Former Narcotics Officer Exposes the False Drug War (Barry Cooper on Alex Jones)

[Bullet1987]

Run time: 10:59 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rzn_LCne6cs   Posted on YouTube: January 08, 2009 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: November 23, 2009 By DU Member: Bullet1987 Views on DU: 622

 
I know a lot of people here don't really like Alex Jones, but he has some good authentic guests on sometimes. This also exposes the Drug War and Barry Cooper is pro-legalization. Someone said on his forum that it's weird how the legalization argument is being waged solely from a medicinal perspective. Well that's because if they talk about it from a law enforcement perspective they wouldn't be given the time of day because the level of corruption goes up to the highest levels of law enforcement. Corruption within law enforcement is currently one of the best kept secrets in America. And it's sad how many Americans still have this rosy view of police officers when so many of them lost their idealistic ways a long time ago and get consumed by the immense profit.

[FiveGoodMen]

1. K&R

[paulsby]

2. i worked undercover narcotics for years

and i saw NO corruption by individuals. i did see a system and a war on drugs that is simply wrongheaded, though.

the legalization argument, fwiw, is supported by a LOT of cops, at least when it comes to mj, and many also don't think throwing addicts (as opposed to dealers) of other drugs into jail is a good idea.

the reality is this. most line cops aren't comfortable publically advocating for legalization/decrim, due to the nature of their jobs. it's kind of like how a coke employee wouldn't spend his off-duty hours pimpin' for pepsi.

regardless, just because we have to enforce some laws does not mean we agree with them.

i do have a rosy view of police officers, because i know that, in 20 yrs of police work, the vast majority of cops i met are good people who sacrifice a lot in order to try to do what's right. i've met a few people who CLEARLY should not be police officers, but the vast majority are great people. heck, i used to think all cops were fascist neanderthal thugs when i was in college, too. then, i grew up and joined the real world.

i know a hell of a lot of street cops who routiney nolle pros minor dope cases, by disposing of the drugs on the scene (or usually having the suspect do it himself). that's within their discretion.

if you think the drug war sucks, blame the legislature. and blame obama. he came out against mj decrim/legalization, and the only people who have the power to change the law are LEGISLATORS.

the drug law is squarely on their shoulders. we have a seperation of powers. legislature makes law. cops enforce it

[Bullet1987]

3. True. Maybe you were simply in an area that didn't have a problem with corruption

This guy tells a different story though. I actually don't think there's a whole lot cops CAN do because as you said it's a conflict of interests. But regular AMERICANS can do something to get the word out that this is going on in pockets all over the country.

[paulsby]

4. i agree

i'm not saying corruption doesn't happen. god knows it does, and few places does it happen more than in narcotics units. all that money around, and all that drugs. i do know a cop who worked the drug unit and ended up getting addicted to illegal drugs. i'm not sure if that's "corruption" in that she didn't screw over anybody but herself. our dept. has rules that limit the amount of time that people can serve in drug units, and i think that's a good thing. rotating new blood into the assignment helps ot get rid of the "entrenched i can do whatever i want" mentality.

it is not LEGALLY a conflict of interest for a cop to advocate for legalization. it's just not exactly going to endear them to their supervisors in many cases, and that's just not the kind of heat yer average cop wants to deal with.

[Uncle Joe]

5. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, Bullet.