This is sad that we’re at this point in history when we have to have the obvious confirmed due to a lack of intelligence in the majority of a first world country.
This is sad that we’re at this point in history when we have to have the obvious confirmed due to a lack of intelligence in the majority of a first world country.
That’s what is complicated with Heinlein. You can see it as him promoting fascism, as Verhoeven has.
But you also can read it as something promoting more healthy politics. Only people willing to put themselves on the line or at least endure some hardships were eligible to participate in politics. Johnny Rico’s parents didn’t want him to enlist as it was not necessary to have political rights if all you wanted was a good life.
If nothing else this policy would have not only prevented CPT Bonespurs from taking office but even that someone like him got a vote.
I do think though Heinlein was unrealistically idealistic with his book. And the movie took an even more pessimistic view than that.