[Diogenesis]

"There is scarce a king in a hundred who would not, if he could,
follow the example of Pharaoh - get first all the people's money, then their lands,
and then make them and their children servants forever.
It will be said that we do not propose to establish kings.
I know it.
But there is a natural inclination in mankind to kingly government.
It sometimes relieves them from aristocratic domination.
They had rather have one tyrant than 500.
It gives more the appearance of equality among citizens, and that they like.
I am apprehensive - therefore - perhaps too apprehensive - that the government of these States may in future times end in a monarchy
[not called a monarchy but an executive with monarchial powers].
But this catastrophe, I think, may long be delayed, if in our proposed system we do not sow the seeds of contention,
faction and tumult, by making our posts of honor places of profit.
If we do, I fear that, though we employ at first a number and not a single person, the number will in time be set aside,
it will only nourish the fetus of a king (as the honorable gentleman from Virginia very aptly expressed it),
and a king will the sooner be set over us."

-- Benjamin Franklin

[Caipirabob]

#2 - Excellent. We are going to have to get out that series on Franklin and watch it as a family. Probably tonight - don’t think I want to deal with the endless attempts by the media to tell me their Titantic isn’t sinking...