[Cacique]

By your definition we already live in a totalitarian society anyway. We are all under both private and state surveillance at every moment of our lives, we are tracked via our cellphones, our credit cards, bank accounts etc, ISP numbers on ouir computers and cookies. etc.. It is the consequence of living in a modern plugged in society. Everything we do is with modern technology an intrusion into our autonomy. A gaucho on the Pampas of my native Argentina who practically lives in the 19th century (even though the govt. is authoritarian) has in effect more freedom than I do.

My whole point in my argument is simply that all actions DO have consquences. Even bening acts that we think are nobody's business have public policy implications. To argue otherwise is to live in a utopian dreamland.

[timm22]

By your definition we already live in a totalitarian society anyway. We are all under both private and state surveillance at every moment of our lives, we are tracked via our cellphones, our credit cards, bank accounts etc, ISP numbers on ouir computers and cookies. etc..

It is the consequence of living in a modern plugged in society. Everything we do is with modern technology an intrusion into our autonomy. A gaucho on the Pampas of my native Argentina who practically lives in the 19th century (even though the govt. is authoritarian) has in effect more freedom than I do.

We may be close to totalitarianism, but we aren't quite there...yet. There are still some areas of life that are not subject to state control. I can not be prohibited, for example, from publicly persuading young men not to join the armed forces, even though my activity has profound public consequences. (I will admit that the trend seems to be decreasing these areas of personal freedom.)

Furthermore, there is a profound difference between private surveillance and state control. I have the option to not use an internet browser, not accept a Visa card, or not shop in a store that will videotape me. I do NOT have the option to disobey a state edict. No corporation in this country can compel me to do something without first obtaining my consent in one form or another. The state can, and does. Totalitarianism doesn't have to mean secret police or harsh punishment. It just means that anything is subject to state control.

My whole point in my argument is simply that all actions DO have consquences. Even bening acts that we think are nobody's business have public policy implications. To argue otherwise is to live in a utopian dreamland.

I agree with you here. I fully accept that just about every decision I make can have some effect on someone, somewhere. I agree that "no man is an island", I just don't think that gives society the right to control every aspect of his life. I believe we are in agreement on this as well.