[Axenolith]

Regardless of the original intent, the movie comes through unerringly on the concept of control of the masses by a ruling elite whose weapons are appeasement of people’s baser instincts. Easy credit keeps most of the Republic in cheap highs and thrills...

[driftless2]

So you think Carpenter's linking of Reagan-style economics lulled the masses into a consumerist stupor of some sort? Because that was the intent of the movie.

I'd rather live in a country where people are free to spend and consume than something like Carpenter would have us live in.