The truth regarding absolute power corrupting has been proven many times. However, the latest evidence comes from our humble gardener, Saddam.
According to the AP, Hussein appears depressed and demoralized in solitary confinement, spending his time writing poetry, tending a garden and reading the Quran.
I have a tough time comparing Saddam to Sam Gamgee, but really it does make one think what would've happened if this man had not wrestled power away in a Ba'ath power struggle, and had followed a different road.
If we look at ruthless leaders, it's easy to forget that they were not born megalomaniacal villains, but were products of power.
Josef Stalin studied for the priesthood.
Adolph Hitler's goal was to be an artist, but he was rejected from the Academy of Fine Arts.
I look at the situation in Sudan, and realise that dictatorship is a step up from anarchy, but recalling the nastiness done by those in positions of power really makes it the lesser of two evils.
This week at the Democratic convention in Boston, while all the self important people explain how our lives should be, and our money should be spent, I hope they take a moment and realize that the Darfurs, like the Auschwitz' of the past demand our attention, and that the future priests, gardeners and artists should be given the chance to fulfill their dreams in democracies.
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