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Dissent Is Essential to Democracy by Amy Goodman

by Erik Larson | August 14, 2008 at 09:54 pm | 176 views | 5 comments | 9 recommendations

The bulwark against tyranny is dissent. Open opposition, the right to challenge those in power, is a mainstay of any healthy democracy. The Democratic and Republican conventions will test the commitment of the two dominant U.S. political parties to the cherished tradition of dissent. Things are not looking good.

"Freedom Cages" replace "free speech zones" and "Fusion Centers" coordinate intelligence and enforcement actions by the police/FBI/Secret Service and US Northern Command. Taking notes or pictures? You might wind up in detention where signs warn you could be Tased. The State Police in Maryland were recently exposed for spying on peaceful anti-death penalty protesters; 14 months and they found no evidence of criminal activity. If you're going to the Convention, watch out for the provocateurs. While it's disturbing the powers that be are investing so much in draconian security measures instead of government that serves the public interest, I think it's encouraging that they are so afraid of the People. Don't let their intimidation tactics work; exercise your right to free speech, press and assembly.

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Jeremiah Vandermeer

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 22:35 on August 14th, 2008

Good stuff. I posted some video from CBS News earlier showing the secret detention center in Denver.

Erik Larson

at 07:31 on August 15th, 2008

thanks for that link Jeremiah, I didn't know there was video. The plans and expectations of the police state are chilling, but this collaborative new media is inspiring. The more people see and hear about stuff like this, the more they question these measures. Glad to see the local news covering it with an objective report.

Paschen

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 01:45 on August 15th, 2008

Erik Larson, I like this story. It's good stuff.

Decent yes, however not violence not intimidation!

Erik Larson

at 07:37 on August 15th, 2008

thanks, Paschen, agreed- neither the protestors or the "elite"-controlled state should be resorting to intimidation and violence. The People have few options as we have been shut out of the political process and corporate media by big money interests, but we have truth and justice on our side. Those in the street who resort to violence reduce themselves to the level of those enacting the Big Brother state, and are used to make an example- if they are not actually paid provocateurs

Stop SPP Protest - Union Leader stopsprovocateurs