On "police state" and "fascism"

[kenny blankenship]

8. it's not a police state unless you just insist on exercising your rights

Such a lot of complaint about nothing! Most people will never even see the inside of a police van or a detention center. As long as they keep going to work and shopping and keep their eyes front, looking down at where their feet are going, they may never notice anything amiss or police state-y or thuggish going on around them. Unless perhaps their name gets confused with the name of an evil-doer. Then, oh yeah, they're in for the surprise of their lives. But usually a mistake like that will get corrected before loss of life or limb occurs. And it's no harm done.

The Constitution may still say you have a right to free speech and to petition and to assemble and whatever, but it doesn't mean the authorities aren't allowed to make exercising those rights very costly to you and your family. Carrot or stick. Flat screen TVs or stress positions. Caviar or pepper spray. Your choice.

Life could be so pleasant if we'd all observe that one simple Golden Rule: Those who make trouble, or who fit the profile of someone who makes trouble, are going to be dealt with harshly. Those who don't incur the suspicion or wrath of the authorities shouldn't concern themselves with the fate of those who do, or try to "get involved".

Stick to exercising your right to accumulate material wealth without limits (or if you're unable to accumulate anything, just be a good loser about it) and you'll find it's the friendliest police state ever.