Not to veer too far off point, but check out a book called “The Day The American Revolution Began”, by William H. Hallahan. Read that first, then read “1776” by David McCullough. They were incredibly organized, as primitive as things were back in the day. Amazing reads.
As for the “truths”, well, yes indeed - they’ve proven themselves quite capable and adept at acting like the Gestapo, Sicherheitsdeinst, or KGB. Especially when Dems are in control and will back up/cover up every transgression.
I finished Unintended Consequences a few weeks ago.