We Need to Get to The Heart of the "Police Problem"

 

Police around America are abusing their authority and power, and that abuse has disproportionately impacted Black Americans. 

That's it; that's the argument.

Of course, it's too simple an argument for American politics and media. It's easier for American media to focus on any violence that comes out of people protesting police brutality. It's easier for American politicians to pick sides and argue how their tribe, er, party can best resolve the problem. 

And very few people want to talk about how economics come into play. For example: prisoners make for excellent cheap labor. 

There's little talk about how police are being armed and trained in those arms as if they are soldiers, without the conditioning that soldiers typically get. 

You won't hear much about how police typically face no consequences for taking evidence, destroying property (like breaking down the door to the wrong house) and yes, shooting/choking/killing people.

One of the first things I learned in my Criminal Justice class in college was that the police officer is the sole determinant of your future. Sure, there are lawyers and judges, but the cop decides if you even see them...assuming you live that long. 

Anyone reform proposal that doesn't involving curbing police authority isn't worth much attention.