[tang-soo]

I remember reading several months ago on FR about a German/Austrian essayist that wrote how abusive governments would use the enforcement of silly rules/regulations/laws as a tool to beat down a population's will for freedom and free thinking. I think he was from the 1800's. Does this sound familar to anyone. I've been trying to track this down as I would like to use his paper as a resource. Thanks in advance.

[ladylib]

I don't know who wrote it, but governments can beat down people with broadly written nitpicking laws that make everybody a lawbreaker each day. Asinine zero-tolerance policies are like that also. I believe it's a form of control.

"Tolerance" education in schools makes students watch everything they say lest they offend someone. It must be terrible to have to constantly watch what you say and do so you don't get reported to the school authorities or even the police. Also many public schools encourage students to snitch on one another under the guise of "safe schools." We are becoming a nation of snitches.

Some schools also ask students intrusive questions about their family life either outright or on surveys. Where do you think that information goes? I bet some of that information winds up on the school's social worker's desk.

The fact that many public schools do not teach factual American history or civics so students know their rights or responsibilities will also be detrimental to a free society.