It boils down to a simple fundamental: You can't have a police state without the police.
Of course the Republicans want a docile national police apparatus that understands its mission as purely political, a matter of power politics.
In this vision, the police power is legitimate when it is directed against "the left" and dissidents and enemies of the state (as defined by the Party) and those who have expediently been designated "criminal" in an era when the definition of crime itself is in a constant state of expedient flux and could include anyone from a carjacker or pickpocket to someone guilty of an act of dissent or journalism.
It is illegitimate when it is organized around objective principles: a coherent, consistent legal code, or due process, or equal application of the rule of law--anything that might objectively expose the powerful and political insiders to sanctions.
Thank you for the invaluable work you do. I read your piece about the lawyer and then saw the others. Yesterday I read that he had been fired. It is not a surprise to me how fast people turn on others but I am surprised by how many are. I thought the ratio would be more 60-40 (fascists-non) but it’s more 80-20. At least where I live and how it seems across all reporting. I hope I’m wrong about that.
In the last few months I’ve noticed something quite worrisome. The small town I live in (pop. 15k) in very red Indiana is increasing the local police force, switching to more blackened out, unmarked SUV’s that practically bristle with hostile hardware and the state police presence has more than doubled. Driving 55 miles to Indianapolis it is now ‘normal’ to see at least 12 state police vehicles and 3-6 of the unmarked cars. Crime hasn’t exploded here. Nor have traffic accidents. This feels like a buildup for something planned. (I’m a veteran & notice things like this.) The local police force jumped on Bush’s irresponsible and unethical program that sold military hardware to police departments and have since thought themselves to be some sort of black ops group. This attitude combined with the hardware and firepower combined with this new increase in presence is highly problematic.
I first became aware of you when I got your book, "Rise of the Warrior Cop". I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about and better understand cop culture. In reading this latest of your commentaries, I am reminded of German theologian/pastor Martin Niemöller's poem, "First they came". It is a worthwhile read. A warning. In the world of violent autocrats, no one is safe. Even those within the autocrat's circle might become his victim.
People who urge and encourage others toward violence usually are weak and cowardly. They use others as proxy agents to commit violence, disrupt the rule of law and punish anyone who does not fit into their sinister mold. The destruction they leave in their wake often cannot be fully repaired. Their heinous and hideous acts create a certain level of permanent damage. The United States may or may not repair from this moment – even paritally; keeping in mind we have just entered a four-year sprint into evil's lair.
People must be reminded that Donald Trump functions from cruelty. Even certain of his family members have noted this about him. Hatred and cruelty are at his core. He surrounds himself with people who share those "values".
I see three things here: 1) a historical gathering of police power over the last two generations, generally reflecting both economic inequalities and the social tensions that result. The police, after all, function to protect property; 2) the consolidation of this power under an imperious executive, to now be directed explicitly and methodically towards the accomplishment of fascistic political goals; and 3) an explicit promise of impunity: license for open violence against "state" enemies. I would suggest that these last two are unprecedented, and stand qualitatively apart from the first. Would you agree, or no?
Another outstanding post Radley. We are in Brownshirt territory now and it's only going to get worse. I suggest all non fascists do as I've done and stock up on guns and ammo. We're going to need them. Keep up the great work.
It boils down to a simple fundamental: You can't have a police state without the police.
Of course the Republicans want a docile national police apparatus that understands its mission as purely political, a matter of power politics.
In this vision, the police power is legitimate when it is directed against "the left" and dissidents and enemies of the state (as defined by the Party) and those who have expediently been designated "criminal" in an era when the definition of crime itself is in a constant state of expedient flux and could include anyone from a carjacker or pickpocket to someone guilty of an act of dissent or journalism.
It is illegitimate when it is organized around objective principles: a coherent, consistent legal code, or due process, or equal application of the rule of law--anything that might objectively expose the powerful and political insiders to sanctions.
What a time it is.
Thank you for the invaluable work you do. I read your piece about the lawyer and then saw the others. Yesterday I read that he had been fired. It is not a surprise to me how fast people turn on others but I am surprised by how many are. I thought the ratio would be more 60-40 (fascists-non) but it’s more 80-20. At least where I live and how it seems across all reporting. I hope I’m wrong about that.
In the last few months I’ve noticed something quite worrisome. The small town I live in (pop. 15k) in very red Indiana is increasing the local police force, switching to more blackened out, unmarked SUV’s that practically bristle with hostile hardware and the state police presence has more than doubled. Driving 55 miles to Indianapolis it is now ‘normal’ to see at least 12 state police vehicles and 3-6 of the unmarked cars. Crime hasn’t exploded here. Nor have traffic accidents. This feels like a buildup for something planned. (I’m a veteran & notice things like this.) The local police force jumped on Bush’s irresponsible and unethical program that sold military hardware to police departments and have since thought themselves to be some sort of black ops group. This attitude combined with the hardware and firepower combined with this new increase in presence is highly problematic.
I first became aware of you when I got your book, "Rise of the Warrior Cop". I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about and better understand cop culture. In reading this latest of your commentaries, I am reminded of German theologian/pastor Martin Niemöller's poem, "First they came". It is a worthwhile read. A warning. In the world of violent autocrats, no one is safe. Even those within the autocrat's circle might become his victim.
People who urge and encourage others toward violence usually are weak and cowardly. They use others as proxy agents to commit violence, disrupt the rule of law and punish anyone who does not fit into their sinister mold. The destruction they leave in their wake often cannot be fully repaired. Their heinous and hideous acts create a certain level of permanent damage. The United States may or may not repair from this moment – even paritally; keeping in mind we have just entered a four-year sprint into evil's lair.
People must be reminded that Donald Trump functions from cruelty. Even certain of his family members have noted this about him. Hatred and cruelty are at his core. He surrounds himself with people who share those "values".
I see three things here: 1) a historical gathering of police power over the last two generations, generally reflecting both economic inequalities and the social tensions that result. The police, after all, function to protect property; 2) the consolidation of this power under an imperious executive, to now be directed explicitly and methodically towards the accomplishment of fascistic political goals; and 3) an explicit promise of impunity: license for open violence against "state" enemies. I would suggest that these last two are unprecedented, and stand qualitatively apart from the first. Would you agree, or no?
Another outstanding post Radley. We are in Brownshirt territory now and it's only going to get worse. I suggest all non fascists do as I've done and stock up on guns and ammo. We're going to need them. Keep up the great work.