Morality

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

Oh, I dunno, Brian - there have been a few dictators down through the ages who merit a good deal of respect.

Boru

No, there is no such thing as a good dictator. Just like there is no such thing as a good abusive spouse.

Authoritarian leaders that have power that cannot be challenged are oppressive. They at best might treat loyalists well, but anyone who speaks up to that power takes great risk at arrest or death.


I do not respect ideas of absolute power with no checks on power.

Suppose I could supply you with the name of a dictator who was sincerely beloved by the populace (as opposed to shamming loyalty to keep out of prison), made sure even the poorest had enough to eat, struck no one off the public dole, kept taxes as low as possible, instituted massive infrastructure projects that benefited everyone, and pushed hard to maintain both freedom of speech and the rule of law. This dictator had no checks on his power (other than the limits he placed on himself) and ruled for life.  Yet with all conceivable power in his hands, he managed to rule efficiently and justly for more than forty years.

Any respect at all for someone like this?

Boru