Re: that's NOT totalitarianism

Besides which, most of the research and development you've mentioned - including the internet - are spin-offs from military research, and the military is in fact one of the legitimate functions of government.

I've heard that argument before; for me, it feels like a cop out. A democratic government can either do legitimate, worthwhile things for society or it can't, and saying things done by one part of the government (i.e. the military) are legitimate and others aren't seems subjective.

At the end of the day, I think it's all subjective and the proper role of government differs over time and according to the nature of different societies and their needs. I think people of libertarian type points of view are way too dogmatic about things. There are some places government should not go, yes; ultimately, though, I think there has to be some medium: a government that holds to certain principles about it's role that people can still hold responsible for certain needs.