| That's the problem mate, UK and US pretend they are free, democratic but the lived experience doesn't match up. There are cases where things atleast have a decent ending but that's not even a given in so called free and democratic world. The only constant is rights for people get stripped and reduced in the name of safety and security. And people consider politicians willing to given fake, and nonsensical answers as the democratic process. How is that different from an authoritarian state? > Yeah, no, 70% is ridiculous. I'm not sure you can clearly measure this, but at most 50%. Even with an abusive leader you can still criticise them and the monarch without fear of actual repercussions. In China prison time is basically guaranteed. Just to note most people just get deplatformed for this stuff in china they don't get jailed. Since they control media China doesn't even care about putting you in an actual jail cell if you aren't a major active threat. As for actual repercussions, people are getting shot at, put in jail with (even folks with green cards in US), and banned from travel (in UK).
I am not sure how that isn't 70% of the way there. But it's fine if it's already alright with you that you consider 50% authoritarianism Free. I am certain you agree that this nonsense is on the rise. But I am also certain you just haven't considered how close it is to actual authoritarianism. China isn't just shooting people who have said stuff against China I could get a visa and travel without too much hassle even after showcasing visible displeasure with the country's rules. US and UK doesn't even like me mentioning them negatively if I am applying for a visa. |