SE19-03: Was the Federation EVER Really a "Utopia?"

If "Star Trek: The Next Generation" were the only Star Trek series you ever watched, you might be inclined to believe that the United Federation of Planets is and has always been a Shangri-La, free of corruption, greed, inequality, or internal strife. Thus, many TNG devotees are shocked and offended by the dark, cynical nature of the Federation portrayed in the TNG sequel, “Star Trek: Picard.” But has the Federation ever actually been a true utopia? Has humanity really evolved to a near godly morality? Or does the very notion stem from 24th century state propaganda in the early days of TNG? The Federation of The Original Series never claimed to be a utopia—and there are plenty of examples of just how humanly fallible people still are in the 23rd century. And Deep Space Nine? Utopia? What are you talking about?? Life-ling TOS Trekkie, Moonjumper, peals back the Federation’s squeaky-clean façade to reveal the dark side of the United Federation of Planets--including a look at the Federation planet of Ardana, where the elite cloud dwellers of Stratos ruled over an underclass of miners, slaving in dangerous, inhumane conditions (TOS: "The Cloud Minders"). Yes, in the Federation!

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00:25 Introduction / Recap of "Discovery vs. Picard, Part 2"
04:05 Preface to Excerpt: Federation Utopia? Really?
05:35 Excerpt from Ep. 19 (Has the Federation of EVER been a utopia?)
[Excerpt from WCWIT Ep. 19 “Star Trek Generations? (Discovery vs. Picard, Part II).”]

WATCH THE COMPLETE FULL EPSISODES:
"Star Trek: Discovery vs. Picard"
PART 1: https://youtu.be/btUt1V0XAL0
PART 2: https://youtu.be/4mMxr0hyz2M

MORE STAR TREK-RELATED EPISODES:

SE19-01: In Defense of Star Trek's VISUAL Canon
https://rumble.com/vuua8e-se19-01-in-defense-of-star-treks-visual-canon.html

SE19-02: Why I Prefer "Star Trek: Picard" to "Discovery."
https://rumble.com/vux5ov-se19-02-why-i-prefer-star-trek-picard-to-discovery.html

Ep. 18: Is Lazarus from the Mirror Universe? (TOS)
https://youtu.be/idGwc-BTbGs

Ep. 14: Gene Roddenberry's Forgotten TV Trilogy (Genesis II Trilogy)
https://rumble.com/vuj69i-ep-14-gene-roddenberrys-genesis-ii-planet-earth-strange-new-world-trilogy-b.html

Ep. 13: "Star Trek: Prodigy" Pilot Episode (Spoiler Free Review)
https://youtu.be/k2HqsyTiv88

SE7A-04: Land and Sea Vehicles in Star Trek
https://youtu.be/37OQvFl3UXo

Ep. 7 "Star Trek: Lower Decks" Season 1 Review
PART 1: https://youtu.be/c5ct-RuiDnk
PART 2: https://youtu.be/pKXzxIc2QVM
PART 3: https://youtu.be/dTu2sO2Xqqs