When They Come for You, by David Kirby

Do you ever think the government has a little bit too much power?  Way too much power?  So does journalist David Kirby.  In When They Come for You: How Police and Government are Trampling Our Liberties--and How to Take Them Back.  Libertarians and readers of Reason magazine and similar publications have heard these stories, or stories much like them before.  Kirby gives example after example of government overreach.

Like much of libertarian thought, Kirby's discussions will hit hot buttons for people on the left and the right.  Both liberals and conservatives share a general bent toward freedom, albeit with gradations and occasional opposite positions.  But Kirby's examples mostly cross any party or ideological lines.  Is there a role for government in the protection of abused and neglected children?  Yes, but Kirby reveals patterns of abuse and anecdotes of tragic imposition in family life by policies and practices of child protective services.  Should police enforce drug trafficking prohibitions?  Yes, but Kirby again gives plenty of examples where police unjustly seize property and cash in traffic stops and bank seizures.  Many lives have been negatively impacted by the heavy hand of asset forfeiture.

Kirby gives lots and lots of reasons to get upset about government overreach.  It's upsetting and eye-opening to hear these stories.  He's not as strong on the subtitle; the "how to take your liberties back" portion isn't quite as strong.  Nevertheless, it's worth a read and will challenge any perception you have of the goodness of government.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!