What are some examples in today’s society where the use of force is in the public interest?  For the most part, it is the “perceived threat” of force that is in play.  Some examples are the police force, the IRS, most forms of security, and maybe even the military.  How is the threat of force integrated in daily life?

Traffic signals are a good example of keeping order on our roads.  Red, green and yellow are the universal colors to be obeyed, and most people do obey them.  As usual, there are always exceptions to the rule, and for those people who refuse to obey the warning signs such as blowing through a red light, stiff fines and penalties do exist.  But it doesn’t stop there!  There are people who for whatever reason won’t stop for the police, and then the use of force enters the picture.  The ultimate end-game to this scenario where force is applied can turn ugly real quick, where a police office might be forced to shoot the law-breaker.  So, something as innocent as a traffic light to keep order can result in the use of deadly force for those who choose to disobey!

Everyone knows that the IRS is deadly serious about enforcing their rules!  Pay your taxes or else!  The IRS is not the most envious arm of the government, but it does serve a purpose.  Taxes are necessary for the operation of the government and for said government keeping order.  Not only in this country but when we are involved in foreign wars.  That’s not to say that the IRS is fondly viewed by the American people, but it does serve a purpose, and will result in the use of force for those who choose not to pay their fair share of the tax.  And that use of force again involves forcing those who break the law to go to prison.  And we all know about the use of force in prison!

Our society needs order, and whether we agree or disagree on the methods to achieve that order, unless someone discovers a better way, so far the way it operates seems to work.  Of course, nothing is perfect and there are horrible examples of the overuse of force all the time.  Police brutality, government corruption, and Gun-ho military leaders are just a few examples where absolute power corrupts absolutely!  But there is good news amongst all the bad, and that is that the majority of us know what the signs are, and how they should be utilized as we go about living our lives.