First, @churdtzu, I love you so much for saying this. The last paragraph, especially. I've noticed a surprising streak of violent authoritarianism, lately on facebook. Someone feels powerless about an issue ( and I know they're just venting) but when they take it to a place of advocating the rape of rapists, taking pleasure in the thought of causing pain, relishing "justice," they take a big step towards becoming exactly what they despise. The impulse to protect the innocent can always be channeled into good deeds and always should.

I sometimes think so much could be accomplished if we put 70% of our current policing energy into rewarding and aiding volunteers who are taking initiative in their communities and just totally stopped caring about tail lights, helmets, and so much else.