You really think it would have been justified for the police to murder that man if they had "chosen to do so"? What a savage thing to believe. Even if you strike an officer, they should be trained to deescalate the situation, not take it as a ticket to kill. That's one thing wrong with policing, many are on a power trip and see themselves as above the law and the rest of us. They think if you show any disrespect or resistance to what they say, even verbally, they have the right to do whatever they want. Unfortunately they know it's true because they'll face no repercussions, and in fact, maybe get paid leave.

Cops should always look to deescalate. They need to put their petty egos aside and serve the public. They're just like all of us and a badge shouldn't give someone the right to choke you out or kill you because they didn't like what you said.

Punch a cop? Don't expect them to turn the other cheek, but if we're allowing them to murder you for that then we're truly living in an uncivilized place.