[nickpsecurity]

Exactly. Aside from my larger post, I'll add that I hear it from people that moved away from China, Cuba, etc. A recent one was a Cuban guy I know whose family immigrated here to get away from propaganda, abusive state, etc. I asked him what they thought and he said his mother totally agreed U.S. was transforming into something similar. He said she calls him up every so often after seeing something on the news, freaking out. She commonly says (paraphrased), "They were promoting (police state-style stuff here) on the news. They said it's for (benefit here). That's what Castro said! They did the same thing in Cuba! It's happening all over again!"

My friend just nods his head and calms her down as he knows it's true. They figure they still have it better in a hybrid, quasi-police state rather than a full one. Russians and Chinese usually just tell me of the media and surveillance actions that it's the same crap as they saw/heard over there. It's just way safer here as enforcement is weaker, our protections are stronger, and private parties are more independent. So, they all encourage us to keep it that way and push back against the advances. Sounds good to me. :)