[Ezekiel]

>>>As much as I condemn American politicians for bad policy, things could be worse.

We could be Greek citizens, which would be very depressing. Indeed, you’ll understand why I put Obamaland in the title after you read today’s column. <<<

Re: the funny map

But about that "Democracy" part - we have to talk.

Daniel 8

21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.
22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.
23 And in the latter time of their kingdom [sing.], when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

Verse 23

"fierce countenance" = strong-faced (az panim), idiom for insolent, brazen, audacious

"understanding dark sentences" = (mavin chidot) one knowledgeable/expert in enigmas (an enigma maven)

...things could be worse. We could be Greek citizens...

The Enigma of Barack Obama
Obama a “Riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma”

[null and void]

The Enigma of Barack Obama
Obama a “Riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enema”

There.

Fixed...

[Billthedrill]

The Democracy thing died in 406 BC. It was always subject to the passions of the mob guided by a perfervid demagogue, and after the battle of Arginusae six of the eight victorious generals were executed after being accused of insufficient effort to collect the bodies of the dead. The Athenians had a particular horror of drowning, but that is no excuse. One of the executed was the son of Pericles.

Democracy would later disgrace itself by voting the death of Socrates under similar storms of passion. Neither Plato nor Aristotle ever forgave it, and they had cause.

[MeshugeMikey]