logomancer | Sep. 30th, 2006

After Kerry conceded the 2004 election, I had this period where I was rather upset, and had a bout of doomsaying, saying Bush would lead us into a dictatorship. People told me I was being paranoid, and that it would never happen.

After seeing this and this, among other things, I think it just did. It's ironic that I watched V for Vendetta tonight, as this bill makes the sort of "black-bag" detentions shown in the film legal -- unless the Supreme Court strikes it down, which I see about as likely as me flying to the Moon. I can't say that I'm overly surprised by the result; it showed that the Democrats were spineless, the Republicans (except Sen. Chafee, who voted against it) were evil, and that Congress is full of bitches to the White House. I hope the people who voted for this thing never see public office again.

Part of me is terrified of the government right about now, with their secret indefinite detentions. While it's rather unlikely that I'll be dragged off to the Ministry of Love one fine evening, the threat will linger in the minds of those who would be exposed to such treatment, like the Sword of Damocles. People that used to speak will become silent, others who wanted to break in will waver, and eventually there will be an absence of dissent -- not a noted one, mind you; one must be careful what they say over the phone. Or in their house. Or on their blog. Hmm...

I don't know where we're going, but we seem to be in an awfully big handbasket. One favor I ask of all of you: vote. It probably won't matter, but do it anyway. It only takes a few minutes. Besides, the way things are going, it might be one of the last votes to be held...

Thanks to nixve for the links.