There is something inherently evil about people who intentionally go about causing injury to helpless creatures (animals, children, women, mentally ill persons, etc.). I don't know why we let these freaks hide behind a badge, much like we let so many pedophile freaks hide behind the cross. It's a travesty, both for our humanity, as well as for the integrity of the institutions they are supposed to represent.
I'm glad these sociopaths are being charged with murder, but I think you're right that they'll be let off. The police union will close ranks once again, hire pricey lawyers, and they'll get a slap on the wrist. Just like that BART cop who shot that guy in the back, in cold blood.
I know there are a few good cops out there. I've known a couple of them. And we desperately need them on the inside (imagine if the entire police force were only bloodthirsty freaks like those Fullerton cops). But their silence about these kinds of situations makes them culpable for the crimes their colleagues commit...or perhaps it just shows how much they are in the minority and fear retribution from the majority.
The US built up its municipal, county, and state police forces after 9/11, supposedly in a fight against terrorism. Heavy weaponry, equipment, and authority to crap all over our civil rights came with it. They've gone too far, we've entered a virtual police state. The gov'ts that employ these cops have been busy cutting the pensions, wages, and health benefits packages of every kind of public employee...except for the police. Perhaps this is because the politicians understand that they'll need the police to be on their side when the people rise up. Now we see the tools that were supposedly to be used for fighting terrorism are used to suppress the constitutional rights of the people. Start a protest, and all of a sudden you have dozens of heavily armored cops kicking in your face.
