There is considerable controversy regarding what motivates human beings when crimes are involved. Their actions occur as a reaction to an oppressive, unjust, and unequal social fabric, making violence a justifiable solution. Or, they are masters of their free will and must be held accountable for each of their illegal acts.

The more someone believes the first hypothesis, the more left-wing they are. The blame would be collective. If you side with the other alternative, you're on the right. Lula's statement, in which he portrays drug traffickers as victims of the user—in addition to taking a dig at US President Donald Trump—revealed what everyone knows: his leftist convictions.

The truth about humanity must lie somewhere in between these hypothetical poles. But anyone who, in some way, suffers from crime will certainly not be interested in this philosophical discussion. They want security and criminals arrested.

The population, for the most part, likes the police. Those who don't like them are intellectuals. Especially because the police, as a segment of society, are closer to the base of the community than the academic or artist who finds them repugnant.

But politically, Lula's statement could be a breath of fresh air for a now disjointed right wing. Finally, a misstep after a series of political victories, such as the income tax exemption and the chemistry with President Trump. But, faced with so much nonsense from people like Jair Bolsonaro's son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, and with his growing popularity and poll numbers, Lula must have simply stepped on his toes and decided to speak his mind—consequences be damned. He exercises his free will.