Perhaps the phrase, "a bridge too far" applies here. The totalitarians sniffed a chance at absolute control before they had attained it. They revealed themselves for what they are before they fully implemented the censorship that is essential to all totalitarian regimes. We were able to discuss among ourselves and call out the bullshit. Without the internet, it would have been an entirely different story.
Perhaps the phrase, "a bridge too far" applies here. The totalitarians sniffed a chance at absolute control before they had attained it. They revealed themselves for what they are before they fully implemented the censorship that is essential to all totalitarian regimes. We were able to discuss among ourselves and call out the bullshit. Without the internet, it would have been an entirely different story.
But now, maybe they know how to do it better next time. And maybe we might see it coming next time.
And there will be a next time.