NAzi symbolism?

It's no misunderstanding. He was attacked relentlessly over the political views in his book. They called it fascism, militarism, utopianism, and tried to have the book banned as they considered it dangerous. A glorified, pro-military recruiting poster. So these movies, while I like them, they're very entertaining. I like that Marauder really paid homage to the book. They're still a total satirical mockery of the book and they're taking shots at Heinlein.

As for the style of government. It basically says that citizenship is not earned. The author stated that it's not entirely military, most of it isn't. The state has to find a place for anyone who wants to become a citizen to try and serve. The military is one way, it's extremely brutal(90% washout or die rate). But, it's also stated that the MI are all combat troops. No military personnel in logistics. So military logistics, experimental medical testing are paths to citizenship. Point being that all the jobs which earn citizenship be dangerous. So that the person in effect lays down their life for the Federation. After they've taken responsibility for everyone as the expensive of themselves, they earn the right to exercise the ultimate responsibility. It's a noble idea, but it's as easily corruptable as anything else. Personally I don't think that's the source of the attacks. Right now we have electoral colleges that are the only people allowed to vote for president. It's slanted towards academics. The Terran Federation slants things atleast from what you'd understand by reading the book once, away from academics to the military. Big suprise that critics feel such a desire to tear that concept apart.

Which reguarding that last little snippet there always entertained me about such an idea for a government. People try to argue intellectually against it, but you can always just accuse them of being a selfish coward and shut down the opposition easily. Especially with the our huge appreciation for veterans these days.

Fascism in Italy (where it all started) grew out of the extreme right wing of the catholic church.

Nazi germany was a further refinement where belief in the german race and state (embodied by the fuhrer) was an absolute virtue replacing in some way supernaturalist belief.

The Federation in ST1 (movie) went even further as without service to the state you can't 1) vote 2) journalize 3) breed!

ST3 just brings them all together at the end with them brewing up a perfect storm of speciesist bigotry, fascist government and established religion.

The satire is laid on pretty thick, but I kind of liked it that way.

Roy 72.