> Pretending that we are in full blown dictatorship is, in my view, still cynical.

Could you please point to what I said that implies I'm pretending a "full blown dictatorship?" I apologize if that's somehow what I indicated. It certainly wasn't my intent.

Can you explain how openly admiring someone's idealism is of "low quality"?

I envy the worldview it's possible someone can take money from another and still maintain independence.

What's up with the straw men?