[jMyles]

Well, you said that "to group the US in with the likes of N. Korea and China is dishonest and inaccurate." So although you didn't expressly state that you didn't think the US has a police state problem, you did seem to think that grouping with other states with this same problem was deceptive. The only odd part was that you used as your justification an assessment that, in a completely separate (albeit obviously related) set of criteria, these states don't belong in the same group.

[nicarus1984]

Thank you. This was the most constructive reply I've received.

I do acknowledge the issues raised by OP; my quote: "...exposing and criticizing the very issues you mention."

I read the original comment as a generalization that the US is grouped in with those other countries due to these issues. My reply was simply to refute that primarily on the fact that we have the ability to discuss and solve these issues that those other countries do not have. It is an important distinction in my opinion.

Maybe I misread the intent - it appears from some of the fiery responses I've received that may be true. :(