I read The Rise of the American Corporate Security State: Six Reasons to Be Afraid by Beatrice Edwards and both the title and subtitle tell us what the book is about. Should we be afraid of our government?

Well, I would guess most are not afraid of all government. The National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and indeed most agencies do not put fear into most of us. But there are parts we fear. The IRS may come to mind.

But a much bigger threat is our National Security State. The book goes into detail (at least as much is publicly known) about the growth of the governmental security apparatus and its interaction with Corporate America to make what is referred to as the American Corporate Security State.

I mentioned 1984 in the title but we are way beyond that in our technology.

Each of the first six chapters in the book is organized about a reason to be afraid of this American Corporate Security State. And detail several specific incidences where the Security State comes down heavy on those who think it is going too far.

But there is a seventh chapter. It not only summarized the situation but urges the American people to battle the shredding of the Constitution in the name of security.

Nearly all American have probably heard of Edward Snowden. This book will probably give more detail about him and what we have learned from him than most of us know. it will also detail several other cases where those who think the Security State is violating our Constitution and attempted their dissent through channels.

Ben Frankin is quoted as saying “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”

The message I see in this book is that the American Corporate Security State is taking away our essential liberties in the name of making us safe. Maybe this will make us safer but it cannot guarantee safety. But surely we are losing important freedoms. It seems to me a small step from the government that knows all to a government that can control all.

Beatrice Edwards has outlined how the American Corporate Security State is exceeding what is should do in a free country. And does offer hope of taking back of freedoms. But as she says –

Let us make no mistake. This is not a debate. It is a battle for the centuries-long traditions and rights of democracy, a system of government that has served us well

I hope this is a book that is widely read. It is a short but very important book. You may or may not agree with the author but at least you will be better educated on an important subject.