Event: A bunch of schoolchildren are brutally murdered by a guy with a gun. Conversation in the media: Maybe citizens shouldn't have guns. At least not guns th

Event: A bunch of schoolchildren are brutally murdered by a guy with a gun. Conversation in the media: Maybe citizens shouldn't have guns. At least not guns that can easily fire lots of rounds in a short period of time. Massive well-funded response: Don't even think about it. This is a violation of a constitutional right (2nd amendment) which is a vital protection against a tyrannical government. Result: Attempt to pass a bill in congress fails. Event: Guy with access to highly classified information concerning massive surveillance programs leaks some of this information to the press, which makes some of that information public. Conversation in the media: This sounds like George Orwell's “1984”. The government is monitoring everyone and lying to congress and to the people about it. The laws, interpretations and court rulings are all secret, preventing accountability. People should know what their government is doing. Pitiful response from lots of people with no clout: Stop tracking all our calls, movements and internet traffic. This is a violation of our constitutional rights (1st and 4th amendments) which are a vital protection against a tyrannical government. Counter-response from establishment people with lots of clout: This is necessary to protect you from terrorists. Result: TBD...