George H.

The reason that big D (and you) is difficult to take seriously is the overall lack of an objective reading of American history. The fundamental fact is that our various freedoms have been strengthened thru time. Consider the following.

1.It is argued that freedom of the press is infringed. How does this compare to T. Roosevelt who could get away with literally blackballing members of the press who disagreed with his policies.

2.What about the freedom to protest/strike? Is it infringed like seventy years ago when the military and police often served as mercenaries and shot down dozens of striking workers for mining companies and factories. On a similar note, ever heard of what happened to the World War One Veteran's bonus march on Washington D.C. in the 1920s.

3.Our protection against various abuses by law enforcement is greatly improved. Do you really think that things are nearly as bad now as during the J. Edgar Hoover reign in the FBI.

All of these areas have shown improvement even since the Reagan administration. Of course, there is always room for improvement, and tempered skepticism toward the government is great in a Demoracacy. However, shrill and unsubstantiated cries of "The sky is falling" aren't.