You paint a very compelling picture, and one I am not unfamiliar with. So admitting that most, if not all, of the above is true, do you see any way out? Human nature is not likely to change, and history has proven that even if you oust a tyrant, at most you can expect a couple three centuries of liberty, gradually decreasing, till you're back at the same point. Now, seeing as we don't live anywhere near 2 or 3 centuries, those nearest the beginning of Liberty stand the most to gain, though you can argue they were probably instrumental in gaining it, and a lot of them may have lost life or limb during the process. Then later generations allow their liberties to be slowly eroded, mainly, I suspect, because they didn't have to do anything in order to gain them. Then fast forward to today, with everything ultra-regulated, very few real liberties left, and in dire need of another revolution. How would you break that cycle?
The primary problem is not human nature; it is authoritarian indoctrination. Yes, if today Washington, DC fell into the ocean, and took all the political crooks with it, the people--BECAUSE they believe in "authority" and "government"--would, one way or another, erect a new ruling class. Because they think that is necessary, and legitimate. However, when people outgrow or escape the belief in "authority," they have no reason to want or appoint a new "king of the island," and no reason to recognize anyone as having the right to be that. That's why my focus is never about one particular regime, but about the BELIEF in "authority." That is what has to go. (That's what my book, "The Most Dangerous Superstition," is all about.)
I see what you're saying, but are you sure that "authoritarian indoctrination" is not part of human nature? I am going to check out your book, if it's anywhere as well thought out as your posts, it will be a fascinating read regardless of whether or not I fully agree with your premises and conclusions. But humor me, is there anywhere in the world that's the size of a country, where you see this "authoritarian indoctrination" not happening and things ending with a different result to what we are seeing here in the USA today?
Oh, Andy! How exciting for you! I remember when I first started questioning authority. I warn you, this rabbit hole is deep, my friend. Truly free-thinking will lose you many friends, especially when you start questioning authority, and fully understanding the mechanisms of indoctrination, but if you make it through - you will have a loving community awaiting you on the other side!
LOL I first started questioning authority when I was 5. That ship sailed a long time ago, my friend. The lost friends have been lost, and new ones found. On the bright side, this is starting to look like a community I want to be in.