Swine Flu Provides New Government Powers

As with any tragedy (see: 9/11), the government seizes the opportunity to expand its role into the people's lives -- the swine flu is the next example.

A "pandemic response bill" currently making its way through the Massachusetts state legislature would allow authorities to forcefully quarantine citizens in the event of a health emergency, compel health providers to vaccinate citizens, authorize forceful entry into private dwellings and destruction of citizen property and impose fines on citizens for noncompliance.

If citizens refuse to comply with isolation or quarantine orders in the event of a health emergency, they may be imprisoned for up to 30 days and fined $1,000 per day that the violation continues.

That's it, citizens. Just lie down and take it like a good slave. Government always knows best. Help me, Government! George Orwell predicted this.

H/T to Bird