Some of where we disagree is simply that you live in Cville and feel strongly about the local implications, but IMO your anger is misdirected. I think the racists opportunistically co-opted the statue issue. I don't think liberals did that.

And then I think the president's words helped this become such a passion-issue that any reasonable discussion about treatment of history became close to impossible. It is horribly unfortunate that he didn't leave well enough alone after his much more appropriate, if scripted and stilted, comments on the Monday after Aug 12. I almost put my fist through the TV when he spoke so inadequately on that Saturday itself. Obviously some of his wiser advisers got hold of him about that, and he read his at least adequate scripted remarks that Monday. I remember thinking - fine, good enough. But then he undid all the good he had done with his off the cuff remarks the next day. Which is when he was rewarded by David Duke with a little twitter shout out.

Anyway, as it relates to this thread, I think the guys you're arguing with are talking about that, and not expressing support for the Cville police. Or taking issue with your feelings about their failures.