NTGNTP (6th Draft): DATA Part 5.8.0

8. Crackdowns are the result of policy decisions, but sometime betrays weakness and past indecision. Repression may prove a useful indicator of the extent, once the media spotlight has been lifted. Euphanisms are employed to ease impact. The gulf war was called an operation. Vietnam-era unrest was blunted by tighter restrictions, deemed essential for nation security. Opposition was downplayed as too negative or a tolerated right. Policy makers often learn from their mistakes, but must first overcome systemic inertia. The new opportunities are exploitable until changed. The past will not reoccur. The government is not as decadent as society. The opposition must be even less.