Food and failed Arab states (Egypt is backward, not because the Mubarak, but because of Islam)

Asia Times ^ | 02/04/2011 | Spengler

[fabian]

wow, that is one screwed up religion. I will say that Mubarak and his police should have prosecuted anyone mutalating women like that and it would have deterred it a lot more!

[JadeEmperor]

I do not fulfill the Constitutional requirement to be President, although in a true dictatorship we can make up our own rules, can't we? Heh-heh. Seriously, I would grudgingly accept a moderate authoritarian society where I was a part of a reasonably protected social class as an alternative to chaos and anarchy, but not as an alternative to a Constitutional Republic. Many others would settle for much less, I'm afraid.

[JadeEmperor]

Throughout history, the people have always wanted a king, a good king. I believe most Americans wanted George to become the American king for life. I believe most Americans wanted George to become the American king for life.

And when, throughout history, has such a state existed? Reality was never like the stuff of the legends, king Arthur and the Knights. Sadly, a lot of people, if not the outright majority, at any given time will simply submit to the strongman du jour, who merely has the means and the inclination to be ruthless. Most are passive. Some are outright submissive. None of that means we should set our goals on such a society. Does anyone think in a true monarchy they will be automatically granted nobility status, or something? The nobles and royalty were few and most were underclass of some sort. No strong middle class before the industrial revolution, either. I do not see a future for myself in such a society.

[PA Engineer]

Long, but interesting read. BTTT.