I do understand your point. My reference to a ‘government gun’ is a metaphor, and perhaps a bit of hyperbole for the increasing use of force by the government to act in what are clearly unconstitutional ways. This is focussed mainly on large institutions, but it’s also starting to impact individuals - ask any of the auto dealers who just had their livelihoods terminated by fiat. (Ouch! bad pun)If you believe that the judgment of your conscience should not be trumped by government coercion, then you’re probably going to wind up on one of Janet Napolitano’s lists.
So I don’t think that hyperbole will appply to that statement for too much longer.
Circumstances have changed. The Waco and Ruby Ridge incidents were for the most part dismissed by the American public as just a bunch of nuts getting what they deserved. That was also the media spin. Now, we have a rising tide of ordinary citizens who are waking up to the fact that their freedom is in dire peril. The tea parties are testimony to that. And they’re not going away.
They can’t Waco all of us, although that won’t prevent them from trying when - not if - they become desperate enough.
I can’t argue with you on these points. I do believe the time is coming. Barring a miracle, and unexpected change in direction, it is inevitable. But I certainly don’t desire it to come to this (nor do I think you do). It would become history’s greatest tragedy...