Dissecting the Thin Blue Line

A common response to anarchist arguments against government-monopolized police is some variation of, "Well, next time you're in trouble, call a crackhead." Not only does this sidestep whatever argument was actually made, it implicitly demonstrates one of the problems of modern police: no alternative is allowed. That makes them a monopoly in the most literal sense of the word.

We need security services and criminal investigation, but this in no way implies that a government monopoly is the best way to handle such matters. Monopolies promote waste and abuse. This can't be overcome by better training or a larger budget, and funding it through extortion just makes things even worse. That is why the police operate as a de facto gang in many cities, and it should come as no surprise that many police forces began as gangs given legal authority by their political benefactors in the 19th century.

Never mind that police have no duty to protect anyone, the rampant abuse of minority communities, official or unofficial ticket quotas, enforcement of unjust prohibition laws, and innumerable other trespasses committed under the guise of law enforcement. The police here here to protect us just like politicians are here to represent us, right? Psalm 23 of Statism must read, "The government is my shepherd, I shall not want..."

Never trust a cop. Never call the cops. And above all, never talk to the cops. Your conversation should be limited to, "Am I free to go," "Am I under arrest," and, "I have nothing to say without the advice of a lawyer." Stay safe out there. The road pirates and revenuers are always on the prowl. They are wolves masquerading as sheepdogs. Your job is to not be sheep.