Here's what keeps running through my mind:

[Duer 157099]

First they went after the terrorists, and I applauded, because I am an American.

Then they went after the supporters of terrorists, and I applauded again,
because without support, the terrorists could not flourish.

Then they went after the countrymen of the supporters of terrorists,
and I didn't really mind because they weren't my countrymen.

Then they started torturing all those people, and I didn't mind
because it was probably justified.

Then they suspended habeus corpus, and it didn't bother me
because I'm sure it was only being done in cases where it was necessary.

Then they started spying on foreigners, and I didn't mind because
I wasn't a foreigner, and besides I wasn't doing anything wrong.

Then they started spying on Americans, and I still didn't mind
because I figured they were probably traitors anyway, and besides
I wasn't doing anything wrong so I wasn't worried.

Then my government began flagrantly breaking laws and opposing the Constitution,
and I didn't mind because we were in a time of war and extraordinary measures
are sometimes necessary in those cases. And besides, we still had the media to
keep us informed so nothing would get out of control.

Then the media stopped reporting about all these things, and I didn't mind
because I only used the Internet anyway for my information, and besides,
the Internet had much more accurate info.

I used the Internet every day to keep track of all that was going on in the world,
and in our government. I was getting somewhat concerned with all of the extraordinary
measures being taken by our government, and all of the seeming lawlessness that
they were getting away with. But, I wasn't too concerned because we still had the
Internet, and the fact that I was even able to read about these things meant that
things could not possibly be too bad.

Then they came for the Internet.

[Raven]

1. K&R...chills down my spine. n/t

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

2. CONPLAN 0500 - actual Pentagon contingency plans to use U.S. military in the U.S.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/07/AR2005080700843_pf.htmlhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/07/AR2005080700843_pf.html

For the first time, the Pentagon has drafted plans for the potential use of the regular U.S. military within the United States in response to either actual incidents or just the "threat" of incidents. The plan is administered through Northcom, a military entity created in 2002 and based in Colorado Springs. Is this a plan to impose de facto Martial Law? The Bush Administration has justified this plan under Article 2 of the Constitution pursuant to the President's powers as Commander In Chief. Most of the plan is still classified.

[TomInTib]

3. And it could happen any day, now.

Just watch.

I'll bet the 'net is "temporarily" shut down for all but defense/Intel purposes after the next (count on it) "National Emergency".

Right before they suspend the '08 elections.

KnR

[Zensea]

4. Here's what has been running through my head

The internet is the new D&D.

The times certainly are dangerous, no question about that but that doesn't mean that a large proportion of these scenarios people suggest have much basis in fact.

[Dervill Crow]

5. K and the 5th R.

:kick:

[conspirator]

6. They already started with the internet when they banned online gambling

The question is, will they stop there?

[doublethink]

7. I had a funny thought along those lines a few days ago .....

in short it goes like this ..... when the Democratic Underground really becomes "The Democratic Underground" .... and has nothing to do with a web-site what-so-ever, because 'they' came for the Internet...... K&R Peace.

[cascadiance]

8. We were talking just yesterday about the need to do this in signs...

... at our weekly "Enough!" protest! It's amazing how many of our minds think alike!

[truedelphi]

9. the Internet already was a pain in the butt for major media

On the Internet - youcan get the news you want immediately without having to pay homage to those weird talking heads

And you can download music and movies and form blogs and influence millions of people (Look no farther than the victory of Debra Bowen as Secretary of Starte in California - that was an internet victory - whiole NBC locally devoted vast amounts of face time with her opponent)

the Internet has to go.