> Some people here scoff at the idea that COINTELPRO-type operations are still under way

Given the sheer scale of pseudonymous commentary in internet fora in recent years, the attitude that "it can't be happening" is naive to the point of utter ridiculousness. Quietly steering the public conversation is an obvious and attractive idea to any existing power. And inexpensive to try out.

It helps that US recently passed a law that allows the government to spread propaganda in US. And you just know that when something like that gets passed, it's probably been happening for at least 5-10 years.

When the government passes laws that help itself or corporations, much of the time it is retroactive. To legitimize illegal or quasi-legal things that are already occurring.

I don't understand how a democracy can function with retroactive laws. With enough power, all actions can be legitimized in the future.