Ledeen wants thing to go even faster – and maybe they are.
Five hundred years ago Machiavelli insisted that tyranny is the most unstable form of government, and he warned that the most dangerous development for any tyrant was the contempt of his own people. That dramatic tipping point is now very close in China, Iran, and North Korea. All that is required to get there is a steady flow of the truth from outside their borders, guidance for those who undertake the struggle against the tyrants, and constant reminders – backed up with modest action – that we are with them.
“The truth shall set you free.” Could it be that the internet and dissemination of truth to the people of the world can cause the down fall of tyrannies? There seems to be a direct correlation doesn’t there, the blog’s show that the dictator is wearing no clothes, that he lies, cheats and steals and murders. The truth is the most dangerous thing for the Tyrant other than a hangman’s noose or a bullet in the head.
Contradictory anecdotes abound, so it would be nice to know more details re PRC’s control of the PRC internet.
You took the words right out of my mouth, Ron. “The truth shall set you free.”
The internet and other modern communications are a double-edged sword–they can disseminate truth and falsehood equally quickly and efficiently. But it seems–at least for now–that the power of truth is greater than the power of falsehood. Truth resonates with something deep inside people.
Roger,
Yes, Yes, Roger – Only FASTER PLEASE!
US News & World Report (04-25-05) has an excellent article on point:
and
HSPIG Forums Link
This point is echoed on HSPIG’s blog as well:
The Greatest Weapon in Our Arsenal in the GWOT – THE TRUTH
Link Here
I did not see a TrackBack, but my response is at http://donsingleton.blogspot.com/2005/04/revolution-continues.html
Although they wouldn’t know about it sufficiently without the internet, at least as important as the flow of truth into these regimes about their own governments’ wrongdoings is the truth about the changed course and the real commitment of the U.S. in supporting the freedom of others.
To borrow his pappy’s phrase, I pray that W “stays the course”.
That dramatic tipping point is now very close in China, Iran, and North Korea.
I certainly hope so, but after several hundred Ledeen predictions of imminent revolution in Iran, my faith in his prognostication is waning.
Otter,
When Jimmah and the Senocrats gave the OK to Khomeini’s Revolutionary Guard to put down our ally the Shah the Revolutionary Guard had guns and had shown a willingness to use them.
W has issued a promise to “stand by those who seek democracy” – he hasn’t issued a promise to plant the seed which if properly watered, fertilized (blood of patriots), and nurtured will grow into the tree of liberty. The mad mullahs have the guns and the will. The ‘tipping point’ will come when the Iranians get out and start dying for liberty, not before. I don’t mind the US giving all aid possible, including fighting alongside Iranians seeking freedom but I’m damned if I’ll support spending US blood and treasure to hand Iranians a nice tidy package of democracy to open when and if they feel like it.
If Iranians really want liberty then let them start fighting and dying for it. I’ll start believing them when I read about the fear of the mullahs, not before.
The truth is the most dangerous thing for the Tyrant other than a hangman’s noose or a bullet in the head.
No, truth is worse. A bullet just kills one tyrant: truth and liberty can kill a tyranny.
Modern communications is the seed that crystallizes the solution of popular movements. When people saw the men and women of Iraq and Afghanistan marching defiantly to the voting booth, they realized they were no longer alone in the resentment of tyranny.
Good chemistry, richard!
The chemistry requires, however, a supersaturated solution for the seed to have an effect. If the solution is too weak, the seed itself may dissolve.
Note that I do not claim to know how these details alter the analogy.
Hey Mr. Simon:
Can you please ask Michael Ledeen if his SISMI buddies helped tip the Papacy towards Ratzinger through intereferece, aided by eavesdropping via the ‘cellphone scrambling platform’ installed in the Sistine Chapel?
Please excuse the OT intrusion.
The daughter of an associate has gone missing in Covina, California. Any help or news would obviously be greatly appreciated.
Photo and contact info here
Thanks for your attention.