Bleeding Kansas, indeed.

The city of Topeka, Kan., repealed its law making domestic violence a misdemeanor a few days ago in an effort to save money.

Traditionally, Topeka’s municipal courts handled all misdemeanor cases except domestic violence. But last month, the county’s district attorney, Chad Taylor, announced that his office could no longer continue prosecuting cases of domestic violence. That was because of a 10 percent cut to his budget.

On Wednesday, Taylor announced that his office would simply make do with less. That announcement, however, came after the City Council of Topeka voted to remove its own law against domestic violence from the books in an effort to kick the issue back to Taylor’s office.

Both parties are at fault on this issue. Domestic violence is simply unacceptable. It is a violation of the coequal partnership that is marriage and family life to not prosecute instances of domestic violence. Before the month-long standoff was resolved this week by Taylor’s capitulation, 30 abuse suspects have been released. That’s 30 individuals who may have hurt the spouse they swore to protect. That’s 30 individuals who may, at their next spousal confrontation, may escalate the violence beyond abuse.

The city of Topeka estimated that it would cost about $1.8 million annually to prosecute domestic violence cases; meanwhile, Taylor was faced with a $350,000 budget cut.

Not prosecuting cases of domestic violence is bad enough. Not prosecuting them for the sake of money is reprehensible. Sure, a poor economy has sent tax revenues south. And sure, raising taxes is unpopular. But there are some things, domestic peace among them, that are worth paying for without a second thought.

The city officials of Topeka and county officials of Shawnee County forsook the safety of their residents and citizens and played tag with basic governmental responsibilities. Government isn’t supposed to be profitable. We give our governments money because together people can do things individuals cannot.

There is a certain basic standard of safety that should come from living in a civilized society as opposed to a jungle – or, in the case of Kansas, flat grassland.

While district attorney Taylor made the right decision by resuming responsibility for prosecuting domestic violence cases, the fact that for a month that crime was not guarded against signals a disturbing trend in American politics. There are some matters over which government should exercise control. Most of those will not turn a profit. It’s time we realized that again.