Re:Riffle: an efficient communication system with strong ano...
by logfromblammo on Monday July 11, 2016 @05:08PM
(#12074646)
Yes, it is. If it is possible to experience out-of-band retribution for unpopular speech traced to an identifiable individual, some minority opinions fall silent.
In the US, police accountability activists may find additional civil offense summonses on the windshields of their cars--even when parked in their own driveways. That is childish and petty harassment, and the forms of retribution can be much worse. Various regulatory agencies have been used to attack political opponents, such as IRS audit rates showing a marked difference between supporters and non-supporters. EPA may demand more land use restrictions on owners with less political strength.
It is very important to be able to tell other people about your grievances without fear of someone saying, "Oh yeah? If you thought that was bad, just wait 'til you see what you get for blabbing about it!"
In the US, police accountability activists may find additional civil offense summonses on the windshields of their cars--even when parked in their own driveways. That is childish and petty harassment, and the forms of retribution can be much worse. Various regulatory agencies have been used to attack political opponents, such as IRS audit rates showing a marked difference between supporters and non-supporters. EPA may demand more land use restrictions on owners with less political strength.
It is very important to be able to tell other people about your grievances without fear of someone saying, "Oh yeah? If you thought that was bad, just wait 'til you see what you get for blabbing about it!"