Richard Bridge: "It does indeed seem that there is a need to moderate the dictatorship of the majority,"

Yes, what J.S.Mill called the "tyranny of the majority". The ideal balance for me probably resides somewhere between Mill & Marx. I don't know where on earth that balance between common and individual interest has been managed, but certainly not in the UK or USA that's for sure. At least the UK in general are not deluded about it though, while I feel (from what I see on telly) that the USA ensure as far as possible that Mr. & Mrs. Dave are stupid, brainwashed & sedated enough to do as required...