Sir, thank you for your bold editorial Whatever happened to trust? (BDJ 2009; 207: 93). I agree with your observation about the Government's obsession with legislation and control, euphemistically known as regulation.

Haven't we been here before? Doesn't socialism always end up with totalitarian control? There are also similarities with fascism.

The library of economics and liberty has this article in the Concise Encyclopedia of Economics, from which I quote:

'Under fascism, the state, through official cartels, controlled all aspects of manufacturing, commerce, finance, and agriculture. Planning boards set product lines, production levels, prices, wages, working conditions, and the size of firms. Licensing was ubiquitous; no economic activity could be undertaken without government permission. Levels of consumption were dictated by the state, and “excess” incomes had to be surrendered as taxes or “loans”.' From Fascism by Sheldon Richman.

I think a change of government may help, and trust would certainly help, but judging by the international nature of this problem, we may all end up fighting for our freedom again.