• 1992: Federal agents in Ruby Ridge shoot to death (in that order) Randy Weaver’s dog, son, and wife. Weaver had not appeared in court after being given the wrong date. Repercussions: None.
• 1993: Federal agents in Waco gas and incinerate 84 Branch Davidians, 26 of whom are minors and by definition hostages. Repercussions: Attorney General Janet Reno “takes responsibility,” tears up, remains in office.
• 1996: Atlanta Olympic bombing. FBI quickly detains bomber, only he isn’t the bomber. Real criminal arrested years later.
It has been 30 years since Ruby Ridge. If remedial action had been taken then, the 84 cultists at Waco might still be alive, the Atlanta bomber might have been arrested promptly, and the FBI might still be the world’s premier law-enforcement agency – instead of enforcers for the Democratic Party.
Government debacles are like toothaches. If they are neglected, they only get worse.