There is an article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer (what a name!) about a 15-year old girl who get beat up by police while in jail.
First, here’s the video.
Now, as you might imagine, the civil libertarian types are up in arms about this. After all, 2 cops beating up a 15-year old girl isn’t exactly a fair fight, nor would any reasonable human being claim that the cops were in any danger. I would imagine that the police officer in this video is going to get crucified.
But should he?
Seriously, they’re working in a local jail which is one of the most stressful jobs on the planet. Some dipshit teenager is mouthing off to them and then kicks her shoes at the police officer. Cops aren’t paid to fight fair, and no amount of compensation justifies taking abuse, verbally or otherwise, from a prisoner. Exactly how hard is it for a prisoner to keep their mouths shut and do as they are told? This isn’t a Rodney King scenario where the “victim” is a free man and not (yet) in custody. This girl was booked and in jail. She was not free, nor should she enjoy the rights of a free citizen. The cops quickly (if a bit harshly) subdued her and then stopped. It appears from watching the video that one officer landed a couple of stiff shots after they had the prisoner down, but if she was still struggling or resisting, then she had it coming.
Jail sucks. But if you keep your mouth shut and do what you’re told, then the guards don’t give you any shit. In fact, they can be downright friendly as long as you understand that they have all of the power and authority and you have none whatsoever. You do not bargain, you do not argue, and you do not refuse a lawful request from “the man”. (And if it is unlawful, they can STILL make you do it before you will be able to get a lawyer. Remember, you have ZERO power. If you fight, you will get put down, hard.)
It seems to be popular with people, especially young ones, to “fight the power” and “stand up to the man”. That’s all well and good if it is for a good cause, but remember. “The man” didn’t get to be that way by collecting stamps. Power is very real, and fighting it can hurt. If your cause is just, then be prepared to take whatever is necessary in order to fight for it, but fighting authority for no good reason will just get you a set of lumps. Something this girl isn’t going to forget anytime soon.
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