aptFarmer
Member
So after recently read several disturbing articles about police violence, I was intrigued to do some research:
- From the years 1980-2005, I have counted approximately 3,850 documented American casualties from terrorist attacks, including 9/11.
(citation: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001454.html)
- In the same period of time, at least 9,500 people have been killed by police.
(citation: http://colorlines.com/archives/2007/11/killed_by_the_cops.html)
I also found out that the DOJ (Dept. of Justice) does not release the ACTUAL number of police related shootings to public record, so this number is an estimate, but I believe it is a low one. The DCRP (Deaths in Custody Reporting Program), however, states that:
(citation: http://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=2228)
Doing some quick math, thats approximately a 3:1 ratio of Americans killed by cops, versus Americans killed be terrorists within the time period from 1980-2005. Going back 100 years, or even in the last 10, I would expect that ratio to increase dramatically.
Now, before everyone starts ranting about how the police only shoot when they are in danger, consider the facts. I believe even dirty politicians would agree that "An American life, is an American life, no matter what". I have read about it first hand, living in a city known for its rampant police aggression and violence. I do believe there is a difference between a drug addict or someone psychologically disturbed, and a helpless and innocent office worker. However, statistically, police choose to kill more Americans a year than terrorists do.
For the record, I DO NOT hate cops. This is my own personal research and you do not have to agree. I believe the majority of them join the police force for the right reasons, and generally have good intentions. Sure, they don't have a good reputation or track record with most people (myself included), but strip away the badge and I bet you'd be surprised. I believe that most of them do not completely agree with the legal system and if, given the choice, would stop arresting peaceful ganja smokers and knock down the doors of child molesters even on their days off instead. I DO hate police that hold themselves to higher standards, abuse the system, use violence and scare tactics or are just crooked in general.
So.. Who are the REAL terrorists in this country?
- From the years 1980-2005, I have counted approximately 3,850 documented American casualties from terrorist attacks, including 9/11.
(citation: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001454.html)
- In the same period of time, at least 9,500 people have been killed by police.
(citation: http://colorlines.com/archives/2007/11/killed_by_the_cops.html)
I also found out that the DOJ (Dept. of Justice) does not release the ACTUAL number of police related shootings to public record, so this number is an estimate, but I believe it is a low one. The DCRP (Deaths in Custody Reporting Program), however, states that:
- A total of 4,813 deaths were reported to the Arrest-Related Deaths program from January 2003 through December 2009.
- Of reported arrest-related deaths, 61% (2,931) were classified as homicides by law enforcement personnel
(citation: http://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=2228)
Doing some quick math, thats approximately a 3:1 ratio of Americans killed by cops, versus Americans killed be terrorists within the time period from 1980-2005. Going back 100 years, or even in the last 10, I would expect that ratio to increase dramatically.
Now, before everyone starts ranting about how the police only shoot when they are in danger, consider the facts. I believe even dirty politicians would agree that "An American life, is an American life, no matter what". I have read about it first hand, living in a city known for its rampant police aggression and violence. I do believe there is a difference between a drug addict or someone psychologically disturbed, and a helpless and innocent office worker. However, statistically, police choose to kill more Americans a year than terrorists do.
For the record, I DO NOT hate cops. This is my own personal research and you do not have to agree. I believe the majority of them join the police force for the right reasons, and generally have good intentions. Sure, they don't have a good reputation or track record with most people (myself included), but strip away the badge and I bet you'd be surprised. I believe that most of them do not completely agree with the legal system and if, given the choice, would stop arresting peaceful ganja smokers and knock down the doors of child molesters even on their days off instead. I DO hate police that hold themselves to higher standards, abuse the system, use violence and scare tactics or are just crooked in general.
So.. Who are the REAL terrorists in this country?
