The consequences of such idiocy are dire, for both the general public and for people like Neely. How long can the authorities in New York expect everyday citizens to experience hostile and violent encounters before taking action?

Commentator Toure tweeted, “It is normal to see loud, disturbing mental breakdowns on the NYC subway. I’m not defending that; I’m saying it’s a regular occurrence. What’s not normal is to murder people having loud, disturbing mental breakdowns.”

But short of prophecy, how can those watching such a breakdown, complete with threats against others, know who is harmless and who isn’t? Normally such questions are outsourced to law enforcement. When law enforcement is prevented from doing its job, crime rises—and citizens are forced to engage in acts of self-defense.

[Adam Baldwin and I tackle this very issue in Monday’s episode of The Amiable Skeptics. The destruction of the civic compact is a dereliction of government’s first duty — to provide for peace and order through the constant application of the rule of law. When they abrogate that duty, tribalism will follow. It’s quite a conversation, so be sure to watch it on Monday! — Ed]