It's not always easy to come up with a formula that reflects our world culture. Politics seems to be one of the elements that every country has in common. Politics may not always be realized to a level as bad as characterized below, but the ingredients are there... in every country of our time. I see the mildest and most human expression of politics portrayed in presidents such as Franklin and Jefferson, or Jimmy Carter. On the other end of the political scale we find Saddam, Hitler, Stalin and Mao Tse Dong. I analyzed the cruel truth of politics in Africa, to realize that these elements of politics are just everywhere. It's a global 'culture.' I first called the article 'The 10 commandments of Politics.' Obviously, most readers are fed up with politics and commandments...

1. Never tell the truth

2. Camouflage true intentions, lies should be consistent

3. Loot the treasury down to the bottom

4. Nurture your power base with a continuous money shower

5. Keep a solid grip on media and intelligence

6. Keep the media out of your bedroom

7. Friends and allies are disposable assets

8. Never embark on projects of long-term benefit

9. Stay in power as long as you can

10. Eliminate all enemies and rivals

(c)2004 by Franz L Kessler

Scorecard

If we give a score of maximally ten points, for each commandment, who is going to be the winner?

Stalin: 100 points

Hitler: 95 points

Mao tse Dong: 85 points

Saddam: 83 points

Fidel: 80 points

Aristide: 70 points

Mussolini: 65 points

Berlusconi: 60 points

Chavez: 60 points

Blair: 55 points

Bush junior: 50 points

Julius Ceasar: 47 points

Andrew Jackson: 45 points

Bush senior: 35 points

Bill Clinton: 20 points

Nelson Mandela: 10 points

Jimmy Carter: 10 points

Thomas Jefferson: 5 points

The winner is Jozef Stalin