Do you agree with her assessment of how a police state happens? Once this cycle begins, do you think it can be broken, and if so, how?

Kate muses on the permanent presence of military in Paris, and thinks, "This is how a police state happens, isn't it? An emergency that never subsides. Everything is getting worse all the time, so the far-right steps in and promises to solve it all…The police suit up, and never stand down." Do you agree with her assessment? Once this cycle begins, do you think it can be broken, and if so, how?

No, I disagree. A police state requires a despotic leader who feels the need to repress the rights of the majority. I believe the cycle can be broken with the re-establishment of individual rights and a change of regime.

I think a police state could move in with this as the start but added to it needs to be a fear of other. There have been other instances where martial law was put in place - after LA's riots or disruption in the 90's but it did not end up in a police state long term.

I'm not sure that I agree with Kate. The presence of the military in Paris does not signify a police state, but rather a state of constant observation of the wonderful historic and irreplaceable monuments, buildings and edifices in The City of Light, which are in danger of damage due to the spasmodic incidence of terrorist activities in the area. This is due in large part to the influx of immigrants from other countries since the European Union began and the national border stations were removed from the European countries.

I do believe that police states happen, with this type of militarism and everything being in emergency mode all the time. But another necessary component is leadership that wants authoritarian rule and leadership that feels above the law. I don't think it is inevitable but believe that citizens have to pay attention and respond to ensure that norms and democratic values still exist.

I don’t agree with Kate that the presence of guns and guards can lead to a police state. Unfortunately in this era of escalating violence every major city has to have policies in place to ensure the safety of citizens.

I also do not agree with Kate. Paris is hyper vigilant due to numerous terrorist attacks. The citizens want to see proof that the police force is protecting them or at least ready to protect them. In my opinion, a police state occurs when the citizens themselves are being controlled by the military/police force- -controlled to minimize protest against the government in power.

A potential danger of this hyper vigilance though is an overreaction when approached by someone who is different than you- -exactly what happened to Ibrahim. Police "on alert" may fire first and ask questions later, if at all.

The use of the police to control daily actions of citizens is a police state. While it is easier to slip into a police state if the military or police are armed and ever present it is not a given. The existence of a leader who fears the people or outsiders and is willing to destroy rights to maintain control is the ultimate ingredient required. Unfortunately a despotic leader can arise quickly to take control. In today’s world we have become increasingly inured to the display of government might because violence is so ever present.