Here the book appears to be “lampshading” its commitment to liberalism by issuing the first (will it be the only?) critique of liberalism from a person in psychological distress. This is such a hacky trope that it’s become popular in superhero movies, for crying out loud! The villain clearly has the better political analysis than the heroes, but then indiscriminately murders innocent people, just so that the audience understands that only the bad guys question the status quo. Up untill now the book’s been fine — some good parts, some obnoxious but tolerable parts — but here I’ve lost respect for it and I would be surprised to regain it.