Add Comment

FORMATTING HELP

All Comments Hide marked as read Mark all as read

  • Posted by $ AJAshinoff 4 years, 8 months ago
    We have something called due process. We don't arrest on conjecture or hearsay, only proof. The trouble is those enclaves generally protect their doing by keeping the local communities in fear of reprisal for talking to authorities.
    And then there are those politicians who use that condition to pass their various agenda - welfare state, lawful and unconstitutional gun control, etc.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by $ blarman 4 years, 8 months ago
    There are various conflicting interests involved. First, there is the presumption of innocence as mentioned by AJAshinoff. Unless we have proof of a crime, we can not convict someone. And some people get very good at hiding behind this.

    Second, we can't force people to be good/law-abiding citizens. To constrain people to choose only good could only happen by coercion. Normally coercion is implied to be used toward a negative end but the same applies if done to force people to choose something good.

    Third, power corrupts. Those who get power over others are loathe to give it up. Instead, they keep seeking more and more. And those in sub-positions enjoy a part of that power - which is how dictators, mob bosses, and tyrants are able to maintain power. Frequently, the criminal element is maintained by "allowing" evil people to exercise coercive control over others as per their personal proclivities. And they hide each others' bad deeds because of the joint implications.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  

FORMATTING HELP

  • Comment hidden. Undo