While your "police state" comment is a little over the top, you are correct in your assessment of the restrictive laws. The first thing to do is NOT vote for all the people creating these laws. Vote for the people who have proven to be committed to protecting our civil liberties. Then, hold those elected officials accountable for their actions. I have regular contact with my representatives. They recognize me at public events and we are on a first name basis. They know that if they screw up, they will have to listen to me bitching. They know that I follow what they do and how they vote. Believe me, it does have an impact.