The Criminalization of Everyday Life

Post by rhizome » Tue, Dec 10, 2013, 8:08 PM UTC

thisiswrong wrote: post #84

dmix wrote: post #61

I wish people would move beyond 1984 and quote more Foucault's Discipline & Punishment [1]. There is a much deeper-rooted problem in society than mass surveillance or militarization of police. It's the question of why we all let this happen without any resistance. We accept and welcome our controllers. Foucault wrote about the effects of prisoner mindset in society in the 1960-70s. Our subjugation and tolerance to au…

> It's the question of why we all let this happen without any resistance. Why, and how did we let this happen? Look no further : http://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Holl... 'War-nography', islamophobia, narco-phobia... and the script goes on. When the masses believe that they are in danger, they will stand behind those in power for protection. There's surprisingly little difference between Joseph…

Post by ahomescu1 » Tue, Dec 10, 2013, 8:09 PM UTC

rprospero wrote: post #89

iambateman wrote: post #32

If every police station in the country is equipped with military-grade weapons and vehicles, what happens in the event of despotic leadership? Suppose someone rises to power with little regard for legislative oversight and activates the sleeping military at home. It might start with a real (or faked) terror event coordinated across several major cities. It wouldn't take much at all, 5-10 cities, and suddenly: 1. Inte…

Perhaps I'm naive, but I never understood why a despotic US President would need all of these weapons and vehicles. I mean, they're a nice convenience, but they're complete unnecessary for a takeover. My thought would be that you just need the presidency and maybe six high ranking military officers. You then declare a presidential address where you announce that you're declaring yourself dictator for life. If anyone…

Post by walid » Tue, Dec 10, 2013, 8:11 PM UTC

avmich wrote: post #56

csallen wrote: post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Human nature is hard to change. Systems are (relatively) easy to change. Rather than worry about people being irresponsible, lazy, greedy, immoral, incompetent, etc, we should focus on building systems that work well and protect all involved despite all of that.

Agree. But it doesn't mean we shouldn't evaluate officials - especially elected ones - on their views. Now, what could be a workable approach...

Post by smtddr » Tue, Dec 10, 2013, 8:14 PM UTC

aestra wrote: post #75

bilbo0s wrote: post #64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Ok... that one is crazy. Obey the cop and get suspended... or obey the teacher and go to jail. Just leaving these kids in no-win situations. SOMEONE has to be willing to listen and hear the kids out. Either the cop has to hear them out, and then say "OK, well I'll just keep an eye on you until your teacher comes." Or the teacher has to hear them out, and then say "Well, OK, it was my fault for telling you guys to sta…

Did you see the interview with the coach? He showed up, identified himself, said these kids were in the right place and they were going to a basketball game all while speaking very respecfully and the cops said if he didn't leave the coach was going to jail too! Apparently being out in public is illegal. They were going to a basketball game not school so they probably wouldn't get suspended but they were expected to…

Post by redblacktree » Tue, Dec 10, 2013, 8:17 PM UTC

ctdonath wrote: post #96

redblacktree wrote: post #59

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Question is: why is the government so afraid of its own citizens possessing such gear? Is that the right question, considering that the tactical gear market is allowed to exist? I'm apparently too lazy to do it, but it would probably be instructive to look at the history of that ban on military-to-citizen sales.

Short version: In 1934, machineguns & "destructive devices" were hit with a $200 "transfer tax" and subject to tight paperwork regulations and severe penalties for violations. Given the products in question cost around $50, and the tax equaled some $3000 in today's US$, it was practically a ban. Inflation brought the tax down to affordable (cough) levels today. In 1986, possession/manufacture of new machineguns was b…