What makes you think I don't care? I've said the consequences don't dictate my response, not that I don't care about what happens (or at least that's what I meant). This is about justice and right, I can't imagine anything that would matter more.
If I'm found guilty (of a crime I didn't commit), I'm going to lose my license, face ever increasing fines (since I'll never pay), and could even be looking at jail for contempt of court or eventual confrontations over the situation. My entire life could be altered or potentially ruined from the false accusation of a public servant. I'd say that's something to be nervous about.
Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. The sad thing is.. there's nothing you can do about it... which is aggravating in and of itself.
I've been to traffic court once, and there was someone in the exact same situation as you. He was ticketed for not wearing a seat belt. The officer testified that he did not see him wearing one. When it was his turn, the guy told the judge that he was wearing one, that he always wears one. The officer again stated that he did not see him wearing one.
The judge found him guilty. You could see the tears in his eyes, and how frustrated and angry he was. I believed him, at least.. lol.
Can you imagine what that kind of power could do to you? Your word practically
is the law? Wow. Who knows, maybe the officer did think he saw him not wearing a seat belt, or maybe he did, I don't know. It's still a scary thought. When you throw out burden of proof, what do you have? This, my friends, is why some people have an innate distrust for the police. Sometimes, I don't feel like they're protecting and serving me, they are looking at me like I'm guilty and trying to find a reason they can pull me over. I was once pulled over because, and I quote, "Your license plate is dirty."
😵 It's just upsetting as a whole.
Of course, I have met very cool, grounded cops as well. I know they're all just normal people, but it seems to take a very down to earth individual to not take advantage of the above mentioned power. Then again, there are people that protect and serve, too. If I was being robbed, I suppose it's a pretty nice thought that I could have an officer come out, or perhaps even rescue me. It's just weird though. We called an officer over (on the non emergency number), to take a report when we had a few things stolen by our landlord. When he came to the door, my brother opened the door, said "Hey", and went to shake his hand. The dude went for his gun! My brother was like, "Whoa", and backed off. It's like, really? That doesn't make me feel safe. It really drove home how paranoid(ie: looking at everyone as if they're guilty) the police can be. I shouldn't have to act un-human to gain your trust.
There should be some kind of extremely rigorous psychological challenge/test to become a police officer. And I mean extensive, perhaps 6 months of observation. In a natural setting - the individual doesn't know if or when they're being watched.
Nope, I don't think such a thing would be bad at all....../rant
