That's fair - plenty of checks and balances are gone, even the ones that relied mostly on decorum and shame. My expectations were already quite low but I've been surprised just how openly and directly the fundamental rights are being attacked and equally surprised by how many people are happily cheering as it happens.

I like the perspective that we are more than mere consumers. I think that's a valid thing to be clear about although consumer protection as a concept doesn't feel belittling to me as a human (nor would I want it to extend to my entire life anyway).