The issue I have is that the members of a state organization are also citizens.
That doesn't really matter. As long as you are an agent of the state the way you are viewed and your ability above the average citizen are just on drastically different level. I would love to make the argument that police officers are just regulars citizens while they are beating the shit out of me but it doesn't work like that. I dunno what to tell you man.
I see a fundamental difference between punishing the organization, and punishing individuals within the organization.
It doesn't really matter, you punish the police as an organization, who do you think that punishment ends up affecting? The squirrels and raccoons? No, the people in the organization.
Enacting change within the police and how they function? Great! Telling LGBT members of that organization that they can't participate in Pride as they desire? Never.
Shrug, you are a member of the state, if the state says no, you couldn't do it anyway. It's not a right to wear a symbol of authority at a parade. I dunno why people want to pretend it is. There are laws and regulations about where you can wear these uniforms entirely because of what they represent.
This isn't enacting change within the problematic organization.
Who said that was the goal here?
In fact, I would wager it accomplishes the opposite.
Shrug, we'll see, I don't know how it's gonna shake out frankly, not gonna pretend I do.
For as much as I despise the church
I'm not
really interested in your views of religion honestly.
and don't understand why people actively participate within it, the fact remains that I actually enjoy seeing people of all religions at Pride. I feel that it creates a greater link, and at least some form of understanding between members of these groups.
It's cool you feel this way but I don't particularly think it matters in what pride is about (protest) or what a section of the LGBT community wants. They obviously had one hell of a debate about this before it was decided so I'll just have to wait and see how it unfolds.
Again, the police may have a greater presence and power than religion (debatable), but my gripe is with the restrictions of individuals participating within the parade.
You can participate, you just can't wear your state issued uniform. I mean I really don't see why people are saying people are left out. To put it bluntly, the police are a fucking state body that basically has the ability to do w/e the hell they want, how are we seriously gonna put that power above the citizens they govern?
In this case, the nature of the organization is irrelevant because the actions are not being taken against the organization, but rather specific members (namely LGBT members).
No offense but you can't seriously think that someone who just had their shit kicked in by the police today just wants to dance and clown around with them tomorrow. This isn't wile e. coyote and sam the sheepdog.