Something I should say more often

[OngBonga]

I can't actually believe that people are advocating defunding the police. Reforming it, sure, but defunding? If I were a drug dealer I'd be delighted with such policies.

[CoccoBill]

I can't actually believe that people are advocating defunding the police. Reforming it, sure, but defunding? If I were a drug dealer I'd be delighted with such policies.

It means diverting the funds from the police to mental health, social services etc. Currently the police apparently have to do all kinds of stuff on top of policing, and this would free their resources to do a better job in what they're actually supposed to do. On top of it probably being a good idea to have a doctor deal with a mental patient, rather than a sheriff with a cannon.

[Poopadoop]

It means diverting the funds from the police to mental health, social services etc. Currently the police apparently have to do all kinds of stuff on top of policing, and this would free their resources to do a better job in what they're actually supposed to do. On top of it probably being a good idea to have a doctor deal with a mental patient, rather than a sheriff with a cannon.

^ This.

In the US, they send the police to deal with mentally ill people in distress, for which they apparently have no training. The person doesn't listen to their commands, then they often shoot them. In light of that, what is wrong with funding mental health professionals to go out and talk to these people instead of the police?

[oskar]

I can't actually believe that people are advocating defunding the police. Reforming it, sure, but defunding? If I were a drug dealer I'd be delighted with such policies.

You're probably on drugs right now! What the fuck are you talking about?! Who gives a shit if people buy and sell drugs?
The john oliver episode explains it. You should watch that. And if you're at all interested in what these protests are actually about, then also watch the Trevor Noah clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4amCfVbA_c&t=2s

I can't believe anyone could watch the footage from these protests and go: What these PD's needs is a weekend seminar about appropriate force. These departments need to be cleaned out.

[OngBonga]

You're probably on drugs right now! What the fuck are you talking about?! Who gives a shit if people buy and sell drugs?

Way to miss the point. Not just drug dealers, but fraudsters, burglars, people we do give a shit about. Whether we agree with it or not, drug dealers are criminals. Maybe I should've just said if I were a criminal I'd be delighted to see defunding of the police, but I really didn't expect anyone to go "bwaaa you're on drugs".

I can't believe anyone could watch the footage from these protests and go: What these PD's needs is a weekend seminar about appropriate force. These departments need to be cleaned out.

Poop is the one that wants to train them to deescalate. I agree with you, they need to be cleaned out. But reform is what's needed, not abolishment. Anyone who actually says "abolish the police" is either an anarchist or will replace it with something that is essentially a police force.

[oskar]

Way to miss the point. Not just drug dealers, but fraudsters, burglars, people we do give a shit about.

You've got at point there. Without the police, who would you call after your shit gets broken into for someone to type up a 2 page report at 60 letters a minute and file it away? Fraud is handled by the better business bureau or your local equivalent, not the police.

And no, I don't consider drug dealers criminals because it's a bullshit crime that shouldn't exist. Why are you surprised that I find humor in you thinking that drug dealers should be harassed and detained when you directly benefit from their business.

[OngBonga]

You've got at point there. Without the police, who would you call after your shit gets broken into for someone to type up a 2 page report at 60 letters a minute and file it away? Fraud is handled by the better business bureau or your local equivalent, not the police.

And no, I don't consider drug dealers criminals because it's a bullshit crime that shouldn't exist. Why are you surprised that I find humor in you thinking that drug dealers should be harassed and detained when you directly benefit from their business.

Are you actually an anarchist? I'd probably be less inclined to think you're deranged if you are.

[oskar]

Are you actually an anarchist? I'd probably be less inclined to think you're deranged if you are.

I mean what I say. I don't think putting a label on it is helpful.