Cobber - I have a busy day ahead of me, but was curious, hence my presence. All governments have a tendency to be controlling, finally ending in dictatorship. Those countries which had communists in charge (or still have, i.e. China and Russia) still know and hold some of the tools of their former masters and use them effectively to direct the economy, to get rid of opposition, however not in nearly as bloody ways as the 'original masters' used. In view of our world-wide over-population problems those countries will have a better chance of 'directing' their economy and directing population policies. In regard to personal freedom; they will be curtailed even more and there will be revolts (aided by modern media including the much-maligned mobile) - somehow, I hope, a balance will be achieved.
Capitalist governments are attempting to do the same, but we have some good, even though often cumbersome, traditions in place (parliamentary democracy and the Press) which will counter-act this. - I fear for America, where the undemocratic tendencies manifest almost daily, in particular by the right wing there. Their election system needs reform - may happen when this group of 'oldies' dies out - democracy is dying in the U.S.
As for the public debate in the media: mostly lightweight grumblers of both the right and the left (excuse the old-fashioned terms) - I take little notice; environmental concerns, population growth will be the big problems the millennials will have to tackle; they won't have time to ask questions about 'right', 'left', 'socialist', 'capitalist' - instead they will have to learn to collaborate and lose their/our tribalism if mankind is to survive the challenges of the next 100 years.
We live in interesting times!
Taurisk
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