John Oliver on Ferguson: Police Are Not Soldiers, So Why Are They Wearing Fucking Camo?
The "Last Week Tonight" host explains how U.S. towns like Ferguson became militarized with the excuse of the drug war and 9/11 and offers some possible solutions to the conflict in Missouri.The “Last Week Tonight” host explains how U.S. towns like Ferguson became militarized with the excuse of the drug war and 9/11 and offers some possible solutions to the conflict in Missouri. The first step, says Oliver, would be to stop treating civilians with the same patronizing irritation that the governor of Missouri has displayed in addressing the situation. Next would be to direct some of that anger toward a police force that needs to have its “toys,” such as tanks and riot gear, taken away since they’re unnecessary in American suburbs and cops aren’t even trained to use them.
The comedian also points out that more appropriate attire for police wishing to blend in in Ferguson would be outfits that resemble a Dollar Store.
—Posted by Natasha Hakimi Zapata
Dig, Root, GrowThis year, we’re all on shaky ground, and the need for independent journalism has never been greater. A new administration is openly attacking free press — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Your support is more than a donation. It helps us dig deeper into hidden truths, root out corruption and misinformation, and grow an informed, resilient community.
Independent journalism like Truthdig doesn't just report the news — it helps cultivate a better future.
Your tax-deductible gift powers fearless reporting and uncompromising analysis. Together, we can protect democracy and expose the stories that must be told.
This spring, stand with our journalists.
Dig. Root. Grow. Cultivate a better future.
Donate today.
Anger over police shootings and wrongful convictions, often involving African Americans, fuels effort to make police reviews more transparent.
On the fifth anniversary of his son's death at the hands of Ferguson, Mo., police, Michael Brown Sr. claims that "justice has not been served."
A prolonged federal class-action claims thousands of people in Missouri were jailed because they couldn’t pay off fines.
Police say Danye Jones’ death was a suicide. His mother says it was a lynching.
The loss of the Black Lives Matter activist, who died at age 27, is incalculable.
With every life taken, law enforcement is exposed for being the source of violence rather than its remedy.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.