On Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:02:54 -0700 (PDT)
John B wrote:
I'd query on "until recently". Even WWII's main effect was to replace
Hitler with Stalin in charge of Poland...

True. In fact probably most of the world if you go by population is still
ruled by a dictator or unelected ruling committee. We're rather lucky in the
west to be able to vote , though the EU commision seems to be doing its
best to roll the clock back by imposing rules thought up by unelected
beaurocrats.

B2003