The government will always ratchet towards more control, and eventual totalitarianism. Relying on the government to stop itself will always fail. The only proper way to fight this is to make it impossible to stop. When there is a decentralized mesh-networking protocol and suitable hardware infrastructure to support it, free speech will never be stopped again.

The trick being played is one of gradualism. The screws are tightened a little to see who will fight back, and then they are taken out individually. Then the process is repeated. If any group starts to organize, they are infiltrated redirected, discredited or simply destroyed. The organization and secrecy of these groups is near impossible to stop from a grass roots level.

However, I think the one thing that they fear the most is an idea. Ideas are like a virus to them, and because these groups are so slow moving and methodical, they cannot easily fight an idea.