Thursday, August 18, 2005

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love The Police State

From Alterhouse, via Atrios, comes this tasty little slice of insanity in re: to the execution of Jean Charles De Menezes.

"Is it not true that yesterday's sad mistake has already solved the problem it represents? In fact, a further good has been created: as ordinary persons change their behavior and drop the bulky clothing and unnecessary running, the real terrorists will stand out more. Indeed, if anyone ever behaves like Jean Charles de Menezes again, the presumption that he is a terrorist will be so overwhelmingly strong that the police really must kill him."

In light of the new evidence, she has since issued this response, among others, to people accusing her of making excuses for extrajudicial executions of innocent people on subway trains:

"I don't appreciate having what I wrote mischaracterized in a way that makes me look bad and I know people are reading this post today because they've been sent here by a couple of websites that are badly mischaracterizing me."

In other words: Rethink my argument? Do I look like a flip-flopper?? Stop looking at me!! STOP LOOKING AT ME!!!!!!!!

This is how it starts. Alter your behavior just a little bit.. just to be safe. After all, you've done nothing wrong. And then, as the cycle of violence gains momentum, you're compelled to toe the line.. just to be safe. The cops kill a guy for wearing a bulky jacket. Better safe than sorry. Toss out the bulky jackets. He was carrying a backpack. Leave the backpack at home. He was running. Don't ever run. He was reading a book about politics. Don't bring your book out in public. Better yet, don't buy such books. He had been overheard saying he disagreed with the war. Keep your trap shut in public. He looked middle eastern...

Oh, wait.

I also love the idea that The Real Terrorists will "stand out more" if we all behave like automatons. Real Terrorists are clearly incapable of adjusting their behavioral patterns.

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