Can you provide data that this is worse than it was, say 40 years ago? I suspect it is, but I'd like to see data. And I'd like to see how it affects the mostly poor (read lack of assets to seize) residents of inner cities. This strikes me as an area where suburban, middle-class residents are getting a taste of what poor inner city residents have always been subjected to.
This is of legitimate concern to those of us who have not previously been likely to be victims of this, but hardly a reason for those who have always been subjected to it to riot or murder now, as opposed to 10 years ago.
near suspension of the 4th for 100 miles inland of the border
Again, a real concern that has zero effect on inner city residents of the greater LA, Chicago, Detroit, or Ferguson areas. I don't see riots and cops getting murdered by "fed up citizens" in the American Southwest. The closest we've come was the Clive Bundy incident in Nevada. A couple of loose nuts that Bundy tossed off his ranch went on to murder a couple of cops and the media did their best to tie it to Bundy. More likely, a couple of folks looking for an opportunity to shoot cops went to the Bundy ranch, were uninvited, and then found random victims. I doubt anyone in the heartland is rioting over what happens with border policies or land use in the Southwest.
outrageous corruption of LEO (google "malheur activist fbi" for a fun read of corruption)
Again, how many of the rioters or those murdering cops care a bit about fast and furious or other such activities aimed at the middle class suburban and rural population?
Very annoying, but hardly a new creation. Remember, prior to the 20th century, the 1st amendment was far more limited in scope than it is today. Most 1st amendment zones happen at college campuses and around major events by high profile politicians. How many rioters and cop killers are attending these events and getting upset?
Our most basic rights are under extreme attack. The only way not to see it is to close your eyes
A basic understanding of history would make clear that most of these basic rights have been greatly expanded in the 2nd half of the 20th century. Most of the worst infringements we can point to still show more respect for these rights than may have been common prior to 1960 even for the general population and most decidedly for inner city blacks.
Let's cut to the chase, is the respect for the rights of black citizens today better or worse than it was during the Jim Crow south and de facto segregation of the north prior to the 1960s? Are black men more or less likely to get a fair trial today than in 1955?
I'm not saying things are peaches and roses. Indeed, there is evidence things are getting worse for the middle-class white population in certain regards.
But what can you point to that actually matters enough to inner city, poor residents to motivate them to riot and murder? What is different or worse today for them than 10 years ago? Or 20, 30 or 50 years ago?
I can't find it. And so I think blaming "oppression" from the cops / government is the wrong diagnosis.
I think that diagnosis explains Clive Bundy. In the last 20 years the feds have shut down most of his neighbors' ranching operations. He is facing loss of his livelihood and culture. Without arguing whether he is in the right or the wrong, I see motivation to take up arms and say, "No."
If we see conservative Christians start getting violent over their kids being taught in school that homosexual conduct is the legal and moral equivalent as conjugal marriage, or being forced to provide services to homosexual "weddings", or being forced to pay for abortions we could blame "oppressive" government laws.
Gun owners haven't had things so good, legally, since at least the Gun Control Act of '68, and for racial minorities, they've NEVER had better legal respect for their rights to defend themselves; though admittedly, many minorities remain in inner cities subject to laws that remain the least respectful of their rights.
So what is it that is motivating the rioters and murderers? Increased coverage? Increased stoking of racial flames? Increased sense of entitlement? Loss of semi-skilled jobs? General social breakdown from 75% unwed birthrates?
I don't know. But I haven't yet seen any data to convince me this has anything to do with new or worsening "government oppression" against those who are actually rioting and murdering right now. And that is where my original comment came from. I understand what is frustrating and alarming those of us in the middle class suburbs and rural areas. I'm not convinced those same concerns are shared by inner city poor residents.
Charles