Self-governance, or rather self-policing

Self-governance, or rather self-policing

Is it fair or just, let alone even possible, for a group (any group) to be self-policing / self governing?  A recent pamphlet released by the “Occupy Baltimore protest” movement has brought this very question once again to the forefront of media attention, well for now at least.

So what’s happening in Baltimore you may ask?  How about “… rape, theft, sexual assault (even against children), and other such crimes taking place within the Occupy tent villages…” “Occupy Baltimore has sent a memo out discouraging protesters who are sexually assaulted by fellow protesters from contacting police, but rather to let the movement handle it internally.” – http://townhall.com/columnists/jonsanders/2011/10/20/occupy_the_consequences_of_a_philosophy_that_encourages_rape_and_theft?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

According to The Baltimore Sun the memo is in the form an info pamphlet, and calls for alleged victims of, or persons who suspect that, abuse has occurred are encouraged to “…report the incident to the Security Committee…” to allow the Security Committee to “ investigate and "supply the abuser with counseling resources." .” – http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-10-19/news/bs-md-ci-occupy-baltimore-rape-20111019_1_sexual-assaults-sexual-abuse-report-crimes#.TqB4f5d5URw.facebook

This observers’ “take” on this self-governance issue is thus:  It flat out does not work!  It rarely works for Accountants to police other Accountants, or for Lawyers to similarly police other Lawyers, or Doctors, Police Officers, Politicians etc policing their own members / peers.  The public en masse are oft times left with a bitter taste in their mouths, so-to-speak. Wondering if the internal investigation was truly thorough and unbiased, or do “doctors look after their own?” and one’s mind quickly wanders to thoughts of cover-ups and back-room deals.

How much more so should people who are victimized by a bunch of unruly thugs, be reporting incidents through proper channels and using recognized systems of justice?  As the “Townhall.com” article states “…it is extremely dangerous to live in tents with a bunch of people who oppose individual rights of life, liberty, and property.”  

Please folks if you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, no matter how minor or heinous it may be, do not take matters into your own hands.  Doing so may very well place you, the victim or others at even greater risk.  Contact you local authorities and be as co-operative with their investigation as you are able.

Well that’s my rant for today, as that’s Da Bauz’s Take