I was thinking for somewhat fantasy version of a secret police, that they could be part of the democratic process.
Imagine if the STASI's listening devices and informant system was simply a very thorough polling service. Voting would be easy for east germans because they could do it from the safety of their own home, or street, or conversation. The censorship party organs would shut down and freedom of choice would reign. Just your average citizen would have no idea they chose any thing. Instead of sham elections they would have sham dictatorship. I think this might not prolong the East German State. But it would be interesting if a Federal German State decided to give the system a bit of a try.
Imagine if the STASI's listening devices and informant system was simply a very thorough polling service. Voting would be easy for east germans because they could do it from the safety of their own home, or street, or conversation. The censorship party organs would shut down and freedom of choice would reign. Just your average citizen would have no idea they chose any thing. Instead of sham elections they would have sham dictatorship. I think this might not prolong the East German State. But it would be interesting if a Federal German State decided to give the system a bit of a try.