[jvanderbot]

Oh I believe they can. Isn't it called a supoena?

[TillE]

Yes. I mean, that's the whole point of that part of the fifth amendment. There would be no need for an explicit carveout of self-incrimination if the government didn't have the general ability to compel witnesses to testify.

[ethanbond]

Exactly. I suppose in some sense you have to admire America’s ability to produce people who believe the government has ~zero authority.

“The government can’t possibly do [basic function of every government since dawn of tribal life], can it?”

Yes indeed it can.

[ajhurliman]

There’s just so much freedom over here it’s hard to tell where ends and where it begins.