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Re:China Blocks WhatsApp by Fluid_Mechanics on Monday September 25, 2017 @05:20PM (#15334270)
I disagree - I think having some control over the self-destructive urges of a population during times of economic trouble is a positive thing. Several democracies with cancerous social media networks are teetering on the brink of right-wing proto-fascist parties as a result of the recent recession and perceived immigration issues.

The mob needs to be controlled for progress to be protected.

Re:China Blocks WhatsApp by phyller on Monday September 25, 2017 @06:14PM (#15334639)
This would be hilarious if it wasn't so tragic. You realize this is exactly what every evil dictator in history thought? They didn't wake up one morning and decide to be evil, they were trying to do what they thought was right. In their minds they were good, they were actually trying to make the world a better place, according to their world view. They had great plans, and the foolish mob didn't know what was best for them. And one thing led to another.

So what if the right-wing people in charge had the same ideas as you? Several democracies with cancerous social media networks have been teetering on the brink of left-wing national socialism, the mob needs to be controlled.

What we dislike about fascists and their ilk is not the right-wing or left-wing part, it is how they deal with those they disagree with. Stalin was responsible for more deaths than Hitler, Mao for more than Stalin, neither of them right wing. If you were able to enforce what you suggest, you would be worse than those you oppose.

But you are right about democracies devolving in certain times of stress. How about this statement instead? "The mob needs to be inspired by the self-sacrificial service of good leaders for progress to be made"

Re:China Blocks WhatsApp by pishpash on Monday September 25, 2017 @07:39PM (#15335060)
Or, there could be some genuine redistribution so the mobs wouldn't have to be suppressed by the hording, greedy bourgeoisie.