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July 24, 2006

"Thug Regimes?" Really?

I have used the terms, "thug regimes," or "gangs of thugs" for the governments of absolute dictatorships. Are they such in reality, or am I just trying to further my democratic peace agenda by tearing down these nondemocracies. I know some readers believe I am exaggerating. I'm also aware of the bias in our culture toward a positive view of "government," consistent with its Greek root that means "steersman," "pilot," "governor," or "rudder." And since those governments I am calling thug regimes have legitimate, internationally recognized authority, it is difficult for many to accept this label as other than political rhetoric.

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Posted by Rudy at July 24, 2006 9:52 PM