Can you imagine this scenario?

Some time soon, perhaps this summer:

A major attack on a US city, involving a "dirty bomb" or a biological weapon.

The government, taken by complete surprise (of course) quickly concludes this is the work of Islamic extremists.

All evidence is placed under government control, and non-governmental investigations are forbidden.

The American media explode with the news and tell us exactly what the government told them.

War is declared, on Iran perhaps. Or Syria. Or it is simply expanded in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A draft is instituted, with popular support, and control of military funding is transferred to the executive branch.

Martial law is declared in the United States, or a new and improved Patriot Act is enacted.

Anti-war activists are rounded up and declared "non-citizens" - a new designation similar to "enemy combatant."

The 2008 elections are postponed indefinitely.

Can you imagine this?

Unfortunately, it is all too easy.

© Copyright 4 April 2007 C. George Boeree