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361 points gloxkiqcza | 3 comments | | HN request time: 0s | source
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torginus ◴[] No.45011561[source]
I genuinely do not understand where how the idea of building a total surveillance police state, where all speech is monitored, can even as much as seriously be considered by an allegedly pro-democracy, pro-human rights government, much less make it into law.

Also:

Step 1: Build mass surveillance to prevent the 'bad guys' from coming into political power (its ok, we're the good guys).

Step 2: Your political opponents capitalize on your genuinely horrific overreach, and legitimize themselves in the eyes of the public as fighting against tyranny (unfortunately for you they do have a point). They promise to dismantle the system if coming to power.

Step 3: They get elected.

Step 4: They don't dismantle the system, now the people you planned to use the system against are using it against you.

Sounds brilliant, lets do this.

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ozgrakkurt ◴[] No.45012358[source]
Politicians represent the country, if politicians are corrupted and stupid then the country is corrupted and stupid
replies(2): >>45012413 #>>45023493 #
AnthonyMouse ◴[] No.45012413[source]
That's assuming voting systems or checks and balances don't matter. If you made structural mistakes in how you choose politicians, you're going to have a worse time than if you use better systems.
replies(1): >>45013025 #
aa-jv ◴[] No.45013025[source]
The people will always get the politicians they deserve.
replies(1): >>45015018 #
GuinansEyebrows ◴[] No.45015018[source]
nobody "deserves" stephen miller.
replies(1): >>45024837 #
1. aa-jv ◴[] No.45024837[source]
They do, if they don't elect someone better.

Apathy towards politics is how we get bad politicians. This has been proven throughout history.

replies(1): >>45027650 #
2. GuinansEyebrows ◴[] No.45027650[source]
no. nobody deserves the leadership of bigots. i don't care how apathetic you are, i still want better for you than that.
replies(1): >>45037225 #
3. aa-jv ◴[] No.45037225[source]
The point is, you ARE responsible for the politicians that govern you.