Do you have someone close to you who is a police officer?

[Kurska]

I have one. He is very nice and sweet guy. Was the only one who was there for me after my last break up. A genuinely good human being who means the world to me.

I can see why someone who doesn't might see violent rhetoric against police as just a expression of valid anger. You have to understand that to many police officers aren't just an exercise in state power, but living human beings they know.

The inverse can certainly be said, if you don't have a close friend who is a black male state violence against them can also be rather abstract. I wonder how much better the world would be if everyone had a friend who was both of those things. Maybe that would help bring us back from this abyss.

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	Yes
	6 (60%)
	No
	4 (40%)
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[Siwsan]

1. My cousin's son is a policeman in Washington DC

I've been invited to go on a 'ride along', the next time I am in town. I THINK he was kidding- not sure.

[Rex]

2. I am close to the cops in this small town, the CoP lives 3 houses down from my house.

That is why I SMH at some of the shit I read about cops, this town is dirt poor yet we seem to be able to handle crime etc without killing the suspect.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. Yes. My son-in-law. He's a good one, and a great husband and father. We love him. n/t

[Hoyt]

4. My late FIL was. He was tough, but never involved in any of the junk we're seeing now.

[femmocrat]

5. I did. Two uncles (deceased) and a cousin (retired).

And several friends, all retired now.

However, my positive experiences with police no way reflects or negates anyone else's experience or perception. I would no sooner project that based on those six men, all police are good than someone else should believe they are all bad or threatening.

[safeinOhio]

6. Ex wife

Dangerous human being.

[scscholar]

7. Owning a gun and being trained to use a gun as the solution to every problem...

makes anyone dangerous.

[Igel]

8. Assumes the premise.

My cousin wasn't trained to use a gun as the solution to every problem.

That's the perception, perhaps. But optical illusions also result in wrong perceptions. Media blitzes result in wrong perceptions. That's why we like data and not anecdotes.

Cousin is a Baltimore City cop.