Two Types of People

I knew an old man once who told me that there are only two types of people in this world; those that have been to jail, and those that will someday go to jail.  While I never thought that was an accurate picture of our society, I am beginning to think that old fella knew what he was talking about.

I've noticed a pattern over the years in both the War on Drugs, and the War on Drinking that concerns me, and should concern anyone interested in preserving the liberties we are supposed to enjoy as Americans.  This pattern can be seen in every case study of genocide throughout history.  It can be seen in every case study of "psychic numbing" that has emerged since the term was first coined by Robert Jay Lifton in 1967.

When one group of people convince another group of people that a particular subset of their society is "not worth saving" or are somehow less important than other groups, then it becomes less reprehensible to subject that subset to more mistreatment and abuse over time.  Eventually, the beginnings of the animosity towards the subset disappear and all that is left is the general knowledge by everyone that the subset folks are bad, evil, and corrupt people undeserving the same rights and privileges as the rest of society.

It seems we are coming to a time in our society - if the government bureaucrats have their way - when anyone who takes a drink of alcohol and drives a vehicle will be subject to forced blood draws, embarrassing questioning, and criminal charges.  Before you laugh at that notion you should know that in many parts of the country all the police have to do to get a warrant to draw your blood is say that they saw you drive in an unusual way, smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage on you after stopping you, and that you either failed or refused to take their roadside physical agility tests. 

This is an election year.  We have the power this November to decide what types of lawmakers we want dictating how we live our lives.  If you do not get involved and find out who you are voting for, or do not vote at all, then do not be surprised when you wake up one day to learn that your numbness has worn off and your innocent activities are now illegal.  Unfortunately, by then there will be fewer free citizens with voting rights left to speak up for you.