What ideas about modern politics are presented in Animal Farm?

I think that one of the most powerful ideas that comes out
of Orwell's work is how individuals can be manipulated by those in the position of
power.  Contrast Boxer and Squealer.  The ability to manipulate and the dreadful
condition of being manipulated are both a part of this
equation.

Squealer represents the basic idea that those in
the position of power will do just about anything to maintain it.  Squealer's gift of
"spin" is something about which Orwell was prophetic.  He understood immediately that
governments that are able to twist what is being done into a manner that confounds and
confuses the body politic are ones that have a greater chance of control and power. 
Squealer's gift to spin everything to legitimize the Pigs' rule and, in general,
Napoleon is something that embodies the idea of modern politics.  Orwell understood that
the modern condition of political rule resided in the ability to spin and the ability to
control through language how individuals think and perceive.  This idea is something
that has not dissipated, but actually grown and increased over
time.

Boxer is loyal to a fault.  Boxer believes in the
revolution, zealously supports "Comrade Napoleon," and never really questions anything
being ordered with a sense of certainty and absolutism.  He works tirelessly, extra
hourse sometimes in order to accomplish what is asked of him.  His blindness in
"Napoleon is always right" and "I will work harder" represents the body politic's need
to appease those in the position of power.  It also represents his own doom.  His
inability to read and his trust cause him to be taken to the knacker.  All he can do is
faintly hear Clover's warnings.  As he kicks and kicks the inside of the van, it comes
to no avail, and slowly, his kicking dies down.  He dies some time later.  Boxer
represents the idea that if citizens do not get "turned on" to politics, politics will
"turn on" them.

Orwell uses both characters to enhance his
idea of what modern politics resembles.  The trust of the people match beautifully and
quite horrifyingly with the lack of trust offered by the government.  This becomes his
central idea, the driving force, behind the work.  In assessing the idea of trust in the
modern political setting, Orwell is forcing the reader to make some critical assessments
in their own relationship with their government, to discern where Squealers exist and
how to avoid Boxer's fate.