Should Americans fear speaking against their government because of government reprisal?

Man, I've seen your questions & answers a lot here. You're a thoughtful person; how are you susceptible to this kind of idea? Why would you think that?

This administration has received arguably the most criticism in history, if you take into account what they've been accused of. There's a 24 hour NETWORK devoted to speaking against the current administration. From the random YouTube vlogger to heads of state, NOBODY is afraid to criticize our government. There is NO reason this should change.

We shouldn't fear it, but many Americans do. they have opinions but they don't want to upset the status quo. it might not even fear some don't care. with the scandal with the phone records they become worried that they might be monitored and who wants that. so the people become sheep and the just follow. freedom of speech is a right so go ahead and speak your mind, just remember that your bound to piss someone off. look at the answers all they're worried about is blaming the democrats or republicans for the problems of the nation. they forget that the parties don't mean anything it was a system so that we could see the difference in opinion. if you ask them to name the difference in policy many wont know or they'll state the big issues abortion, gun control, economy/taxes....etc.

That issue that came up with the IRS targeting Tea Party groups certainly was chilling. I know some people, who don't happen to like the Tea Party groups, who'd say, "Good!" but to me it is the precedent that is chilling. Bad things may happen to the groups you don't like today but down the road the government oppression could knock on the door of a group you do like or even your door!

So I don't know so much if I'd currently be afraid of being afraid of criticizing the government so much as I'd be afraid of dynamics that put too much power in the hands of a small group or even worse a single individual.

No, the constitution guarantees you the right to free speech. Both Presidents Bush and Obama are criticized every day on Y/A and all over the country. Nobody can or will do anything about you expressing your opinions on the government.

No, but if you're asking for non-profit status and are found to be funneling much more money than non-profits usually do.

If you also file as non-associated with any political party, but your actions make it obvious you're in lockstep with certain established parties...

If there are good reasons to think you're being financed with people with a political agenda who are thus circumventing electoral law as well...

Frankly, a tax inspector would NOT be doing his job if he didn't pay more attention to organizations that raised all those yellow flags.

The scandal here is the government's refusal to stand behind its public service.

To be here in the united states, the land of the free and the dwelling of the brave, where we take delivery of everybody and safeguard them to our final breaths. To be in a position to decide upon your job, who you marry, whether or not you possess a dog, and any other random selections we make, they are possible right here. To be ready to speak my intellect without restrict, and be dealt with equally by using all, regardless of my race, sex, sexuality, faith, nationality, or creed. To be American, that is the dream. Nevertheless, many of those matters no longer keep authentic, so I agree that the dream is fading.

The only thing the should fear is the apparent "coincidence" of how just last week we were all talking about how "reasonable" it is to be taking our guns away.

these days you may wind up on somebodys list .. may not matter immediately but wait till martial law hits .. i wouldnt be trying to use the system at that point, be sure youre in a database somewhere ..

As long as the Democrats are in charge, yes.

as long as the totalitarian left is in power they sure do