If a government can't protect its people, what is it good for?
In the late 1600s, John Locke's social contract was on the forefront of political theory.
Locke argued that the function of the state is to protect the natural rights of its citizens. Meaning, at the cost of a few of their liberties, citizens enter into a contract with their government in exchange for protection.
But here in Athens, government appears to have a different function.
In the past year we've experienced a student homicide, a violent Halloween and gunshots Uptown. Before we know it, Athens will turn into Detroit.
Councilwoman Nancy Bain and Councilman Dale Tampke said Thursday that they weren't sure if the violence Uptown was worsening. But those who live Uptown could probably answer an unequivocal yes.
For example, a few years ago my boyfriend would drag me the long way home down Court Street just to see the late night fights that would spill out of the bars onto the cold concrete.
Chalk it up to testosterone that makes men want to see two drunken guys beating the crap out of each other over an unattractive girl.
Now, my boyfriend lives on Court Street and walking home is downright dangerous.
From his windows, which look out over Evolution, 19 S. Court St., we have seen people hit by cars, beaten to a bloody pulp and now firing gunshots. Yes, the situation is getting worse.
But even if the city wanted to add firefighters and police officers, officials such as the mayor and members of council say they are strapped for cash.
Well, let me offer a few suggestions on where the city could get some money.
These three projects alone cost the city a whopping $507,160 last year. An average patrol officer for the Athens Police Department makes little more than $40,000 a year.
If the money spent on these three projects was reappropriated to pay for an increased police force, the city could afford to pay four more officers for the next three years.
The police officers themselves work tirelessly to defend and help Athens residents and OU students. Many of the people they try to protect do not respect themselves enough to follow the rules and keep out of trouble.
But the simple fact remains that violence Uptown is worsening, and we need more eyes on the streets. By reappropriating some funding, the city has more than enough money to serve its basic function - protecting its citizens.
17 Archives
