I was once pulled over by a police officer when I was a teenager. I was let off with a warning, but he was sure to give me a little speech that culminated with

I was once pulled over by a police officer when I was a teenager. I was let off with a warning, but he was sure to give me a little speech that culminated with "driving is a privilege in this country - not a right". Only later did it dawn on me how messed up his speech was - we do not have any rights except those which law enforcement allow us to have. I absolutely believe in the necessity of police and respect officers who do the job. But there's a reason they must always be bound and subservient to civilian oversight and the court system. These are positions of power. They are inherently going to attract the worst kinds of people and carve out special privileges for themselves. People who think order and authority and respect are more important than nerdy, pedantic laws.