The basic responsibility of government is to protect the people

I’m reading a history of the United States. I have reached 1774 when the congress of representatives of the colonies was assembled in Philadelphia to address their concern with mother England’s treatment. I was reminded of the famous writers whose thinking was utilized in these discussions. Men like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Charles de Montesquieu. Hobbes stated that government was necessary to deliver citizens “from fear of violent death”. His conviction was that man was at war with every other man and was solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short. Locke’s state of nature was beautiful and virtually sinless but somehow had fallen out of that state. He further stated that the most desirable government was one that protected human “life, liberty and estate”; therefore government should be limited, only strong enough to protect these three inalienable rights. Montesquieu suggested dividing authority among various branches with different functions. This provided a blueprint for the future government of the United States. I am using the above in my attempt to bring sanity to the current hysterical movement all across America to somehow defund law enforcement from our cities. Once that is accomplished we will be left with only ourselves to defend our families. This violates the basic ideas expressed above that the primary purpose of government is safety. Lawlessness is most prevalent in places like Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, New York, Chicago and Atlanta where city councils and mayors have proposed reducing funding for their police. All of this because of the belief that police are racists. I contend that if they are then so is everyone else since the only difference is their choice of occupation. The thin blue line is the only thing we have to create a climate of normalcy. Even here in Tucson looting and burning was allowed to occur with the police kept away. How tragic that store owners were completely put out of business. Police are resigning. Recruiting is negligible. Why would any young person want to be put in a position where they are vilified instead of respected? On the news we hear of killings of 15 or more in cities. Some of the deaths are police officers. The right to protest is important for a democracy. This does now mean impunity for setting fires, looting, tearing down statues or other acts of violence. This is not about Black Lives Matter, Trump, Biden or any other politician. We are voluntarily giving up our right to live without fear. Take action. Write to some leaders or editorials as I have often tried to do. Be a part of the solution not a cowering victim hoping not to be affected. They will tire after a while and venture into the quiet neighborhoods, you know those that have security systems in place so you can call 911 and hopefully have police arrive in time to save you and your property. Jack B. Walters July 19, 2020