The criticism of Pat Wright's behavior (ie picking up a knife) lacks a
common sense understanding of modern life.  An instinctive defensive
reaction when someone breaks down your door is pretty reasonable.  In light
of recently publicized police atrocities (the Diallo case, Rampart, the
broomhandle sodomization of Abner Louima, etc, ad nauseum), why is it so
surprising to some FMLers that a citizen might respond to a police raid
as if it were a home invasion by crazed thugs in uniforms?  Let's not
forget that the cops raided his home because he owned a FORBIDDEN PET for
goddsakes!  That sounds pretty crazy right off the bat.  Now, Pat really
was fortunate that he was not murdered in his own home by some twitchy
nutcase with a badge when he picked up that knife.  No argument there.
But hey, defending your home is still a natural reaction, as well as a
legitimate one.  The real point is the cops should not have been there at
all.  By removing a stupid law like the CA ferret ban, we reduce the
mountain of ridiculous pretexts allowing (and yes, occasionally obligating)
the police to break down doors, thereby making everybody (cops and
citizens) that much safer.
 
[WL]
[Posted in FML issue 2974]