"1984" morphed from a cautionary tale to an operating manual

[CrusaderFrank]

In my NYC public school education, probably the last literate generate to ever graduate from Bronx public schools, Orwell's "1984" was required reading. At the time we read it, it was a cautionary tale: a prophetic warning of the deadly cocktail of fascist government and technology. Walking through grand Central Station this morning, I, and all my fellow passengers, were monitored by no less than 100 cameras.

We are under constant surveillance at all times. Even the technology we believe to be helpful: smart phones and laptops are used to track and monitor all our cyber activities for sure, but also relay our whereabouts whenever we travel with them.

Somewhere along the line "1984" morphed from a cautionary tale to an operating manual. I blame our last 2 "Presidents" neither of whom actually worked for the American people, for this deplorable state of affairs.

 

[owebo]

Room 101 for you.....

 

[bendog]

In my NYC public school education, probably the last literate generate to ever graduate from Bronx public schools, Orwell's "1984" was required reading. At the time we read it, it was a cautionary tale: a prophetic warning of the deadly cocktail of fascist government and technology. Walking through grand Central Station this morning, I, and all my fellow passengers, were monitored by no less than 100 cameras.

We are under constant surveillance at all times. Even the technology we believe to be helpful: smart phones and laptops are used to track and monitor all our cyber activities for sure, but also relay our whereabouts whenever we travel with them.

Somewhere along the line "1984" morphed from a cautionary tale to an operating manual. I blame our last 2 "Presidents" neither of whom actually worked for the American people, for this deplorable state of affairs.

Is the gummit compelling certain behavior though? I'd certainly agree that post9-11 we are being subjected to more warrantless searches, not aimed at discovering terror, but aimed at good old crime like drugs and child porn .... and even targeting specific individuals. And, I'd certainly agree that is wrong, and personally I think that making govt officials personally liable for treble economic and punitive damages is our only defense.

BUT, it the state was all so controlling, Two Tone Donnie would not be a nominee. Not that he'd do jack shite about survellience.

 

[The Great Goose]

It's the hand held cameras which bother me.

 

[CrusaderFrank]

In my NYC public school education, probably the last literate generate to ever graduate from Bronx public schools, Orwell's "1984" was required reading. At the time we read it, it was a cautionary tale: a prophetic warning of the deadly cocktail of fascist government and technology. Walking through grand Central Station this morning, I, and all my fellow passengers, were monitored by no less than 100 cameras.

We are under constant surveillance at all times. Even the technology we believe to be helpful: smart phones and laptops are used to track and monitor all our cyber activities for sure, but also relay our whereabouts whenever we travel with them.

Somewhere along the line "1984" morphed from a cautionary tale to an operating manual. I blame our last 2 "Presidents" neither of whom actually worked for the American people, for this deplorable state of affairs.

Is the gummit compelling certain behavior though? I'd certainly agree that post9-11 we are being subjected to more warrantless searches, not aimed at discovering terror, but aimed at good old crime like drugs and child porn .... and even targeting specific individuals. And, I'd certainly agree that is wrong, and personally I think that making govt officials personally liable for treble economic and punitive damages is our only defense.

BUT, it the state was all so controlling, Two Tone Donnie would not be a nominee. Not that he'd do jack shite about survellience.

Rand Paul was the only one who even mentioned it. I agree I don't expect Trump to do anything, but I expect Hillary to make it much worse.

Best thing would be a solar flare that takes out the entire grid