I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.

US has more people imprisoned than China. Not per capita, total.

Yep

Both are tribalism of different levels of intensity. Our brains are predisposed for us-them mentality, some stronger than others, some can leave it behind others never will. It’s also the most exploitable feeling in the history of our species, with fear may be the close contender.

Obviously a government embracing tribalism leads to horrid shit (everyone without an armband knows it) BUT ignoring it completely allows something else snake its way into that void. If you’re lucky its something vegetarian like football hooliganism, if you-re not – pan-nationalism, religious zealotry, whatever the 4chan incel shit is, people who can’t or won’t leave tribal mentality will find a dirt to roll in.

IMHO it is worth considering implementing a civic religion a-la french republicanism. Yes it can be a gateway to nationalism, but it also lets tribal minded people wave their flags and “guard the civic values” or whatever while the rest of us continue our lives in peace. As a bonus it improves civic participation and if you’re attacked – well there’s already something for you to rally around.

I agree let’s give the average american what he wants and bring Brandon back. It’s not joever yet!

I want to say to all the “this could never happen to my country, we remember history”-people:

Yes it could. One economic crisis too many; a few gifted power hungry ghouls in the wrong place; hundreds little comprimises taken by establishment to preserve the status quo – and you will find your neighbours tolerating (and even welcoming) oppression of the less fortunate.

No society is immune.

This is like a Roman Legion being sponsored by a fire insurance scam