With respect to the Snowden affair and his exposure of Stasi America, I would like to make observations by quoting two persons, far wiser than this humble worthy, which are worth considering in this regard.
1. George Kennan, the founder of containment of Soviet communism, told students and the National War College in 1947:
"The fact of the matter is that there is a little bit of the totalitatian buried somewhere, way down deep, in each and every one of us. ... It is only the cheerful light of confidence and security which keeps this evil genius down.... If confidence and security were to disappear, don't think that he would not be waiting to take their place."
2. Dr. Andrei Illarionov, Former Chief Economic Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation, remarked the following on The Destruction of Freedom in Russia:
"First, there was an assault of the people of Chechnya. Many Russian people thought that it was not their business to defend the freedom of the Chechen people. People in Chechnya lost their independence, their political rights and -- many of them -- their lives. Many Russians lost their lives as well."
"Then there was an assault on the Russian media. This time many Russian people thought that it was not their business to defend the freedom of the media. As a result, the media lost its independence--first television channels, then radio stations and newspapers. And now the censors are turning their attention to the internet."
"Then there was an assault on private business. Many Russian people thought that it was not their business to defend the freedom of private business. So private business has lost its independence and has become subjected to the caprice of the executive power."
"Then there was an assault on the independence of political parties. Many Russian people though that it was not their business to defend the independence of political parties. As a result, the independent national political parties ceased to exist."
"Then there was an assault on the independence of the judiciary. Many Russian people thought thst it was not their bsuiness to defend the independence of the judiciary. Now, there are no more independent courts or judges in Russia."
"Then there was an assault on the election of regional governors. Many Russian people though that it was not their business to defend free elections of regional governors. Today, regional governors are appointed by the president, and there are no more independent regional authorities in the country."
"Then there was an assault on the idependence of non-governmental and religious organizations. Finally, some people tried to defend the freedom of these organizations, but it was too late. And now even those who want to resist have neither the resources nor the institutions required to fight back."
WE CANNOT AND MUST NOT ALLOW OUR GOVERNMENT TO INSTITUTE THE STASI AS GUARANTOR OF OUR SECURITY!!!
