"Of the people, buy the people, control the people."
So goes the formula used on planet Neoredemecron to wield power.
The history is extremely complicated, but essentially, the powers that be found that greater freedom to the "people" can be more useful than draconian control. It used to be that a rigid hierarchal system, with kings and czars, landowners and merchants was enough to keep the masses in check.
Then there was a great awakening. The masses were, through advances in technology, able to discern that the kings etc. were full of shit. So....
There needed to be a new plan of execution to remain in control.
Read the rest of this mess below the folds. (There is only one fold, but we choose the make it plural in idiocy like "internets")
They got together in the year 1909 to discuss options. Armed with the latest and greatest technological knowledge, they conspire to rule the planet.
The first plan was to implement a series of fearful events. War was easily the choice option here as war puts the fear into people, divides them against each other, and provides for very profitable endeavors for the elite.
Anyway, now that war has been decided on, they plan the next stage. It is decided that, for the next few hundred time periods war is all that is needed.
First start with nationalism, then, when that no longer works, move to religion. (religion has ALWAYS proven to be a great way to control the masses, ("make sure there is ALWAYS an enemy!))
So they decide they will get a few decades of time periods out of nationalistic wars, and then move on to religious differences to fuel the "us against them" non-sense they will use to remain in power. (hey! it worked before, right) All the while they will continue small "tribal" wars to accentuate the differences between people of the same country or religion. The profits will be fabulous!
The masses all suck it in! Believing that the left party is better than the right, and a generation later believing the right party is better than the left. It doesn't matter as long as the "we" ( or, to the masses, "they") stay in power.
After a while the "freedom for all" plan works it's magic! The masses are lured into salaried jobs, working 60-70 hours a week, and are too busy to realize they are health insurance slaves.
Then some drunk points out the predicament on a blog, and says "it's the health care stupid" and everyone goes nuts.
The whole thing becomes an exercise in futility and everyone goes home to tend their garden, and read Saturday morning garden blogging on Kos.