What If The Police Revolt?
Two ways that anti-police sentiment could go very wrong
A certain amount of stress will lead to reform, but too much and police departments could break. Pressure mounts across the US and police are caught in a crucible. Police around the country provide security at mostly peaceful demonstrations that call them racists. If a demonstration turns to arson and looting, they work extended shifts for days on end. Crowds throw bricks and bottles while cable news broadcasts every suspicious use of force around the world.
In addition to pressure on the street, city administrations that failed for decades to reform their police departments now seek to slash budgets and reinvest in social causes. After September 11th, 2001, America put its military and first responders of all flavors on pedestals. Now, like Confederate statues, the police topple from their places of reverence.
Men and women of generally good conscience excuse the destruction. Let it burn, they write. Nonviolence doesn’t work. It’s just property. They ignore that disorder will inevitably beget violence against real people; mothers and children on both sides will cry for their lost loved ones and hearts will harden.
Already, we see troubling signs of stress among police with more than average quitting or refusing to take part in…
