I don't care about Trump and his associates.

And I can't even muster the energy to comment on the Russia investigation.

But I am appalled by the blase reaction of the news and public to no-knock raids and gag-orders.

Longtime Trump friend Roger Stone was arrested in an early morning FBI raid on his home last week. He was charged with lying to Congress and obstructing the Mueller investigation into Russian collusion with the Trump campaign.

Helicopters, SWAT gear, and automatic rifles–dozens of agents descended on Stone's home before the sun came up. To arrest a man suspected of perjury and obstruction, completely non-violent crimes. A man who was not a flight risk. A man they had no reason to believe would resist, flee, or destroy evidence.

I saw one reporter mention offhand that the extreme response might have been to send a message to Stone, who has been one of the most vocal supporters of Trump throughout this whole Mueller-Russia investigation.

To send a message.

Law enforcement kicked in doors, aimed rifles, and brought out the helicopters to send a message.

To intimidate a political opponent. To tell him to shut the hell up.

I don't care if you are the most rabid left-wing liberal, a staunch thin-blue-line conservative, or anywhere in between. This is the type of thing that should raise red flags to everyone who cares one iota about personal freedom or an impartial justice system.

It is a police state tactic, pure and simple.

Again I don't care how guilty the guy is. This has nothing to do with the merits of the investigation or the conduct of Trump and his people.