11/06/2025
Law and Disorder in Los Angeles: A Case Study in Political Hypocrisy
By Oladigbo Olakekan | Lagos, Nigeria
Any nation that fails to uphold law and order risks eventual collapse. Human beings, by nature, are inclined to test limits it is only the presence of consequences that curbs such tendencies. This reality is being starkly illustrated in Los Angeles, where violent protests have escalated into full-blown riots, including attacks on ICE agents and law enforcement, the burning of vehicles, and the vandalism of federal property.
In response, President Trump, in coordination with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Homeland Security Secretary Christine, and the Department of Justice under Pam Bondi, deployed the National Guard to help restore order. This decision, however, has been met with strong opposition from California Democrats.
Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass downplayed the violence, characterizing the protests as “peaceful” and warning that the National Guard’s presence would only inflame tensions. They criticized President Trump for intervening, suggesting his actions were politically motivated.
This response raises serious concerns about the current leadership in California. It's worth remembering that Gavin Newsom was once a top contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024. His participation in high profile debates with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted his ambition. But if his leadership in this crisis is any indication, one must ask: Would he have shown the same passivity if this unrest had occurred in a red state like Florida or Texas?
The refusal to acknowledge the severity of the riots appears to be more about politics than public safety. The governor has even threatened legal action against the Trump administration over the National Guard deployment an effort that seems unlikely to succeed given the clear breakdown in public order and the documented assaults on law enforcement.
Leadership does not mean aligning with a political narrative at the expense of public safety. It is possible to condemn violent rioters while still opposing the federal government’s involvement but failing to do either is an abdication of duty. When the Los Angeles Police Department itself admits its officers were overwhelmed, the federal response becomes not just justifiable, but necessary.
This incident underscores a broader issue for the Democratic Party. Recent polls, even from traditionally liberal outlets like CNN, indicate growing public support for President Trump’s stance on law and order, particularly on immigration. Who, then, are the Democrats really representing?
The media’s role in downplaying the chaos also deserves scrutiny. A broadcast on MSNBC described people “having fun” watching cars burn. Such trivialization is deeply concerning in a country that prides itself on being a land of laws and order.
Even more disturbing were images of protesters waving foreign flags while burning the American flag. This act, in particular, is both ironic and insulting. Many of these individuals fled hardship in their home countries to find safety and opportunity in the United States. To then disrespect the very nation that gave them refuge is not only hypocritical it’s senseless.
If you hold another country's flag above America’s while enjoying the freedoms it provides, perhaps it’s time to reconsider where your loyalty lies.
