“But it has been effectively done, locally and nationally, in our country’s history.
OTOH, all our military might can’t even beat the Somalis or the Afghans or the Viet Cong. They beat Sadam, then lose the war/country if they leave.”
I have heard that point made over and over. To be honest, I don’t think that the comparison of Vietnam is really relevant. Now that we have drones over our own skies, and thermal cameras, laser listening devices, etc. I think that should it ever come down to a martial law scenario, in the attitude of Janet Reno re:Waco, they would just carpet bomb anyone who stood up for the non-police state. Heck, the police do it now, they just shoot someone 70 times.
The fact is, however, that the average american, isn’t incredibly bright, and especially Government Workers (the non thinking, regurgitation cronies, do best in the field of Government). Especially the police. Military may be a little different (it attracts a better lot of people), but I feel the Government will keep our military occupied in as many wars as possible (4 so far), to keep OUR military members out of the fray. National police and local “authorities” sucking on the government teat, will be funded by the FedGov in the hypothetical times and have the desire to do whatever their sugar daddy commands.
That having been said, they aren’t very intelligent, and rely heavily on technology to give them an overlord advantage. I for one hope there is an EMP event in that regard. I also feel strongly we’ll be attacked by many nations at once (George Washington dreamed/prophesized it, as well as the civil war), but that’s just my opinion.
however, I am putting all my money on "EMP attack from Iran". It just seems like the most likely external threat.
As far as the greatest INTERNAL threat, I'm not even gonna say his (foreign sounding) name.