I would recommend “Means of Control” for a more clear picture of how the surveillance state works today. Here is a review: https://reason.com/2024/02/27/the-spy-in-your-pocket/

The current situation is a result of a nearly unanimous Washington consensus regarding this issue. Not one party vs another.

It's really just a sign that America has definitively and unequivocally entered it's cultural endgame. Of course American citizens are happy to violate the 'rights' of other Americans; being American in 2026 means absolutely nothing other than being able to tribally pick a side that claims to be the "real Americans" fighting for "what's right". Agents of the state are more than happy to leverage their positions of authority if it means they can grab a small win for their side.

Of course, Snowden gave us definitive proof back in 2013 that 'rights' were being systematically violated for arbitrary purposes. But, no one dares be objective about world events lest they accidentally seed territory to their enemy! "But we can use that for XYZ if we get in!" says the American with glee.

If Americans could be honest with themselves, they would realize national collapse is imminent within a decade. The only path forward is treating those around you with respect such that community is preemptively fostered before it is invariably required for survival.

Huh? These warrantless phone searches happened in the tens of thousands under the previous admin.

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