After a good discussion with a friend of mine, I had an observation about both the conservative and progressive response to Ferguson. The conservative: Often cited for the belief in individualism and skepticism in institutional (governmental) outcomes. However like with matters of national security and law & order, the thought process that accompanies conservative principles-like small government-is supplanted by deference to very institutions it should be skeptical of by the very necessity demanded by its principles. The progressive: They can be said to be more concerned with outcomes and willing to use institutions in ways that often either harm or supplant individual choice. In response to events that involve individuals, especially in cases where injustice appears to have been rendered, they default to the individual, and become skeptical and downright hostile to the very institutions they would use to ride roughshod over other individuals. As a corollary, some institutions have ideological commitment almost built in due to the particular parts they oversee, govern, etc. in a society. What is the difference between those at Bundy Ranch and the countless other Americans who encounter the brutality of the state? Does the crime make a difference? Does the color of the criminal make a difference? The marine who was shot to death by a barrage of bullets only to find he was raided by SWAT in error. The homeless man who lunged at police in a wheelchair in Houston. Killing Americans by drones without the due process of law. State brutality is state brutality.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 23:20:45 +0000
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