The Justice Department Sees 'Anarchy' Overtaking New York City. If Only That Were Remotely True.

Today, the Department of Justice declared that New York City, Seattle, and Portland, Oregon, are "permitting anarchy, violence, and destruction."

This isn't just about Attorney General William Barr happily assisting President Donald Trump's re-election efforts by escalating attacks on urban centers. This is yet another attempt to manipulate federal spending on cities in ways that shift the boundaries between the executive branch and Congress.

The Justice Department has been trying to do something similar with "sanctuary" cities and states, where local law enforcement declines to help the federal government enforce...