Graham Linehan arrest

[Dorcus]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

It's all very odd. If i was as concerned as some are over being controlled, and lets be honest about this, it's as much as a problem for me as it would be my family etc, then i wouldn't have a Bank account, Passport, vehicle, Home, debt etc. I wouldn't use the services, wouldn't register with a Doctor or go to the Hospital if there was something i needed sorting out. I would never have an online presence, where everything we say floats around forever and can be used against us. I wouldn't use Supermarkets etc. Yet, Seemingly, everyone i know who is convinced that we as a individuals are being controlled are doing some or all of those things. I don't t think that they're that serious about it, in all honesty, Maybe the thought of being controlled is just an extension of their own frustrations.... Right, i'm off, back to my cave...... :hehe:

My theory is that some people have much too much time on their hands these days. In previous times instead of worrying about control and the deep state they'd be worrying about the price of potatoes.

[lardy]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

It's all very odd. If i was as concerned as some are over being controlled, and lets be honest about this, it's as much as a problem for me as it would be my family etc, then i wouldn't have a Bank account, Passport, vehicle, Home, debt etc. I wouldn't use the services, wouldn't register with a Doctor or go to the Hospital if there was something i needed sorting out. I would never have an online presence, where everything we say floats around forever and can be used against us. I wouldn't use Supermarkets etc. Yet, Seemingly, everyone i know who is convinced that we as a individuals are being controlled are doing some or all of those things. I don't t think that they're that serious about it, in all honesty, Maybe the thought of being controlled is just an extension of their own frustrations.... Right, i'm off, back to my cave...... :hehe:

Ironically, they're mostly pro-Trumpers, and Trump is the one refusing entry at immigration for criticising him on social media, forcing media to be onside with him, openly redrawing electoral districts to get him five more seats, etc

[jon1959]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

Ironically, they're mostly pro-Trumpers, and Trump is the one refusing entry at immigration for criticising him on social media, forcing media to be onside with him, openly redrawing electoral districts to get him five more seats, etc

And 2016 was the facebook election - where the Trump-Zuckerburg alliance was formed - and where social media data was shared to give the Republicans a critical edge. MAGA 'off grid' bunker dwellers did not complain!

[William Treseder]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

It's all very odd. If i was as concerned as some are over being controlled, and lets be honest about this, it's as much as a problem for me as it would be my family etc, then i wouldn't have a Bank account, Passport, vehicle, Home, debt etc. I wouldn't use the services, wouldn't register with a Doctor or go to the Hospital if there was something i needed sorting out. I would never have an online presence, where everything we say floats around forever and can be used against us. I wouldn't use Supermarkets etc. Yet, Seemingly, everyone i know who is convinced that we as an individuals are being controlled are doing some or all of those things. I don't t think that they're that serious about it, in all honesty, Maybe the thought of being controlled is just an extension of their own frustrations.... Right, i'm off, back to my cave...... :hehe:

This did make me laugh, but on a more serious note, are conspiracy theorists any dafter than millions of folk all over the world that believe in invisible Gods and religion, are they dafter than the vast majority of peace loving folk all over the world, that allow a tiny minority of despots to lead them into meaningless wars?

[JamesWales]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

In a bit mixed on this really.

I think the idea of some grand conspiracy involving big tech, governments, algorithms and vaccines being a big attempt to control and cajole the population is over the top. The council can't collect our bins on time in many cases, let alone make the above scenarios a reality.

That said, there are a number of systems that are aligning and do impact upon our societies and are in effect an enormous transfer of powers from citizens to big tech and governments.

The role of algorithms, the use of digital systems, face recognition etc are creeping everywhere, every day. Out government may not use them against us (or they may!) but make no mistake that other governments will, and it does create a framework which makes oppression easier.

The best example of this is cashless societies, which would hand control over the financial system at the lowest level possible (buying a loaf of bread) to governments and corporations.

You buy a pint from somewhere using a card or QR code and some tech bro in San Francisco gets rich on it, your bank becomes aware of it and if necessary the government too. It's pretty clear how this can create negative scenarios in the future, just as recording every conversation or tracking every movement would. It also increases inequality introducing middle men into the most simple of financial exchanges.

There's also the issue or who benefits from it. People assume "the government", but it's not just them. It's employers, it's also family members. See the case below between cashless premises and the ability of abusers to track spending and control (mostly) women.

https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/money/saving-and-banking/cashless-businesses-dangerous-abuse-victims-experts-3245595

Technology can free us, but increasing digitalisation can also enslave and is not progressive in my opinion.

So don't always click accept on the cookies, don't always have your phone on, and at least a few times a month get Ł20 out the bank and spend it. Keep the fkers guessing.

It's subtle and easy but one of the best guards against totalitarianism.

[Wales-Bales]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

These conspiracy types are completely potty

I agree. Lardy spent 7 years telling anybody who would listen that Trump was colluding with Russia via a secret Alfa Bank hotline!

