FriendOfDeSoto

I would replace patriotism with nationalism. There are patriots who stand up to oppose their own leaders when their conduct is unbecoming. Nationalists would sooner bite their tongue. The lack of introspection makes them react poorly to other nationalists elsewhere.

Thanks for the clarification. It sounded like an "Orwell was so right" post to me. My mistake.

You are picking and choosing your predictions from 1984 though. The UK hasn't become airstrip one and ingsoc hasn't taken over. Newspeak is something we often bemoan when politicians speak but that's more of a critical shorthand than accusing them of actually talking in double plus ungood words. There is still a royal as the head of state and the capitalists hold the power. There is no room 101 in London (except for the TV show). We are more connected to the rest of the world and aware of the shit that's happening than in the 1940s.

Orwell may have been prescient in some areas but also wrong in others. It's a bit like Nostradamus. Add salt to both.

From my experience, no moderator enjoys the job. And the job is tougher than you think.