We recently watched the film V for Vendetta. Although the film was set in a totalitarian Britain, it seemed to me to be more critical of America. It got me thinking about how the USA seems to be heading more towards a police state, and away from the mythical Land of the Free.

Recent incidents include:

Police arresting Jawyalking Historian 5 Police officers wrestle a historian to the ground for Jaywalking

Taser-happy Police Police taser a student because he refused to show his student ID to university security. He was actually leaving the library when he was attacked. There have been many other incicents of police using tasers on defenceless people.

The Law is too stupid to understand anything computer related Teacher arrested because a classroom computer was infested with spyware and a porn pop-up window appeared on screen.

Do as we say, not as we do A Georgia couple are arrested for installing a camera to catch speeding motorists, and catching a speeding police officer.

The Lawn Police An elderly Utah resident is arrested and beaten up for not watering her lawn.

Land of the Free, as long as you don't have a camera This seems to be a popular subject now. New York is threatening to bring in legislation to restrict photography in the city.

I'm sure the world can sleep easily, knowing that the great superpower is devoting its energies towards victimising it's citizens.

Update:
A few more stories which I've since found:

More stupid taser police Police taser a man who was holding a new-born baby.

Arrested for not showing receipt Man calls the police after store security illegally detain him for not showing a receipt on his way out. The police then arrest man for not showing his driving licence