[bawolff]

I'm not sure that is materially different from what i said when it comes to the role of scientists or politicians.

Yes its regrettable that the media seems to be mucking up its role as the fourth estate (or at least sowing division and acting in ways that seem less than beneficial to the well being of the group). However, that's hardly unique in history, and arguably one of the primary functions of a free press is to spread dissent in order to keep the power of the state in check.

> Harmful behavior is prosecuted (the word you're looking for is "force"... not violence).

Is there a difference? or is it "force" when it happens to other people, "violence" when it happens to you or you disagree with it?

[slowmovintarget]

It is possible for the state to compel without violence. That is still force.

[bawolff]

Typically the various methods are just very indirect ways to threaten violence, which if you thumb your nose at strongly enough, eventually ends in you getting arrested (or if you refuse to be arrested and resist, shot).