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What prevents the next government from setting this up anyway? If your threat model is “the other side getting elected is inevitable but we can’t ever let them
by lovecg 5y ago
What prevents the next government from setting this up anyway? If your threat model is “the other side getting elected is inevitable but we can’t ever let them control what the government does” you’ve already lost.
It’s cliche to bring up Hitler, but I’ll do it anyway. The Weimar republic made some very weak attempts to try to limit Nazi propaganda, and they successfully shouted them down with cries of “free speech!” Of course one of the first things they did once in power was to shut down any newspaper they didn’t like.
- AnimalMuppet 5y agoFair point. Still, don't build the machine for them. Make them build it themselves, for two reasons. First, it slows them down at least a little bit. Second, it makes it clear to others that this isn't normal - that they're going further than anyone else has been willing to go. Those two things are still useful, even if they can in fact build the machine and start using it.
- lovecg 5y agoDo you not build any artillery weapons in fear that your enemy will take it and use it against you? That might very well be a bad idea if you’re already under a siege and are losing. I guess it’s hard to make a general statement that applies in all situations.