Wow. Stunning figures when it comes to the arm sales, like the LA Progressive article that explores the complexity and scope of the corrupt arms industry. I wonder what this new category would be to describe what type of system we are. This post reminds me of a conversation between Plato and Socrates I've always somehow kept in the back of my mind.

“Socrates: Have you noticed on our journey how often the citizens of this new land remind each other it is a free country?

Plato: I have, and think it odd they do this.

Socrates: How so, Plato?

Plato: It is like reminding a baker he is a baker, or a sculptor he is a sculptor.

Socrates: You mean to say if someone is convinced of their trade, they have no need to be reminded.

Plato: That is correct.

Socrates: I agree. If these citizens were convinced of their freedom, they would not need reminders.”

And a big issue is that many of us keep blaming the elites and the control regimes almost as an exclusive focus as to why we're not a democracy anymore. Yet look at how We the People treat each other in society. We further curtail our own freedoms when we don't build the capacity to listen to each other, build meaningful relationships, and have open dialogue with each other about these issues.