Rainblog

Death of Kim Jong-il renews fears of 'Peak Tyranny'

The death of Kim Jong-il has led to renewed fears that the world may have reached Peak Tyranny, the point at which the maximum rate of global despotism has been reached. After that point, oppression enters a phase of terminal decline in which production of new abuses is unlikely to keep pace with the world’s demand. [Read More …]

If it walks like a duck ...

And if it sends soldiers to shoot unarmed protesters, fires on civilians from helicopters, and attacks journalists and ambulances, then it’s probably a dictatorship.

Old man get some soldiers, keep them close at hand.
The seeds that were sown yesterday now flower in the land.
Guard yourself most carefully with military might.
Plants that cannot bloom by day must flower in the night.
[“Flowers of the Night”, Freiberg/Slick/Kantner]