Quote:I don't know where FSG got the image, but that's not what I'm used to seeing at gatherings of regular citizens, and I sure as hell don't think that's what the guys in Dallas were dressed like.

 

Riot police in this country tend to look a lot like riot police in other countries.  Just saw your Ferguson pic, but I believe Ferguson was a very special case that escalated beyond your average riot.  Gas masks?  If it gets to using tear gas, it's a special situation.

 

Again, not that I care.

Let me boil down to the bedrock of my argument:

 

The police should never be the escalating factor in these situations. And right now the police forces in the US are at a point where their presence and actions are actively making things worse.

 

And yes, I know this is a Catch-22 because it's not like they can choose not to show up when there are riots but they can certainly choose to be non-confrontational. If anything, prior to the shootings, the Dallas PD showed they can be present and maintain order without escalating the situation. 

---