To what extent does statist direct control benefit the masses of people?

Liberals have their heart in the right place, but they are deluded about the benefits of progressivism:

https://prospect.org/blogs/tap/progressives-run-the-table-on-regulatory-posts/

Since the rise of national economies and development the state, capital, and technology have tended to constitute an interlocking, controlling juggernaut. There was a brief period, after the impact of Adam Smith’s influence, where the idea of “laissez-faire” free market capitalism had some currency. The resulting economic anarchy dissuaded the power elites from allowing such instability.

Statist direct control has been re-asserted under the auspices of socialism, Keynesianism, central banking, progressivism, etc. Is it better “for the people” than laissez-faire? Maybe a little. Not much.

But liberals never stop hoping.