they will be back on the streets in 24 hours and right back at it again. Even with evidence to convict.
Maybe the laws should be more detailed? Vandalize a government building and its a misdemeanor, vandalize a privately owned building its a felony?
My main concern isn't the cops imo. Its the business owners of this town and the perception we are giving for businesses looking to potentially settle here.
there is responsibility to be had by all is all ive really ever said.
Edit: obviously the main concern are the victims of racist cops, etc. i meant between the cops and small business owners my main concern is....