Those radical commie Encyclopedia Britannica people make a horrid 10 minute film in 1946__
Surprisingly appropriate today. Concise....10 minutes
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=102585813125825400A few movie quotes:
“We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.”....D. Eisenhower
For one thing...avoid the comfortable idea that the mere form of government can, of itself, safeguard a nation against despotism.
Germany, under president Hindenburg, was a Republic. And yet, in this Republic...an agressive Despotism took root, and flourished, under Adolph Hitler. When a competent observer looks for signs of Despotism in a community, he looks beyond fine words and noble phrases.
The test of despotic power is that it can disregard the will of the people. It rules without the consent of the governed.
A community ranks low on the information scale when the press, radio, and other channels of communication are controlled by only a few people, and when citizens have to accept what they’re told. In communities of this kind, Despotism stands a good chance.
“When legislatures become ceremonial assemblies only, and have no real control over lawmaking, their community rates low on a power scale.”
and, when teachers put such training into practice, Despotism stands a good chance. These children are being taught to accept uncritically whatever they are told. Questions are not encouraged.
What sort of community do you live in? Where would you place it on a Democracy to Despotism scale? To figure out which way it is likely to go in the future, you can rate it on the Economic Distribution and Information scales.
....TM7
