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Actually, I believe many of those who praise Putin or make excuses for his bullying have more in common with the fans of Hugo and Castro. They all critique America in much the same way. America is not good enough for them. Foreign dictators have a style and effectiveness that they admire. There were many critics of the US, especially in the 1930's and then again in the 1960's who sold like these people do today. America's best days are gone. Only a real radical solution will improve things.

I'm reminded of these lines of Joseph Conrad's THE HEART OF DARKNESS when I think of those who support a Putin or a Castro.

"This visitor informed me Kurtz's proper sphere ought to have been politics `on the popular side.' He had furry straight eyebrows, bristly hair cropped short, an eye-glass on a broad ribbon, and, becoming expansive, confessed his opinion that Kurtz really couldn't write a bit--'but heavens! how that man could talk! He electrified large meetings. He had faith--don't you see?--he had the faith. He could get himself to believe anything--anything. He would have been a splendid leader of an extreme party.' `What party?' I asked. `Any party,' answered the other. `He was an--an--extremist.'"

Human nature doesn’t change. Powerful people who use power to deter their foes get respect.

Leaders who can’t do it are the subject of universal scorn. That’s the way its always been.

People who are too trusting end up being someone else’s dinner.