So what exactly is your solution, then? Because so far the only thing you've really implied with your cynicism is that change is hopeless and we should all be pissed at the police instead of working (even if just in a small way) to reduce crime.
We SHOULD be pissed at the police as an institution. I'm not saying there isn't a corruption issue, because there definitely is. I simply find it frustrating when people place blame on an individual person who hasn't done anything wrong just because they're part of a system where corruption is a big issue. It takes more than just criticism to solve this problem.
The solution is what other leo and former leo are working on, Starts with police accountability. Because there is a gigantic lack of it in America. And continue as far as the political climate will allow. Remove the war on drugs so police don't have to feel like every breath is their last, dealing with cagey potheads growing a plant in their grandmothers basement.
Nothing is hopeless, and admitting that there is a large nation wide problem doesn't make you a chicken little. A working solution you can start today, is to not cry foul due to obvious rules of communication/generalizing on internet forums, and support what other departments have done to reduce their crime, as well as better policing being a by-product. Support the system that sees that there is a clear problem with the system, and the system needs to be fixed, immediately. Not put blame on citizens who are reacting to systematic abuse. That is asinine. I believe it is San Jose, or another PD off the top of my head, that is the model of police camera work. which includes public websites, that should be installed nation wide. And it was severely cheap. Police need cameras on them, as well as accountability. We need to revisit paid vacation in certain circumstances -- but thats my own agenda, no one else is after that.
You take issue with people being labeled. Thats great. But that does nothing to address the problems that you've admitted to earlier. They exist, largely, and for many people their experience is the polar opposite of yours. And now you know its a systemic problem. You admit to it. Frankly, I'd rather be in your shoes. Being miffed and off put at generalizing on an online forum, than being in my shoes, terrified to go to certain neighborhoods because I know, due to labeling, I'll be harassed by the police. Labeling happens in our world. A lot of nonsensical bullshit happens in our world. Labels based on nothing outside of an appearance, versus a systematic failure. Which you've pointed out is the reality.
Now that we know that, we move to fix the issues. Which is addressing the lack of accountability for police officers. This should be the norm, you should be fired when you fuck up. You shouldn't go on vacation, then due to a broken justice system, get off without any punishment for your actions. There is no kudos to be given to what should happen in a just world.
You offering solutions don't mean much when you don't understand that your solutions are nonsense. Understanding the problem is paramount, which others understand, and are pursuing. They aren't assuming all of their fellow officers, retired or otherwise, are the problem when addressing a nation wide problem. They are noting there is a problem, and moving to resolve it. And that is because there is a large problem. It has little next to nothing to do with being upset that someone thinks, some how, that every single officer in america acts a certain way. That every single human being wearing a uniform, acts in an identical way. This does not need to be pointed out when people are complaining about systematic failures, it really doesn't. You can do it all you want, but it just shows that you have no understanding of why people are posting.
If you understand there is a systemic problem, You full well know people aren't referring to every single member of law enforcement.
