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To: Melas

I see where you’re coming from. Thanks for that understanding.

Yes, I STILL trust the guys in my area to protect the families here and I STILL put faith in Mexico’s men to protect their families.

I hope they’re not thugs. I hope they are men like we have here, good and decent. I think there are far more cases of men protecting their families than the odd case of the horrible examples you’ve given. At least, I hope and pray there are so many more cases.

That’s another example of why I think government and law enforcement should be local rather than federal. Only those of us who live here know who is good and bad.

For cities, God help you folks.


45 posted on 10/28/2009 5:45:23 PM PDT by ozarkgirl
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To: ozarkgirl

No problem. I understand where you’re coming from, but I’ve thought it all the way through, and I see where vigilantism fails.

Not only can’t vigilantes be trusted, but consider this: Due process not only protects the innocent, but forces the possible defenders and supporters of criminals to confront the evidence themselves. Fictitious example: My friend Larry rapes and kills a child. If Larry goes to court, evidence is presented, the semen in her body matches Larry’s, first hand accounts place Larry at the scene, Larry’s apartment yields unsavory pornography eerily similar to the fate of the young child. Myself and Larry’s friends and family are forced to confront the evidence in spite of our preconceived perceptions of Lary and in all likelihood most of us will wish Larry a speedy trip to hell.

Now, if Larry isn’t given a trial but is instead beaten by an angry mob in his apartment by baseball bat wielding thugs who kill Larry and set fire to his apartment, what happens? Will Larry’s friends confront his guilt, or in such an environment do Larry’s friends instead seek vengeance on those who killed who they believe to be their innocent friend? Obviously, in this scenario, Larry’s friends are far more likely to hold on to their perceptions of Larry, believe in his innocence and desire retribution.

In short, you have tribalism, and as a form of government, it pretty much blows.


47 posted on 10/28/2009 6:03:17 PM PDT by Melas
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