@Ceaselessmind

That's rude.

How about the flash strike that was called a few years ago. It was organised on Facebook.

On the day of the strike the Police had already turned up prior. They knew because they followed Facebook.

You tell me why every US citizen is being spied on - constantly... I'm looking forward to your answer.

And I have no idea what you're talking about regarding independence from England.

@Ceaselessmind

So the police are working for corporate interests. I suppose that's a bit of an answer.

I still don't buy it. I agree about corporate interests. But the level of intrusion goes beyond that.

I maintain my stance. The surveillance state exists to monitor working class dissent.

@Ceaselessmind

I agree with you on that. Totally.

I still believe the main purpose of the surveillance state is to monitor working class dissent, but it hasn't been put into use yet. I'm thinking about the long term. Things like future unrest, general strikes etc.

Should a large group of workers decide to take strike action in the future, I can imagine they will be monitored fully. I can also envisage their power being cut off in their homes (smart meters have a third party back door) and other things like bank cards being suspended, so that people can't use their card at an ATM to withdraw cash.

Potentially, the state has a lot of power. A recent scandal in the UK reminds me of this.

During the election for the leader of the Labour Party a few years ago, the right wing within the Labour Party employed staff to trawl through Labour Party members' Facebook accounts.

They were looking for any excuse to prevent people from voting for Jeremy Corbyn. It was an unprecedented meddling to subvert the democratic process. Jeremy Corbyn still got elected despite thousands being blocked from voting.

@Ceaselessmind

Yes. I agree.

I do worry that things are going to get dark, as you say. This exposes the true psychopathy of our ruling class. They really don't mind that people suffer and die, so long as they maintain their power and wealth.

I do think the public is in denial regarding the level of surveillance. It is being used for commercial uses mostly, at the moment. (It never seems to stop terrorist attacks, however.)

I wouldn't be surprised if my own online presence has created a file on me somewhere - 'left wing trouble maker'.