Extreme right or extreme left, it really doesn't matter. If you go far enough either way, you'll meet yourself coming round the other side, rather like some weird warped part of spacetime (or taking a ride in Hawkwind's Silver Machine). Remember that while the world was focused on Hitler and the horrors the second world war and what came to be known as the Holocaust, Josef Stalin was killing even more of his own people. So much for ideology.
And the crude concept of absolute rule by kings, priests and chieftains has never gone away. What about Kim Jong-un in north Korea, whose people are so isolated, poor and, well, lied to, they have been brainwashed into a sheep-like adoration of a dangerous madman. Where have we seen that before, I wonder? Neither can countries be run by a crushing insistence on a strict religious observance - no scripture of any religion tells us how to run a country, about economics, diplomacy etc. We may be rid of Saddam, Mubarak and Gaddafi, but because there is no internal apparatus in their countries to adequately replace them and their stooges, the place just turns to crap with rival factions killing each other. So much for the cradle of civilisation. And the world is filled with dictators and despots. Remember Rhodesia? The white rule by Ian Smith's government (and his 'never in a thousand years' speech)? What happened when that fell? The country became Zimbabwe (fair enough) but ended up with ZANU PF, Robert Mugabe and a one party state - and rigged 'elections.' If only Joshua Nkomo, Abel Muzorewa or Ndabaninge Sithole had been allowed to come to power.
In politics, just remember to stay in the middle. There will always be those who don't get democracy. But then it's too good to share with just anyone!
Jack Orchison, December 9, 2013.
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