We are living in “1984.”

We cannot turn back the clock, but we can turn to a book published in 1949 entitled “1984,” by George Orwell and find disturbing similarities in the plot by comparison to scandals which grow in size on the daily basis.

I have support for my conclusion from Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. I found that in November 2011, the government argued before the U.S. Supreme Court that it wants to continue using GPS for tracking individuals without first seeking a warrant. And it seems the lone voice in the U.S. Senate is Rand Paul, R-Ky., who holds such action is against the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution.

Breyer raised similar objection as Paul when he questioned what it would mean for a democratic society. He continued by stating, “If you win this case, then there is nothing to prevent the police or the government monitoring 24 hours a day the public movement of every citizen of the United States. So if you win, you suddenly produce what sounds like ‘1984’ … . “ 

Welcome to 1984.

In Orwell’s book, there is the ever-present Big Brother where calling black white and reverse is encouraged. History is rewritten to agree with the policies of the regime in power. But the most alarming comparison is found in one of the four ministries which is called the Ministry of Truth. It has the responsibility of publishing reports shaped by lies.

“Wisdom cried aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech: How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will you mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?” (Proverbs 1:20-22).

James Britt

Bowling Green