Maybe, but enforcers of the state have always been quite brutal throughout history. I think the police have become more militarized, sure, but if we go there we have to also think about the very concept of "police" is relatively new and started on the docs in England (the didn't used to be armed at all). So I guess from that perspective, yes, the police in particular are becoming more militarized.
I just get the feeling that the police feel more entitled to be more violent, these days... Back in the 1970's.., a cop might whack you a couple of times with his night-stick if you were doing something questionable, but at least they didn't shoot you...
Maybe, but enforcers of the state have always been quite brutal throughout history. I think the police have become more militarized, sure, but if we go there we have to also think about the very concept of "police" is relatively new and started on the docs in England (the didn't used to be armed at all). So I guess from that perspective, yes, the police in particular are becoming more militarized.
I just get the feeling that the police feel more entitled to be more violent, these days... Back in the 1970's.., a cop might whack you a couple of times with his night-stick if you were doing something questionable, but at least they didn't shoot you...