I don't know how anyone can argue that the US doesn't fit the definition of an electronic police state as it was defined above. Your head would have to be very deep in the sand.
> For a social commentator to speak out against the government on a major news outlet would be a ratings disaster.
What do you see them constantly doing when it comes to police brutality? And for the federal level, have you watched Fox News while we've had a Democrat president or MSNBC while we've had a Republican one? Gratuitously negative in both cases.
There is certainly tons of bias at all the popular news outlets, but it's very different from the bias of state owned news agencies.
Also, even amonst the academics, the only ones that make it on air the vast majority of the time (and are placed in a positive context within the programming) are the ones conforming to what the media wants. Ask anyone who's ever been on "the list" for expert interviews on television. They call you up and say "would you be willing to go on air and defend this position?". If no, they hang up and try the next person. The opinions broadcasted on American television are as scripted as any other TV show. Through this process they create what the socially accepted norm is, and even if the majority disagree, they become the "fringe" because their opinions are not as well represented.
Unfortunately the vast vast majority of people disagree with you, including basically every single social commentator. The only people agreeing with you are those on the fringe extremes.
I'm sorry, but I don't think reasoned debate is possible with you.
Read up on the electronic police state idea, then return... and try to be honest.
Does the Chicago blacksite count extraordinary evidence? There is so much evidence of police illegality, wanton murder, and lack of criminal action at every level, from the bottom to to the top where our country commits torture and does nothing that it is extraordinary for anyone to not belief America is a police state. You life in an oligarchy ruled by a corrupt elite, I can even site academic evidence of such but again, you argue by tautologies so why bother? Open your eyes.
This, and your freedom to comment about it on a public forum, is pretty much conclusive proof that America is NOT a police state.
When this evidence is suppressed or anyone attempting to cite this evidence is disappeared, THEN you should start worrying.
But the vast vast majority of people disagree and think that your opinions are extremist nonsense.
Where are all the conspiracy theorists coming from on HackerNews recently?
It's like you went to a website of logical fallacies and said to yourself, "how many of these can I commit on a single HN thread?"
Fly away, troll.
If you believe America is a police state, then you are on the extreme-fringes of opinion. So you'd need extraordinary evidence to back your claim up.