We talked of urban violence, of overworked, undermanned, demoralized and exhausted police in Chicago, a city unmoored. And about calls in Philadelphia for the National Guard. I disagree with that. It’s understandable that a population frightened and besieged by violence would call for military occupation. But that allows local officials—and local residents–off the hook, with greater and more terrible costs to be paid as a result. It’s not just theory, but the impact of concrete application of power. Perhaps this should be the subject of a future column. Stay tuned

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