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Comment by buckbova | Hacker News Reader

> I begged them to watch out for my recently broken right elbow.

They don't give a shit about your elbow nor should they. Everyone who gets put in cuffs complains about some current or former injury.

I'm not sure I buy every second of your recount. but there is a big difference between a good samaritan and a do-gooder. If the cops tell you it is time to leave the scene, it's 1 AM on a city street, you've been drinking, then it's time to leave.

Yes cops are generally assholes. The nice guys don't last out there.

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> They don't give a shit about your elbow nor should they.

What? Just because you are being arrested doesn't mean that they can treat you like that.

They have guns. They have the power to end your existence. So yes, they CAN treat people like this. We gave them that power when they were hired and our tax dollars started paying their salary.

Its almost as though the citizens can remove that power if its abused...

Is your point that because citizens gave police power at some point that they can't possibly object to them abusing it...?

Well, it's not very rational to tell your objections to the same people that you want to take power away.

Yes, the police must treat every innocent person with respect and even reserve some dose of respect to criminals. Yes, it's our duty to try to fix the situation when that do not help. But no, it's not advisable to try to fix that in the exact instant the problem is happening.

Arbitrarily injuring citizens isn't a power we bestowed on them, nor is arbitrarily murdering citizens.

What the hell are you saying?

I'm saying that the gun is what gives them power. They shouldn't abuse their power, but it's hard to argue with someone that will end your life if they decide to.

The cemetery is full of brave people. I'd much prefer to live, even if that means taking a little abuse for a few moments.

"They don't give a shit about your elbow nor should they. Everyone who gets put in cuffs complains about some current or former injury."

Of course they should give some shit about person arrested, especially if that person is not danger for them in any way. I would expect cops to use only necessary force.

And if everyone complains about current or former injury, then those handcuffs are either too tight or cops to brutal. Especially if those handcuffed people, again, represent zero threat.

> The nice guys don't last out there

Because San Francisco is a war zone? Give me a break.

Didn't you heard? There are drugs out there left un-fought.

No, because being a cop is a shit job and it wears on those who take it on. So, the nice guy eventually becomes a prick.

Last I checked, people aren't forced to be cops.

nice try officer

I've started off in worse situations than the OP.

Apologize but not profusely. Then, shut up. Acknowledge the officer's authority, show some respect, and do as your told. Do it whether they deserve it or not. It's about making it home safely, not about being right.

If you want to be an activist or some kind of martyr for all those abused by cops then do so. Afterwards file a lawsuit for unlawful detainment, excessive force or whatever.

I prefer to stay out of it.

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