Carl J. Friedrich Quote

“The history of totalitarian regimes is reflected in the evolution and perfection of the instruments of terror and more especially the police.”

~ Carl J. Friedrich

The Pathology of Politics, 1972

Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

The huge financial booty gained from enforcing victimless crimes and the increasing para-military training are but 2 examples that support the truthfulness of the quote.

E Archer, NYC

The US 'domestic military' would be the envy of Hitler, Stalin, and Mao.

Joe, Rochester, MI

I fear the arming of the police and military, while disarming the people. It is unconstitutional.

David L. Rosenthal

Archer: Take a trip to Cuba and Northe Korea, then apologize. Joe: I agree with you.

E Archer, NYC

I make no apologies. US domestic military puts Cuban and Korean police states to shame. David, you may consider changing your diet of predigested pablum spoon fed from the very establishment you claim to distrust. Collusion and ignorance are poor qualities of a patriot.

David L. Rosenthal

Archer: I am in daily contact with Cuban opposition members, for the past several years. You do not have a clue as to what you think you believe.

E Archer, NYC

David: Your 'communication' with Cuban government is irrelevant to the quote's point of US domestic terror -- it is not about whether there are worse governments in the world than the USSR, China and Nazi Germany. It is about the police state being built within the USA. To deny the militarization of domestic 'security forces' is to believe the endless cries from government -- which is much more powerful than Korea, Cuba, or any country in the world. And the citizens of America are under the thumb, too.. The instruments of a police state are being perfected by the US. Period. Cuba and Korea can't hold a candle to the force, might and power of the FBI, CIA, NSA, and a gallon more of alphabet soup running with little oversight targeting Americans. Good luck with the Cuban opposition party -- why don't you move in and really make a difference.

David L. Rosenthal

Archer: I said nothing about communication with the Cuban Government. Where did you get that? No opposition members are permitted in the Cuban regime, which i refuse to label a government, since there have never been elections. The quote says nothing about the USA. Where did you get that? The quote refers to totalitarian regimes, which so far we have not experienced in the USA. You are very confused.

David L. Rosenthal

Archer: Since you are so concerned about freedom for Cuba, why don't you come with us when we go. We have already informed the Dept of Justice, Dept of Defense, and the White House by certified mail that we will do as you suggested, so they can't accuse us of conspiracy, since they have been invited to participate in the operation. Let me know. I'll introduce you to the commanders.

Mike, Norwalk

Having taken numerous law enforcement classes, I speak from experience, totalitarianism is alive and well in the good ole USA 'and growing'. Good luck David, fighting tyranny anywhere is noble.

E Archer, NYC

Communist countries like Cuba got their start because of American policies. I hope the opposition is supported by people with stronger views about freedom than Rosenthal. I do not think he will have much difficulty selling his brand of freedom to the Cubans. I would aim higher however -- and so do my Cuban friends. Cuba is a nice vacation spot -- have a good time. Don't forget to learn something from the people, too -- there is much an American can learn from an oppressed people.

Mike, Norwalk

:-) I don't know if they can learn anything from an oppressed people, If they could, they wouldn't have the government they have (-:

jim k, Austin, Tx

Local police departments are more and more being federalized and this is a very dangerous precident.

Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

The total control individuals of the contemporary United States appear to have an intimate relationship with the police. The past practices continue.

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