>>That seems to be the gist of it. Since the Boston Marathon event (pressure cooker bombs in backpacks) "backpack" is a loaded term, especially on the US East Coast.
>>
>>We're starting to see a mindset where "notifying the cops" in situations like this is considered a good, even noble deed. As has been amply shown in the past, an increase in informers and the rise of a police state go hand-in-hand.
>
>So it goes. Back in the 30s-50s in the USSR you wouldn't want to talk with anyone about anything (unless both of you were sufficiently drunk), because you never knew what may be construed as suspicious, and who within earshot may tip KGB or be a KGB guy.

From what I heard/read about latter day EastG inside Stasi there still was "Korpsgeist" and less of the rat-eat-rat expectation of Orwell.


>A BuSab is urgently needed.

Having my doubts that will come, as H. was one author to really tear into the farther reaches of a concept. Current trend seems more Orwellian and BuSab as an established entity had those years with autority running amok first. OTOH with DEA using NSA data, Apple getting a free pass and EU ready to roll for € on every treaty done before within a week...