Yeah I'm wondering the same thing. It's bizarre and unsettling and seems off-brand for HN.

> Not even close to the same level as China.

Have you been paying attention? At all?

The US is really trying to cut off its own legs and branding it as removing unnecessary weight. Give it time, we'll get there.

There are people being arrested for being in Signal chats where non violent protests are being discussed. People being arrested for carrying water bottles. ICE is shooting people who are not even in the way, just making noise across the street. Rubio called the DSA a terrorist organization.

And second, I don't think I said "at the same level as China". It can be the case that both countries are authoritarian and punishing dissidents. And still be the case that China is worse.