I'm not suggesting physically defending yourself as a way to
not get beaten. I'm saying when the beating begins, would you not do what you can to minimize the damage?
Isn't that what
defense is about? One swing out of place and there goes an eyeball... you can't get that back in court. Remember: you've done nothing wrong. Maybe you've commited the "crime" of being black, and asking what crime you've comitted. Just laying there getting beaten under color of law will be the last time you'll ever use that arm effectively, or be able to have children...
I know there is no good answer to this. But the way I'm reading you is:
1. Tie the shoe.
2. Graciously take the beating after tieing the shoe.
3. Get in the traincar after taking your beating and sort it out later in court...
Okay, that last one is extreme, and not germane to this discussion, but I'm just trying to make the point of obeying someone with a badge no matter what. Where is the line? If it's not disobeying unlawful commands, where is it? I can see one choosing to obey an unlawful command, like tieing the shoe, and sorting it out later, but we have a situation here where he was being
beaten. I know that reluctant participant is the magic phrase, but sometimes even that doesn't cut it.
I agree with not giving any reason for a beat down to happen. When it does though, unlawfully...?
...Or worse yet,
lawfully, under an
unjust law.
These are things I think about.
I hope I'm not fitting the definition of Selurcspi's quote in your eyes...
