I told you so!

Some people think I'm a little over-the-top in my distrust and dislike of Das Überwachenden.  And yet the things I predict regarding seemingly innocent moves by various organs of government are proved accurate again and again.  The latest? A seemingly innocent article detailing Frederick County's move to quietly issue new recycling bins with built-in RFID.

If you think for one minute that the RFID data won't be used to persuade coerce people to recycle, you're out of your mind. Government only knows how to do two things: (1) get bigger, and (2) use force. Be on the lookout for a County-wide campaign in the very near future "urging" us to be more diligent in recycling. This will be followed later on by a campaign to assess fines against those who don't recycle.

Oh how right I was!

Beware the green police. They don't carry guns and there's no police academy to train them, but if you don't recycle your trash properly, they can walk up your driveway and give you a $100 ticket.

They know what's in your trash, they know what you eat, they know how often you bring your recycles to the curb -- and they may be coming to your town soon. That is, if they're not already there.

In a growing number of cities across the U.S., local governments are placing computer chips in recycling bins to collect data on refuse disposal, and then fining residents who don't participate in recycling efforts and forcing others into educational programs meant to instill respect for the environment.

Did I not tell you? DID I NOT TELL YOU?!?!?

Beware those who try to sell you altruism.  Because if you're not buying, they'll be back -- with bayonets.