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To: AVNevis
I find two things about tonight quite shocking.

First, neither on DU or Daily Kos could I find any major post on the impending hanging of Saddam. Must be some sort of mourning they are going through.

Second, it is apparent no one working for the President has ever read Elias Canetti's book Crowds And Power." If they had they would not be as concerned about of a counter-revolutionary outbreak of violence. Something to watch for but what is more likely is the Saddam loyalists will now flounder and look for another leader. Canetti postulated that crowds to continue had to have what he called "crowd crystals" (not a good term) to maintain the belief and cohesiveness of the crowd.

Saddam ruled by terror. His beneficiaries were few and they were terrified as well. Machiavelli was right in saying if you had to choose between love and fear--choose fear because it is more constant; however, you do need "crowd crystals" when you are gone if your message and faith are to continue. Saddam was surely not a person could easily love and treasure.

Saddam's legacy will be a failed leader with few remaining followers. Not to worry. This is the best thing, psychologically speaking, that could happen. It is hard to die for nothing and that is what he is leaving behind.

2,346 posted on 12/29/2006 4:18:01 PM PST by shrinkermd
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To: shrinkermd
First, neither on DU or Daily Kos could I find any major post on the impending hanging of Saddam.

Where are you looking? There are a lot of threads on DU about the hanging. Mostly angry and disgusted it is happening.

2,387 posted on 12/29/2006 4:23:38 PM PST by Tatze (Hello, I'm a TAGLINE virus. Please help me spread by copying me into YOUR tag line.)
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