On Fri, 7 Apr 2000, Reese wrote:
> At 09:59 AM 07/04/00 -0700, Colin A. Reed wrote:
>
> >If you want to look at history, it shows that _all_ governments oppress
> >their peoples, but some more than others.
>
> I know - some minor degree is necessary just to maintain the governance -
> anything beyond that however, is what I referred to.
>
I'd like to see what you consider minor. To pick a topic popular among
republicans, look at the current tax burden americans live under. Then
remember that this country started in a bloody war fought over what would
today be a minor excise tax. Many do consider that oppressive. Look at
the current civil asset forfeiture laws, where proven innocence is not a
defense. Look at the police forces of major cities and even some more
rural areas that behave as if they were armies of occupation. No such
oppression is necessary to maintain governance (okay, the taxes probably
are to at least some extent). I didn't sign on for fascism. Much as I
like it when the trains run on time.
