I think it is universally understood that Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W Bush established the trend. You seem to think that nobody understands this, b

I think it is universally understood that Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W Bush established the trend. You seem to think that nobody understands this, but I think everyone understands this. There has been a growing authoritarian trend that goes back decades. The trend is worrisome. One manifestation is private prisons. There are lots of other manifestations, too many to discuss here. We can criticize the latest manifestation, and also acknowledge that the problem has deep roots in time. You sound like you feel this is an either/or situation, but I think many of us who care about civil liberties are worried about the entire 40 year trend. It's especially worrisome to think where we end up if we continue in this direction for another 20 years. With prisons and with all other issues regarding civil liberties, the current trend is ominous.