[Worldtraveler once upon a time]

Good essay, thanks. From it to highlight-- "The tools differ, but the outcome is the same: speech that challenges power is silenced. And in both systems, one truth remains: the government exists to protect itself first. Whether dressed in socialist rhetoric or democratic ceremony, the machinery of state serves the interests of those who run it. The people are useful only insofar as they produce labor, pay taxes, and remain compliant."

Years back, I'd heard a talk which asserted that liberty is the sterling idea, and "freedom" required a prepositional; phrase to follow, as in "freedom from invasive government."

As we watch the mess in European governments in this time as in our own inner cities, "the system collapsing under it's own weight."

[TheConservator]

So what’s the alternative?

How do you explain what’s happening in Argentina?

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

This is a quote I will utilize, specifically, "...speech that challenges power is silenced."

Although, if you don't mind, I will alter it to "speech that challenges government power and authority is silenced.
And maybe add; "by any and all means necessary."