6 Comments
User's avatar
Paul Vitello's avatar

Chilling piece of historical ‘background,’ which reminds us how vulnerable we are in this dangerous world with a dear leader who thinks — and is encouraged to think — that he’s god’s envoy.

Expand full comment
REX SMITH's avatar

Thanks for this, Rich. I knew so little of it. The lessons of this history are important, and chilling, as we look at where we are now.

Expand full comment
Reg Gale's avatar

"Dictatorships, up to and including Putin’s, have a built-in failing," he writes. "They rely on the judgments of a single individual. Yet the more exalted the leader is, the more hesitant his subordinates are to give him information that could contradict his preferred narrative." A well-made, well supported point.

Expand full comment
Richard Galant's avatar

Thanks Fred.

Expand full comment
Ken Fireman's avatar

Excellent piece, sounding a much-needed warning. The appeal of the strongman is often powerful, always fatal.

Expand full comment
Fred Bruning's avatar

Rich -- Another invaluable history lesson. Many thanks and pass the vodka.

Expand full comment