Why do people think we live in a police state?

Question

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gnzWZQGSzCGR37CAk27M1JIhOeNAD8SBSU6G1

Answer 1

Compare our rate of incarceration to other nations.

Answer 2

We do not live in a police state in what was traditionally called a police state. If you cite this article as an example of why we do, you are wrong. In this article, the rule of law is clearly being followed. The man pleaded guilty to what was probably an unreasonable charge (In court, I think he would have won the case. A better charge might have been disorderly conduct), then thought better of it and is appealing his guilty plea. Sounds very much like Larry Craig, an Idaho senator recently in the news who says he is NOT gay. Sure looks to me like the rule of law is alive and well in this example.A police state is a society where there is NO rule of law, the law is what the local police SAY it is, whether written down and enacted into law by a legislature or not. Communist Russia in the 50's and 60's was essentially a police state. That wall, the iron curtain, was there to keep people IN, not keep westerners out, though it did serve that secondary purpose as well. Pre-WWII Germany was a police state. People could be arrested for anything and simply disappear with no formal charges and no appeal. Which by the way, is what we are doing to the "detainees" at Gitmo, and the people who have been the victim of the "rendition" program. In a sense, with Dubya and his "signing statements" which declare he does not have to follow the law, we are effectively in a police state of sorts. Dubya thinks he has the power to do what he wants whether law on paper or not. The 4th amendment says warrants are needed to guard against unreasonable searches and yet Dubya claims he can listen in on my overseas phone call without a warrant, that he can search my house without a warrant, that he can examine my library records without a warrant and make the librarian a criminal if they even tell me my records were searched! So, sure, I can see why some people would say we live in a police state, because in effect, at the highest level (Dubya choosing what law to follow or not) of government, we DO. The rule of law has become compromised under Dubya. Don't blame me, I didn't vote for the twit.

Answer 3

I don't.

I have forgotten exactly what a police state means, but to me a police state is when the government is run by the military. That is certainly not the case in America. Also, when I hear the term "police state", I imagine the military walking around with weapons constantly patroling the country.

It makes me laugh to think that anyone would be so unaware that they think America is a police state.

Answer 4

Because they read too many articles about too many incidents like this one you just posted. It is ridiculous that people are harassed by law enforcement for BS, when they avoid real criminal like drug dealers, murders, etc., because in general they are too lazy to really research things to really get to the bottom of the problem and find a solution. I'm not saying that no crimes are ever solved or criminals ever punished, but unfortunately there are too many people getting away with things they shouldn't so they become bigger problems for society. And then to make themselves look good the officials pull crap out of their hats, like some guy stopping to talk to an old friend on a busy sidewalk is a 'problem'.

Answer 5

well when iwas growing up you never had cameras all over the place back in the 60s you might have had shops with the one inthe corner of the ceiling that was it you never had interfering people telling you what you canand cant do and also in them days men were men if this what is happening today then their would have been hell to pay but today youre monitered every which way you goand now hazleblears is getting kids to spy on kids thats wrong it will nextdoor next spying

Answer 6

No one lives in a police state (if they only know their own country). Its only when compared to other countries, mostly by outsiders, that it can be called a police state.

said in fake german voice:
"Where is your ID? You cannot leave your house without your official ID. You know that we can arrest you for suspicion just for not having your ID?"

Answer 7

have u been to an airport lately?
try acting like mr bean did when he was at the airport on a flite to us...
fear is a tool successfully used by the govt to garner support for its antics overseas world over...

Answer 8

The Military Commission Act and the Patriot Act ...ERROR 44O...ERROR 440

Answer 9

...because "they" have never lived in North Korea, Iran, Main Land China, Venezuela, Cuba or Libya... (there are several more).

Answer 10

paranoia