Does the Public Only Respect Violent Demonstrations?
An upcoming demonstration in Rapid City, South Dakota, will have marchers run and walk through town to protest the barbaric practice of killing babies in the womb. Apparently some young women who have babies out of wedlock like to repeat the slogan that “It’s my body and no one can tell me what to do.”
No rights to the father, probably a casual one-night-stander, whose goal is the opposite of responsibility. Libertarians, each and every one of them. Casual sex liberates them from the unending tawdriness of life in the lower classes, providing both fun and momentary relief.
The marchers and speakers will be peaceful. No taunts will be yelled at police. No nasty accusations or angry threats will be heard. No Molotov cocktails or random gun shots. In short, the demonstration will not look anything at all like what we see on the nightly news in places like the Middle East, Ferguson, the Ukraine. No, the police won’t need to militarize in Rapid City.
Mainstream media, of course, wants the power to control public opinion on such issues. To heck with hearings and the legal system. The more rioting, the better the ratings. It’s the old thrill of mob rule writ large, only this time without a responsible lawman or good guy to set things right. Running amok and looting can be fun and liberating, can’t it? Moments of freedom are welcome in meaningless lives, aren’t they?
Guess which demonstrations get all the attention–the truly peaceful ones or the violent ones? Police have a responsibility to protect themselves and law-abiding citizens, keeping the potential for a militarized response and show of force if doing so will save lives and maintain order. These days the bad guys know that it’s easier than ever to outgun law enforcement officers.
Should the police dress casually and schmooze mobs, thus hiding their authority? Or does authority itself make for freedom and social stability? Instead of boots on the ground, should our military wear cute sneakers?
Unfortunately, police today are a lot like teachers, asked to do the impossible in turning back the barbarism and ignorance that society has self-created. Both groups are increasingly controlled by top-down administrators who are more responsible to politicians (and their careers) than to the rank-and-file they supposedly represent.
Trouble is, if both police and teachers are pinned down with unrealistic rules of engagement, then they will feel endangered and unsupported. The best candidates won’t apply, even if the salaries go up and up. What will the new pool look like?
