John Adams is credited with first characterizing the United States as a "nation of laws, not men." It was always something of an optimistic assessment. To my knowledge, no system yet has been devised for restraining men in positions of power from bending the rule of law to suit their preferences or patrons. Nor do I believe any such system possible in this world. Still, it was an ideal, something to be lauded and strived for. Was. With each new passing day, it becomes more and more evident that much of the country has abandoned any pretense of this fine standard, with "legal" actions now determined based on the whims of officials or pressure from "the mob."
The most obvious examples of mob mentality can be found in the aftermath of the recent shooting in Ferguson, Mo. Before any finding of fact, much less responsibility, the angry crowd began calling for the arrest of the police officer at the scene. As the investigation made it seem likely that official charges would be filed, the response was violence, property damage, and the promise of more to come if their demands were not met.
Contributing to this toxic atmosphere were visitors from out of state, some appearing to take great pains to stoke the fires of unrest and disharmony for their own reasons. Now, the Federal Department of "Justice" is responding with its own investigation. Based on its record under Attorney General Holder, one can only speculate how much a desire for justice will play a part in any actions finally taken.
In other locales, retributive actions are taking place. Roving gangs of African Americans are taking "revenge" through severe beatings of white citizens. In contrast to the media circus staged in Ferguson, most news outlets are studiously ignoring the trend. Knowledge of the attacks stays local and compartmentalized, but the underlying anger at officials, no longer even giving a pretense of "color-blind" law enforcement, builds to critical levels.
I had hoped that the nation and the press would have taken some lessons from the case of Trayvon Martin. It was an excellent example of how misrepresentation of facts and selective coverage could turn an already volatile situation into a disaster. Sadly, the publicity provided, and the public interest, only seemed to whet the nation's appetite for more. Well, "more" is here, and is likely to be around for quite some time.
How will the cycle end, or will it end? These questions remain open for the time being. Inspired by leaders of little talent or integrity, lawlessness is tolerated, and thus increases. With no deterrent, the accusations and demands for mob justice are likely to increase as well, with violence and property damage growing apace. And the perpetrators, for the most part, will rest snug in their beds, secure in the knowledge that their violence and destruction is justified. No matter how obese or out of shape a nation becomes, it seems we never tire of rushing to judgment.
No comments:
Post a Comment