[nate_meurer]

Oh really, just beliefs?

Is it merely my "belief" that I can publicly criticize our government in whatever way I want (short of threats) without fear of government reprisal?

Is it merely my belief that no transaction with any bureaucracy, government or otherwise, has ever required me to pay a bribe, and that being asked for one would be offensive and probably just inconceivable to any American?

Your defense of authoritarian regimes is a simple-minded rehash of "at least the trains ran on time". There's nothing clever or new about it; for all of history depots have used safety and convenience to justify stripping people of basic human rights.

[taobility]

You would also worry about be shoot when you walk on the street at night. You would also worry be bombed when you attend some concert, taking subway. Yes, you have your choice, and the other people also have their choice.

[nate_meurer]

There are some places in the U.S. where the violent crime rate is high by international standards. I've been to some of them, and while I'm happy (and fortunate) not to live there, I've never been afraid of being shot. Not even at night.

Your mention of the concert thing made me laugh. No, I'm not worried about being bombed at a concert. I'm far more likely to be struck by lightning.

I understand the necessity of safety. But safety is not incompatible with freedom from state oppression, and it's beyond tragic that so many people let their governments convince them that it is.