Well... I agree that some people will always be more independent than others. I think you are overstating things when you take it all the way to communism, but

Well... I agree that some people will always be more independent than others. I think you are overstating things when you take it all the way to communism, but in my experience, a more communitarian society simply works better. Don't think of it like we're taking people's freedom away, think of it like someone pointing out the dangerous ice on the sidewalk, or better yet, cleaning it up before someone slips on it. It's just neighbourly. (Can you tell I'm Canadian?) I'm not saying all of society has to be nerfed -- that would be totalitarian -- but a world where "caveat emptor" is the last word makes for a crappy and unsustainable society. It's about balance. Want evidence? Just open any newspaper. In fact, because they refused even modest regulation, the USA is now going to have to get 1970s-style-socialist and probably nationalize a lot of the economy. Which I think is a terrible outcome.