Derek Hunter, Townhall
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… They bring down the full power of their governments against any who dare stray from the wishes of leadership. … Worse, the law in these nations is like Play-Dough, a malleable mush that can be reshaped to suit the leader’s needs at any moment. With no free and independent press to hold leaders accountable or educate the masses, most citizens remain ignorant. They have or are given enough to get by, and some nebulous “other” is blamed for their lives not being even better. History has shown us scapegoating is the despot’s best friend. Anger redirected away from a government worsening their economy and exacerbating dependence serves to solidify the concentration of power at the expense of the individual. An already powerful and intrusive government grows even larger. … The “cult of personality” is essential for any despotic regime. It is necessary to willingly absorb the will of people without them knowing it. “Good” flows from government; “fairness” can be granted by decree; “the system is rigged” to help the scapegoat of the moment. … Having a willing partner in the co-opted press means there is no one to sound the alarm when it comes to small corruptions like cronyism. Grumblings are quickly silenced, and small corruptions grow.
