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This is a video of Ian Thomlinsom. On his way back from work, hands in pockets, walking away from police he was struck from behind with a baton and hit the ground. He suffered a heart attack shortly afterward and died. He was not participating the demonstration nor was he acting in any way shape or form aggressively.  
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HECMVdl-9SQ  
 
 
 
While this may seem like more police bashing on my part, I am just trying to make it clear to folks that the police are just like you and me, not some times, but most of the time. They can be driven by hate, fear, irrationality, or just plain old malice. Notwithstanding, they can also be driven by compassion, justice, empathy, and genuine self sacrifice. The people I grew up with and now know as 'officer' have been commonly motivated by the adrenaline rush and feeling of authority. I don't feel as though this is uncommon but I do feel as though those people are the FIRST choice in not being made police. Theirs is not just a 'job' like flipping burgers, selling cars, or accounting. I believe they hold a much more sacred role in our society. They are the first line of defense, justice, and most importantly, compassion from our governing bodies.  
 
To become apathetic to the deaths of protesters, immigrants, black/Indian inner city citizens, and all others who are 'different' from us due to police brutality is dangerous. Police are recruited from the citizenry. If the citizen grows up apathetic to issues of police brutality, they will become a police officer indifferent to the issue of police brutality. We cannot let OURSELVES lower the standards of the recruiting pool. We are the only ones who will get hurt in the long run.