Revenge of the Deep State - Reason.com
Posted by Chet_Manly from reason.com
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electrovista, BenW, MacTexas and 1 other like this
Brief, but with some historical context to the problematic nature of our current surveillance state. Even if politics were not an issue at play, this is something I have a big issue with and would love to see go away or drastically diminished.
Just bringing awareness.
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sam_acw 7 years, 1 month ago
It's refreshing to see this breaking into more mainstream sites. We're caught between the Deep state on one side and private businesses wilfully creating false narratives or restricting outside ideas (MSM, Twitter, FB).
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Chet_Manly 7 years, 1 month ago
I agree the discussion (awareness) needs to gain traction. And all politics aside, I don't care who is in the white house, it's not a good thing. You mention being sandwiched and between Deep State/surveillance and dishonest businesses and I see your point, it's valid, especially with the dishonesty of "fake news". But I would argue that unscrupulous business aren't as dangerous as the Fourth Branch of government (federal agencies) which are not really accountable to voters, but are bestowed authority by the government: the government being the only entity who can use force to bring about compliance.
When the Fourth Branch can create a vast set of regulations/laws (and they do with abandon) the Deep State needs only to dig deep enough to find where you are breaking them. Businesses may have influence but only the government has actual power over us.
It reminds me of the idea that when there are too many laws (regulations) everyone is a criminal, it's only a matter of digging deeply enough to find the violation. The Deep State has that ability to dig...very very deeply.
Sorry, my reply probably went way deeper than your comment was intended to go, it's partly just a chance to think aloud and espress a full idea. Not seeking an argument or anything with you at all. I appreciate your comment because it's very true.
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BenW 7 years, 1 month ago
I hate to get all Ayn Rand, but it's probably appropriate related to what you said:
“Did you really think we want those laws observed?" said Dr. Ferris. "We want them to be broken. You'd better get it straight that it's not a bunch of boy scouts you're up against... We're after power and we mean it... There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What's there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced or objectively interpreted – and you create a nation of law-breakers – and then you cash in on guilt. Now that's the system, Mr. Reardon, that's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much easier to deal with.”
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IronGent 7 years, 1 month ago
I love it when you get Rand-y ;)
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Chet_Manly 7 years, 1 month ago
Came here to reply....can't compete.
You, Sir, have won the comment thread.
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sam_acw 7 years, 1 month ago
This is what they call anarcho-tyranny. Where the law fails to reign in real criminals, yet can destroy the lives of the normal lawful citizen. Being arrested, or even incarecerated, has an increasingly small impact on career criminals. On the other hand a regular joe stands to lose an awful lot (career, credit, reputation) even if he's only arrested and not later charged.
This photo of parking tickets being issued in Sweden illustrates my feelings. The police adopted a "non-intervention" policy during a riot, and the next day a meter maid ticketed the cars which the rioters burned.
http://www.friatider.se/sites/default/files/styles/wide_16x9/public/bb86474a-1528-413e-b940-f16c83d1bdaa.jpg
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Chet_Manly 7 years, 1 month ago
That situation in Sweden is maddening!
I wasn't aware of the term anarcho-tyranny; appreciate your weigh in.
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MacTexas 7 years, 1 month ago
This is only one problem. The voting machine problem is even bigger because it affects the outcome of elections.
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