[Wales-Bales]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

It's all very odd. If i was as concerned as some are over being controlled, and lets be honest about this, it's as much as a problem for me as it would be my family etc, then i wouldn't have a Bank account, Passport, vehicle, Home, debt etc. I wouldn't use the services, wouldn't register with a Doctor or go to the Hospital if there was something i needed sorting out. I would never have an online presence, where everything we say floats around forever and can be used against us. I wouldn't use Supermarkets etc. Yet, Seemingly, everyone i know who is convinced that we as a individuals are being controlled are doing some or all of those things. I don't t think that they're that serious about it, in all honesty, Maybe the thought of being controlled is just an extension of their own frustrations.... Right, i'm off, back to my cave...... :hehe:

So what markers are we looking at here? The conspiracy theory seems to involve a digital id linked to a cbdc, and if one's thoughts go off-script a persons purchasing decisions and the ability to travel freely may be restricted. There also seems to be talk of a carbon rationing system, along with the digital monitoring of everyone's life. This should be very simple to track over the next 5 years or so, and the conspiracy will either be revealed or debunked. Life can be very simple when you want it to be. What say you?

[Mr Ducie]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

Does your missus know you are completely off your cake or do you manage to hide it ?

Have you got a missus:facepalm:

[Mr Ducie]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

I remember that mask wearing during COVID was talked about on here as being part of this 'control' theory. Which made no sense, as masks made all the facial recognition cameras useless, which were also being used to 'control' us.

And then the government said we didn't need to wear masks. Not to be put off, the government was intending to control us with another pandemic, monkey pox or bird flu were mentioned. But we didn't get a pandemic in the end.

15 minute cities was another. As if the UK, which can't even fill potholes, was going to rebuild all their cities.

They probably were but people were just lining up to comply?

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

Have you got a missus:facepalm:

Several at various locations

If I lived in the wild I would probably keep them all in tents in the same village

[Heathblue]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

Interesting. What happens when they have the population under control? What's the end game? Controlling people takes a lot of work, time, effort and intelligence, it isn't something that can be done easily. So, what's in it for the people who will end up controlling us?

More of the same as experienced during the past conservative and current Labour governments, time is limited and thus a bit of Grok!

Governments, like any organization with concentrated power, may sometimes engage in controlling behavior toward citizens for purposes that are not in the public’s best interest. Motives like exploitation, corruption, or maintaining power unjustly. Some reasons a government might do this include:

Power preservation: Leaders may fear losing authority, so they suppress dissent, control information, or weaken institutions that could challenge them.

Economic gain: Those in power (or their allies) might exploit citizens for labor, resources, or financial enrichment, using control mechanisms to prevent resistance.

Ideological enforcement: A government may impose a rigid ideology (political, religious, or cultural) and restrict freedoms to ensure conformity.

Social engineering: Leaders might manipulate citizens’ behavior, education, or values to maintain a long-term system that benefits a small elite.

Fear and deterrence: Harsh control can discourage rebellion, whistleblowing, or questioning authority.

Propaganda and information control: By shaping what people know and believe, governments can maintain compliance even when policies harm the public.

Not all government control is inherently nefarious—some forms (like public safety laws, taxes, or regulations) are designed to serve the common good. The distinction usually comes down to intent (benefiting citizens vs. benefiting elites at citizens’ expense) and accountability (whether citizens can check or change those in power).

Historical Examples of Governments Controlling Citizens for Harmful Purposes

Nazi Germany (1933–1945)

Used propaganda, censorship, and secret police to suppress dissent.

Controlled citizens through fear and indoctrination.

Nefarious purpose: consolidating Hitler’s power, enforcing racial ideology, and enabling genocide.

Stalin’s Soviet Union (1920s–1953)

Heavy surveillance, censorship, and purges of perceived “enemies.”

Citizens lived in fear of denunciation and imprisonment.

Nefarious purpose: keeping Stalin’s absolute control and pushing forced industrialization at massive human cost.

North Korea (1948–present)

Extreme control over speech, movement, and even thought.

Citizens are indoctrinated to worship the ruling family.

Nefarious purpose: keeping the regime unchallenged while most citizens live in poverty.

Colonial regimes (e.g., Belgium in the Congo, 19th–20th century)

Forced labor, violence, and resource extraction.

Citizens had virtually no rights under colonial authorities.

Nefarious purpose: enriching the colonizing nation at the expense of the colonized population.

Theoretical Reasons Governments Might Do This

Power Consolidation: Leaders may fear losing control, so they clamp down on freedoms.

Resource Exploitation: Keeping citizens obedient allows ruling elites to extract wealth without opposition.

Ideological Enforcement: Dictatorships often promote one “truth” and silence all others to maintain a stable narrative.

