# Ferguson, MO

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ferguson-mo/695354>\
**Category:** The BBQ Pit\
**Created:** [August 12, 2014, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ferguson-mo/695354 "2014-08-12T04:51:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 2119

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**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\
**Post date:** [August 25, 2014, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ferguson-mo/695354/2119 "2014-08-25T12:45:38Z")

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> [@Smapti](#):
>
> Ask an MMA fighter how much “some training in unarmed combat” goes toward negating a 70-pound weight difference or more.
> 
> You contradict yourself.
> 
> Tasing works _if_ the Taser is armed and ready to fire, and the target is stationary enough and not wearing bulky clothing. Pepper spray works _if_ you get within grappling range, which, as you’ve stated above, a cop shouldn’t have to do.
> 
> Why should a cop _ever_ be required to value his own safety less than that of the murderous criminal charging at him with violent intent? Why do you value the officer’s life less than that of the criminal?
> 
> Firstly, you have yet to provide a cite that _this_ country has cops murdering their own citizens.
> 
> Secondly, other countries don’t have cops who have to worry that any random idiot on the street could have a deadly firearm tucked away where it can’t be seem until it’s too late.

If I’m betting, I’ll take the guy with the training who is physically fit and spot the 70 lbs.

What’s the excuse for not having a taser ready to fire? You seem to be saying that since they aren’t 100% effective, then murder is the cop’s only option.

I agree a cop shouldn’t have to be in grappling range. There is also the option of getting in the car, locking the door, and calling for backup.

Why should the 9/11 firemen have regarded the safety of the people in the towers less than their own? It’s part of the job. Why should a cop accept some physical risk? It’s part of the job. It’s “protect and serve”, not “protect my own sorry ass”.

The Missouri cop victims were murdered. Ditto the guy in NY choked to death for selling cigarettes.

I agree with you about the guns. Unfortunately the gun culture in the US will take generations to correct.

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