Quote:
Originally Posted by lilac_jive
I loved 1984 when I read it a few months ago. I thought the ending was extremely thought provoking. As much as we all think we could be stronger than that, would we have done the same thing?
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I think yes, most would do the same thing. It is hard to challenge authority even when it is so obviously corrupt. Look at Hitler, people in his own party tried to assassinate him. Look at Sadam Hussien's regime and how most of the world turned a blind eye to the genocide he was perpetrating. Look at China... I think to have an Olympics there was a validation of that countries government. Look at North Korea...
Heck, look at the US. George Bush's wire tapping, suspending Habeus Corpus, open people mail. All without probable cause and judicial oversight. The cries of if you are doing nothing wrong, what have you go to hide. Holding "enemy combatants" without telling them what they are charged with or what evidence there is against them. How do you fight something when you don't know what it is you are supposed to fight. I am talking about US citizens here, not just international citizens that were jailed and held in Guantanamo for years without any due process.
Where was the public outcry for stuff like that? Sure, there were reports and people saying it was bad, it was unconsitutional. But, George Bush is the "decider". What the president does or says is the law... I think some other president way back when said that. I can't remember which.
Heck, even take a look at the IRS... if there is an audit you are guilty until proven innocent. Your funds and assests can be seized before and investigation takes place.
Most people will say that you must give up your freedoms for your safety. But... what happens when it is you, or your spouse, or your child? The US is nothing without the founding principles set forth in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
I think 1984 was an incredible exaggeration with 100% of your freedom gone. Everything is controlled, even history is changed to match what is said. The people are lied to about a war to be cowed into doing without so the troupes can be supported. Even when it was so obvious people let it happen... it is very hard to fight those in power, specifically because they are in power.
Wow... I didn't mean to get so political.
BOb