Typical of government: seize a private function, make it a government institution, over time service degrades, but the institution becomes so ingrained in the culture and minds of voters that even though it costs government far more to pay for the private service it displaced, the voters cannot envision life where they would provide the service themselves, even if it were ten times better.
Think: Public Education. Anyone who wants to try vouchers is accused of wanting to “deny children vital funds”, or similar nonsense.
Think: Social Security.
Warning, warning, warning!!: the same exact conversion of Health Care is just one election away from reality!
Dallas cops and sheriffs are in a tough position. They get political pressure to be ‘PC’, hands off the friends of politicos, make sure the rich are safe, and do buck their commanders. MEanwhile they hear the complaints and know they have no way to deal with them. I know some of these men and women and most are looking to transfer or hold out for retirement. No wonder Dallas leads the FBI crime stats. But atleast the bars are no smoking and cops have to patrol for that!