The only possible appropriate response to what’s happening now in Ferguson Missouri is utter scorn. We can be grateful that the absurd militarization of police in this country has finally finally finally! come into the spotlight. Perhaps now we can recognize, and even empathize with, how people in other countries feel when swaggering, clanking U.S. forces of Empire invade their lands and attempt to take over, to instruct them, dominate them, destroy their homes and livelihoods, and of course, to kill them and their children, especially if they are the “wrong” color.
John Oliver on Ferguson: Police Are Not Soldiers, So Why Are They Wearing Fucking Camo?
August 19, 2014
The “Last Week Tonight” host explains how U.S. towns like Ferguson became militarized with the excuse of the drug war and 9/11 and offers some possible solutions to the conflict in Missouri. The first step, says Oliver, would be to stop treating civilians with the same patronizing irritation that the governor of Missouri has displayed in addressing the situation. Next would be to direct some of that anger toward a police force that needs to have its “toys,” such as tanks and riot gear, taken away since they’re unnecessary in American suburbs and cops aren’t even trained to use them.
The comedian also points out that more appropriate attire for police wishing to blend in in Ferguson would be outfits that resemble a Dollar Store.
—Posted by Natasha Hakimi Zapata
