A Police State – Safe, But Free?

Every time there is a ‘crisis’ there ensues a race to make an appearance on TV to make mundane, banal statements about all the things ‘we don’t know yet’ and so forth.  It has always seemed an ugly scene to me, and tonight I made myself think about WHY as I watched the DC Mayor, police chief and others pat themselves on the back and praise their teams’ work following the shooting at The Navy Yard.

First, it’s unseemly; 12 people are DEAD and not even in the grave, probably not yet cold. Second, and more important, the idea that the police can protect us from that kind of violence is an utter and deceitful lie. It is not the place of the police or any other state agency to protect us from random acts of violence. The level of surveillance and police presence necessary to accomplish that level of safety would cost billions and, more to the point, stifle life as you know it. The role of the state in preserving safety comes in the form of a deterrent against crime, and that is accomplished by performing the function of punishing crime, meting out justice. My safety is MINE and I do not want a police force that’s large enough to catch criminals in advance – I prefer that a criminal would fear the gun I will pull when he threatens me – that is the only thing that is worthy of the word ‘prevention’.

The state has predictably failed at its attempt to deliver the nirvana of absolute safety, and as usual want failure to justify even more government – they will soon want to ramp up the effort.  Their praise of their own response and the ongoing investigation is nothing more than a campaign to make you look away from the failure while they ask for an even bigger police budget, an even larger force to monitor your daily life in the name of safety and security.

Don’t let them fool you.  Be free.