It seems like deploying the National Guard in cities is not based on a real need. I think much of it is an emotional response to the anti police rhetoric after George Floyd's death during a traffic stop in 2020. Pushback to the debates of past years, rather than today's needs.
I wasn't a fan of most of that anti police rhetoric back then. I often think that anger isn't a useful tool in politics. Accusing ordinary police for being racist stirred up emotion on the other side that is now being manifested in having the National Guard on some city streets.
Back in 2020, I remember seeing a good cartoon about the whole police funding versus social services issue. It depicted the social services as helping the police do their difficult jobs.
It's true that using the police to solve problems tends to be more expensive than having a just society to begin with. Things like more affordable housing can be viewed with the old phrase, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." It's like spending money on health insurance for preventative medicine versus neglecting things until having to go to the emergency room. When police are needed, that's usually like going to the emergency room.
A less accusatory way to look at the issue of police state versus fair society seems more convincing to me. Accusations bring more pushback.
Now I wonder how much money is being spent on deploying the National Guard?
Admittedly, I can only speak from my personal experience of positive vibes from local police. I try not to cause trouble, such as reckless driving. Cars can be dangerous. I don't even drive a car.
Back in 2020, much of that controversy had to do with traffic stops, as I remember from the news.
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