Another controversial blog post from @dan
A community’s ability to self-govern can be judged by the safety of its members. When you can leave your doors unlocked and not worry about breaking and entering, then you know you live in a solid community. When you can leave your wallet unattended in a public place and not have it stolen, when you can leave your bike unlocked, then you know you have good governance.
There is so much more to good governance than this. What about human rights? What about the lack of victimless crimes? What about freedom of thought (lack of thought crimes)? Perceived safety is very important but it is a mistake to make it the only measure of good governance.