Posted by
mike casper on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 3:55:02 PM
Not so long ago in New Orleans a tragedy of large proportion happened and was followed soon thereafter by another of what may be of even greater significance. The first, hurricane Katrina, destroyed much of the city and resulted in an evacuation of many thousands of citizens and the stranding of thousands more. The second, was the miserable and sometimes lawless response of authorities. Everyone who saw the harsh treatment of law abiding civilians who were attempting by force-of-arms, to legally protect themselves and neighbors was shocked by the lack of understanding of the police. The heavily armed police's rationale seemed to be; "Everybody we don't know or don't like is our enemy and must be made defenseless." Thanks to the brave men and women of the conservative media, Americans were able to see first hand what happens to what we like to call, 'established order' during an all encompassing crises. As a result, many states have passed legislation to prevent these kind of police state tactics from happening again. This then would seem to be a learning experience; from tragedy and ensuing lawlessness; education and resolution. The question is, I'm afraid, what has really changed? Law? Yes. Attitude and human nature? No! Will the police in some future crises, afraid of their own arrest, refuse to confiscate weapons from those homeowners who believe in the rule of law and the God given right of self defense? I wish I could say I believe so. Law is only fair to all citizens when there are checks and balances. Anarchy has none. When police make arbitrary law only power has value! In a city or state where calamity has driven people to their weapons , the police, jealous of their overpowering force of arms, will almost always obey the first law, that of self-interest. That means, I'm afraid, those of us who have not prepared will be left with only rocks to throw.