The last thread was old. I feel that if people looked at some of the science fiction from the past, including Judge Dredd, and the works by William Gibson, Heinlein, and the story of the X-men, especially in terms of persecution of the different, will have an ability to see patterns that are currently developing.

I remember reading many books by Philip K. Dick and noticing how he cleverly put images of a one world government and lots of corporatism references. Really one of my favorite authors.

My wife always compares today's political correct environment to the one in Judge Dredd. You can't even use the word "Illegal" anymore without being called a "racist". I never knew that legal vs. illegal was a race thing, but I guess at the Ministry of Love, 2+2=5. Just ask Winston Smith. New Speak has a way of shrinking the volcabulary.

The funny thing I see in all these older books about the totalitarian regimes, is that they were all conservative regimes. The reality is, the biggest proponents for such tactics are those on the left.

In terms of the book 1984, I believe that it was about 20 years too late. We are just beginning to see the technology and motivation of "those in control" to determine position, activity, and motivation of the Proletariat. Judge Dredd seems to forgive an aspect of humanity. The group which desires justice, but knows that justice is always subjective.

Originally posted by navy_vet_stg3
The funny thing I see in all these older books about the totalitarian regimes, is that they were all conservative regimes. The reality is, the biggest proponents for such tactics are those on the left.

Vonnegut's portrayal was "leftist." Brave New World is pretty much left-wing dystopic while 1984 is right-wing.

What's important to take from dystopian literature is that it's always government regardless of ideology.

Doesnt matter if its a right-leaning government, a left-leaning government, a pure democracy or a corporatist cabal.

It's always government.

We need a judge dredd

I remember the RoboCop commercials and was reminded of a future. It seemed so futuristic at the time, but now is absolutely acceptable. I do not know if the current ideas of liberal and conservative are helpful in this discussion. We are what we are. We accept what we are given. I watch some of the Parlamentary discussions, I also watch the U.S. Congress. How do we, as a global society, decide the best actions for the future? I am european by descent, buy U.S. American by birth. I want to know that place and time are absolute, but I am not convinced. Those in the U.K. I have much respect. Those in other countries I have much respect.

We cannot escape the place we are. Jump or try to jump. You will end up in the same place. Just understand that others understand and have compassion. Life is awsome, it also sucks. At some place in the universal spectrum both RoboCop and Judge Dredd exist.