Fear as a Tool: If people are afraid of punishment, they’re less likely to resist, even if policies harm them.

Information Control: Limiting access to truth allows leaders to shape reality in their favor.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Most disappointingly Grok hasn't mentioned weather manipulation, neither has it mentioned land control nor has it mentioned the control of the food supply, whilst discourse forums all over the world argue about this shit, those in power manage to go from 100k p/a salaries to multi millionaires in a couple of years and manage to buy numerous houses with some tidy tax breaks but all within their laws, if you are fortunate to rise to the level the top boys and girls in governments, the rewards are quite impressive, why would they want to spread it downwards ? if inclined, they could even nudge the judicial system to lock people up who tweet the wrong words.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

More of the same as experienced during the past conservative and current Labour governments, time is limited and thus a bit of Grok!

Governments, like any organization with concentrated power, may sometimes engage in controlling behavior toward citizens for purposes that are not in the publicÂ’s best interest. Motives like exploitation, corruption, or maintaining power unjustly. Some reasons a government might do this include:

Power preservation: Leaders may fear losing authority, so they suppress dissent, control information, or weaken institutions that could challenge them.

Economic gain: Those in power (or their allies) might exploit citizens for labor, resources, or financial enrichment, using control mechanisms to prevent resistance.

Ideological enforcement: A government may impose a rigid ideology (political, religious, or cultural) and restrict freedoms to ensure conformity.

Social engineering: Leaders might manipulate citizensÂ’ behavior, education, or values to maintain a long-term system that benefits a small elite.

Fear and deterrence: Harsh control can discourage rebellion, whistleblowing, or questioning authority.

Propaganda and information control: By shaping what people know and believe, governments can maintain compliance even when policies harm the public.

Not all government control is inherently nefarious—some forms (like public safety laws, taxes, or regulations) are designed to serve the common good. The distinction usually comes down to intent (benefiting citizens vs. benefiting elites at citizens’ expense) and accountability (whether citizens can check or change those in power).

Historical Examples of Governments Controlling Citizens for Harmful Purposes

Nazi Germany (1933–1945)

Used propaganda, censorship, and secret police to suppress dissent.

Controlled citizens through fear and indoctrination.

Nefarious purpose: consolidating HitlerÂ’s power, enforcing racial ideology, and enabling genocide.

Stalin’s Soviet Union (1920s–1953)

Heavy surveillance, censorship, and purges of perceived “enemies.”

Citizens lived in fear of denunciation and imprisonment.

Nefarious purpose: keeping StalinÂ’s absolute control and pushing forced industrialization at massive human cost.

North Korea (1948–present)

Extreme control over speech, movement, and even thought.

Citizens are indoctrinated to worship the ruling family.

Nefarious purpose: keeping the regime unchallenged while most citizens live in poverty.

Colonial regimes (e.g., Belgium in the Congo, 19th–20th century)

Forced labor, violence, and resource extraction.

Citizens had virtually no rights under colonial authorities.

Nefarious purpose: enriching the colonizing nation at the expense of the colonized population.

Theoretical Reasons Governments Might Do This

Power Consolidation: Leaders may fear losing control, so they clamp down on freedoms.

Resource Exploitation: Keeping citizens obedient allows ruling elites to extract wealth without opposition.

Ideological Enforcement: Dictatorships often promote one “truth” and silence all others to maintain a stable narrative.

Fear as a Tool: If people are afraid of punishment, theyÂ’re less likely to resist, even if policies harm them.

Information Control: Limiting access to truth allows leaders to shape reality in their favor.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Most disappointingly Grok hasn't mentioned weather manipulation, neither has it mentioned land control nor has it mentioned the control of the food supply, whilst discourse forums all over the world argue about this shit, those in power manage to go from 100k p/a salaries to multi millionaires in a couple of years and manage to buy numerous houses with some tidy tax breaks but all within their laws, if you are fortunate to rise to the level the top boys and girls in governments, the rewards are quite impressive, why would they want to spread it downwards ? if inclined, they could even nudge the judicial system to lock people up who tweet the wrong words.

Nazi Germany , Stalin , China etc

Where do we fit in then ?

[Heathblue]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

You'll have to ask Grok !!! However STARMER is making a decent fist of emulating the control measures of Hitler, he has another 3 years to finish the job

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

You'll have to ask Grok !!! However STARMER is making a decent fist of emulating the control measures of Hitler, he has another 3 years to finish the job

I have absolutely no idea who Grok is

Hitler was a nazi , starmer is a clueless hopeless idiot

Different ball game

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: Graham Linehan arrest

Seems to be near universal criticism of this. Will this be the line in the sand that clarifies where we stand on free speech? Armed guards greeting a comedian arriving on a plane for a couple of tweets feels as Orwellian as it gets?

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...linehan-arrest

He's a oddball too, not sure what he will achieve other than make himself even more miserable.