Cops and Robbers Prosecutors

Madison writer John Nichols presents the progressive understanding of the proper role of a state attorney general, and it is clear the left covets AG positions not for their traditional law enforcement functions but for their utility in pursing social activism.

State Cops: The days when state attorneys general were merely cops-and-robbers prosecutors are long gone. In states across the country, and increasingly at the national level, attorneys general are in the forefront of fights on everything from access to birth control to price-gouging by oil companies to preserving pensions to preventing state laws from being pre-empted by free-trade agreements. Of particular note has been their aggressive and often effective advocacy on behalf of environmental protection initiatives”.

The progressive movement believes they can define common good for the population and the coercive power of government is the most direct and efficient way to achieve their goals. Arnold Kling at TCS Daily posts ten Libertarian Propositions and I especially agree with the following two items.

6. Government is just one of many institutions for collective action. There also are trade associations, civic associations, religious groups, charities, and many other organizations that can provide collective goods.

7. Government's unique institutional characteristic is the legal use of coercive force. This creates enormous potential for abuse, and indeed, there are many countries where government abuses its powers constantly, to the severe detriment of the population. The abuses are less evil in the United States, but where liberals look at government expansion and see opportunity, libertarians see threat.

There are many legitimate concerns in our society and there are many “institutions for collective action” available to address the issues. In their desire to obtain power to achieve their good intentions, liberals consistently infuse their rhetoric with false urgency. When I drive through America, I do not see an environment in danger of ecological collapse so I don't need an AG trying to control all private land within a 1,000 feet of lakes and streams. I do want my top cop to focus on “cops-and-robbers” prosecutions and not on suing private business for excessive free market success.