Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Welcome to the America’s kakistocracy, government by the worst of us

Ducks perch on the branch of a tree next to a home destroyed by Hurricane Maria in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, Thursday. President Donald Trump lashed out at hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico on Thursday, insisting in tweets that the federal government “can’t keep sending help forever” and suggesting the U.S. territory was to blame for its financial struggles.
Ducks perch on the branch of a tree next to a home destroyed by Hurricane Maria in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, Thursday. President Donald Trump lashed out at hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico on Thursday, insisting in tweets that the federal government “can’t keep sending help forever” and suggesting the U.S. territory was to blame for its financial struggles. AP

Kaka – we all know what that is, right? Kakistocracy – so wonderful to have a word that says, sounds exactly like what it is.

It is governance by the lowest, most cruel and least-informed! Used as early as the 1700s by a political scientist defining who might be governing, he coined, “kakis-tocracy” – rule by the worst elements of society.

How and why did this happen in our country? Cruelty – threaten to cut off aid to Puerto Rico; deport thousands of kids, play gotcha with the madman of North Korea, gut health care because spoiled baby didn’t get his way legally!

A kakistrat is supported by a bunch of kakistocrats. Since it seems our most dangerous enemy, Russia, strongly influenced potential voters in this last election to elect the worst and most shameless as leaders was just what they wanted.

On the other side, too many eligible and basically good people did not vote (all that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing) and that allowed a kakistocracy to emerge.

Sylvia Woodburne, Fresno

This story was originally published October 15, 2017 at 1:54 AM with the headline "Welcome to the America’s kakistocracy, government by the worst of us."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER