Neither the Government nor the Population (6th Draft): FACTORS Part 3.1.3

ii. On Living Vicariously:

Cultural and social decay is evidenced by decadence. Its advanced stages will lead to nihilism. Many have already chosen escape and isolation through chemical and/or electronic stimulation.[3] Both have become readily available. Criminalization is merely a tool for sometimes opposite ends. Somebody profits from the tragedy. Delusion finds a ready supply and demand. Illusion fills the shelves. This situation could be considered the physical manifestation of entropy for this system. Progress is merely the mask. Artificial stimulation has slacked restlessness, without supplying a natural solution. Entertainment is the true opiate of the masses. The power supply must not be interrupted. The corporate media has painted a dangerous picture by exaggerating danger. Crime sells. Inane politicians are amusing and make the citizen feel better by lampooning his supposed betters. The ever-increasing power of the real criminals goes unnoticed, except in the financial section. The populace is pliant and passive. Consumerism has created commodities from rebellion and the officially sponsored popular youth culture. Is the selling of the blood soaked Berlin Wall any different than its construction? Servility is maintained. Poor but loyal. Religions cannot fight the trend once their institutions have become a part of the system. Hence, Christians are good; Muslims are bad. Economics has an effect unseen by Marx and Engles, but not by Demming... The old institutions deserve death.

Arms will not combat the machine. Skill and knowledge will be the weapons of the future. The clever will not let more physical abilities deteriorate. Balance is the key. The spins may be reversed by the same methods. Their wholesale denouncement might shed uncomfortable light, and will be avoided by the propagandist. Ever decreasing spans present a marvelous opportunity. Simply space the campaigns, until its validity is unquestioned even by opponents. Propaganda affects everybody including its makers. Conspiracy creates the illusion of greater power. Official norms can prove a boon, rather than a ban to the individual. Weakness sought can be made strength. The wolf among the flock is an apt analogy.
Death to the stupid!

[3] Why is only one considered a drug?