The subject of this week's Politics Done Right (on Facebook) covered the systemic killing of black men by our police. I set the stage by reading the blog of the week where I wrote the following.
Police officers reflect society. They bring those prejudices into their job like anyone else. The difference is that those biases affect their judgment. Unless laws and rules are modified to jail them for instituting their prejudices, nothing will change. Nothing has changed because this is a problem deemed by the majority, not of their own. It is a national lack of empathy. When some people find excuses when videos show at best overreaction or at worse assassinations, they choose not to believe their own eyes. ..
The lack of empathy by our society requires subjecting us all to some sort of discomfort. That is the importance of Black Lives Matter and other organizations bringing this issue to the forefront.
The police officer was initially concerned that the reaction to the Charlotte shooting was premature. I challenged him on that stance noting the city's response was pent up anger for years of police brutality unmitigated. He correctly pointed out that cops are asked to be social workers, psychiatrists and more. I concurred but then challenged him again. I suggested that police officers support politicians that vote against policies that would make their lives easier. We also discussed racism in the police department, the blue line of silence and more. Finally, I asked him to reassure the community that in fact here in Houston police officers are trying to work with the community.
Watch the entire show
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(Article changed on September 23, 2016 at 10:19)
(Article changed on September 23, 2016 at 10:22)