Orwell had it nailed.

[whatchamacallit]

We are there.

[slackmaster]

1. We were already "there" in 1948 when he wrote '1984'

He was just a little more astute than most astute observers.

[RoyGBiv]

9. Was just about to say ...

1984 was never meant to be predictive. It was contemporary social and political commentary largely directed at Stalinist totalitarianism.

[harun]

2. 1984's a must read for anyone who hasn't read it.

Or the audio book which I really enjoyed.

[gmoney]

5. Or even a must re-read for those who have.

[ChickMagic]

6. It's available online along with other Orwell novels

http://www.george-orwell.org/1984/0.html

His essay on nationalism is a must read:

http://www.george-orwell.org/Notes_on_Nationalism/0.html

The main page with his other works:

http://www.george-orwell.org/

edit to add nationalism

[Echo In Light]

3. A key difference now is perceptual: more are aware b/c of the brazen steps taken by Bushco...

... coupled w/all of that occurring during an era w/ unprecedented access to a wide range of information via the internet, which resulted in greater numbers of people the world over acquiring a better understanding of data that the Establishment would generally prefer to smugly (and safely) disavow as 'conspiracy' nonsense as a means of protecting hallowed institutions, and those beholden to their intere$ts.

[gmoney]

4. War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Pigs is Chickens.

Yeah, he had so much foresight, it's scary. Especially what's spelled out in "Goldberg's Book" about the need for perpetual war to consume resources while not improving the standard of living for anyone beyond the ultra-elite.

[orwell]

7. Thanks...n/t

[whatchamacallit]

8. LOL!

You're welcome ;)

[NightWatcher]

10. "war is peace" is damn close to "escalation is an exit plan"