Robert Justin Goldstein Quote

"Political repression consists of government action
which grossly discriminates against persons or organizations
viewed as presenting a fundamental challenge
to existing power relationships or key governmental policies,
because of their perceived political beliefs."

by:	Robert Justin Goldstein American author, professor
Source:	Political Repression in Modern America, 1978
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Categories:	America, Belief, Equality, Government, Oppression, Politics, Power
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Spoken like a true professor. I think he means that the government doesn't like you if you oppose them.  -- jim k, Austin, Tx
Compelled compliance, license, victimless crimes, and larceny, among other key governmental policies are but a few of the political repressions grossly discriminating against the once sovereign(s). Individual sovereignty presents a fundamental challenge to the power relationship and other political beliefs of a foreign despot. Current day U.S. of Amerika exemplifies today's quote.  -- Mike, Norwalk
Why is it just governmental action? Those on this site who call another contributors comments nonsense or resort to invective, diatribe and lies are also attempting political repression in my view. There seems to be a cabal of individuals who try to "smack down" any view or opinion to which they disagree rather the discussing the issue. These individuals are more into name calling than discussion. I respectfully suggest that such an attitude is totally reprehensible to the idea of LIBERTY.  -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas
Hey Waff, did calling me a fascist promote the idea of liberty in any way ? As to liberty, it means that we can express our opinions even if they offend someone. I was not especially offended when you called me a fascist since I doubt that you even know what a fascist is and most of your rantings are nonsense anyway. As long as we have some semblance of free speech in this country, you can rant to your hearts content and I can disagree. P.S. You said that you aren't from Arkansas. Do you use the Arkansas name in order to downgrade that state? Just curious.  -- jim k, Austin, Tx      1
jim k has simplified the quote. There is a difference between 'action' and 'beliefs.' It is not repression to disagree, even vehemently, with one who is trying to 'reason' with you while they attempt to rob you. Waffler, does your hypocrisy know no bounds? You are talking about yourself. If you believe in taking the 'high road' then I suggest you take your own advice. As for your inane views, your 'opinions' have been 'smacked down' by facts. There's not much that can be done about that.  -- E Archer, NYC
When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitles them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to separation. Well I declare that our elected officials, that are put in position to represent us have failed, over and over again. Men derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the People to alter or abolish it, and institute new government. Well I think that you know the rest. We do have the right, it is not fascist, or treason. It is American. REAL AMERICAN. Not this sissy brand of so-called Americans that we have been reduced to. We get not that which we earn but what we deserve. We have become snivelling weaklings, so we are bullied by tyrants, who are weaklings themselves. Men who would not dare to look us in the eye, if out of their security or power, are our masters. Wallow in the beds that we have made for ourselves. We deserve it.  -- Ken, Milford Pa.
Government "action" is, simply put, force. It is coercion by threat of violence. As an individual I don't have the power or the legitimacy given by society to exercise the same power over someone else that government does. When government acts against me when I exercise my rights (for instance free speech in opposition to government policy), I have no recourse of action to take against it other than the good will of my fellow citizens that are willing to risk government violence upon themselves.  -- Ken, Allyn, WA
I don't really know how to respond directly to this quote because of my negative concept of the politics and politicians. My response is this question: If we can find a formula that serves the interest of everyone, will it be repressed? I say its out there somewhere and it will go.  -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

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