Wojtek Sokolowski:
> Another thought on the same subject. I see here another pathetic failure
> of the Left to formulate a reasonable policy on crime abatment and law
> enforcement, thus conceding ground to assorted fascists like Giuliani et
> al. The only thing the Left has to say on the subject is a concern over
> rights of criminals and delinquent elements. That is a sure way of loosing
> popular support.
>
> What kind of lunacy is that to side with gangsters against public law
> enforcement agencies, instead of striving for professionalism and
> accountability of these agencies? Only in Amerika....
>
> BTW, all socialist countries implemented strong anti-crime measures.
Here it is necessary to say what you mean by "the Left".
Bourgeois social democrats, who may be said to be on the Left but not of it, have often been quite vigorous in calling for law'n'order, seizure of private weapons, and strong surveillance by the established authorities, plus elaborate, heavily bureaucratized government programs to mitigate the effects of capitalism, otherwise known as the "root causes" of crime, without of course getting rid of or even inconveniencing very much the root of the root causes. They cannot be criticized for slacking in pursuit of enforcement even if they carp at the very agents they send forth; the carping is show.
Another sort of Left would find it inconceivable to advocate taking weapons and power out of the hands of the poor and working class. Among them, what we might call the rightist- leftists could propose operating the Second Amendment, that is, permitting and encouraging the lower orders to form local militias. However improperly pigmented, my neighbors are surely no dumber or less virtuous than the farmers of 18th-century Lexington, although their morale may not be as good. Perhaps the possession of weapons in the company of their peers would improve their morale. In any case, some crimes, like the beating of Rodney King or the rape of Abner Louima, would appear less attractive to the perpetrators in such a context, or would at least be likely to have interestingly different outcomes.
Yet another Left, the Leninist-and-like-that Left, would find another use for those arms besides mere defense. The old order would be marched on and overthrown, and then, if history is any guide, you would certainly see strong anti-crime measures being implemented on every side, very strong anti-crime measures indeed. And when the dust settled and the blood dried, as in the days of Genghis Khan virgins could walk naked from coast to coast with bags of gold upon their heads unmolested.
Anarchist leftists propose real removal of those famous root causes; as they will be held absurd by most of you, I will not embarrass by elaborating.
Gordon