From Speed Cameras to Street Violence: The Challenge to State Power
The strength of any state depends not only on its institutions and economy but also on the respect its citizens have for its authority. When that respect diminishes, and the law becomes negotiable, the state’s prestige begins to weaken. This decline has been painfully evident on our roads, where violations and hostility are no longer unusual but commonplace.
One clear example is the repeated vandalism of automatic speed cameras. These devices, installed to deter reckless driving and save lives, have been broken or disabled time and again. Every act is more than just property damage—it’s a public sign of defiance. It’s a slap in the face to law enforcement and a direct challenge to the state’s ability to maintain order.
Another incident involved a colleague of mine on her way to work. While waiting at a red light, she was rear-ended by another car. Though shaken, she remained calm and stepped out to reason with the driver and exchange insurance information. Instead of apologizing, she was met with a barrage of insults. When she mentioned calling the police, the driver responded even more aggressively—insulting the police as well—before speeding away, leaving her in shock. In this case, not only was the law broken, but the very idea of accountability was openly mocked.
That same week, a friend experienced another instance of road rage. Driving in the far-right lane preparing to exit, he was aggressively tailgated by a speeding car. Despite the ample space to the left, the driver chose to press forward dangerously close, ultimately swerving onto the narrow shoulder to overtake. As she passed, she shouted and made offensive gestures, then later ran a red light at the exit. This reckless defiance was not about reaching a destination faster; it was about power, arrogance, and contempt for rules that apply to everyone else.
These are not isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a wider problem: from traffic violations to home invasions, car thefts, shootings, and stabbings, violence and hostility are growing. While some analysts may point to social or economic causes, one crucial factor is often overlooked—penalties that do not match the severity of crimes. When consequences are absent or too lenient, the law becomes a suggestion rather than a boundary.
Democracy and human rights are essential pillars of a civilized society. However, public safety and order must come first, because without them, no freedom can survive. Those who advocate for lighter forms of correction or oppose preventive policing need to ask themselves: what about the rights of victims? Unless someone has experienced the trauma of crime, it’s easy to underestimate the pain involved.
For those concerned about stricter enforcement, one simple question remains: if you are a law-abiding citizen, why fear the law? Yes, authority can sometimes be misused, but far more often, crimes are committed and go unpunished. A state that tolerates defiance of its laws tolerates its own decline—in that decline, everyone pays the price.
