Bst,
I would agree that the government controls more actions than thoughts. But it is not always bad. Let's say you are driving down the road running late and you get to an intersection that has a red light. Well the goverment installed cameras to ticket you if you run the light which in turn controls your actions because you would think twice about running the light which would also keep you safe from possibly getting creamed. The media has more power over thought.
Actions are preceded by thoughts so if they have control over your thoughts throught controlling your actions. With reguard to paying the ticket why should we all just accept the governments right to make money by fining people why don't we just say fuck you! You ain't getting a red cent from me you pecker headed asshole,,why can we just say what's on our minds and tell the government to just go fuck it self?? Why can't we? why can't we is because they have the police, and guns and prisons where they put people who buck the system. That is control thru police action.
As far as the comment regarding bashing the current administration is anti-USA. I am a republican who is none to pleased with this administration. If feel me displeasure is actually more American because I love my country and I'm just concered about some of the things that are happening. But it's equally American to have your opinion as well.
And how about if you don't even want to fit under what is implied by the term to be "American" like it is something to be proud of? To me that sounds kind of like a patriotic thought stopping clique.