Well, that's not the definition I was implying, the definition I was implying was the dictionary/wikipedia one
"A dictator is a ruler (e.g. absolutist or autocratic) who assumes sole and absolute power (sometimes but not always with military control) but, without hereditary ascension such as an absolute monarch. [1] When other states call the head of state of a particular state a dictator, that state is called a dictatorship. The word originated as the title of a magistrate in ancient Rome appointed by the Senate to rule the republic in times of emergency (see Roman dictator and justitium)" My sincere apologies if you or any of your family suffered under the East German regime. I have numerous friends who grew up in Eastern Europe - it wasn't an intent to offend. On Feb 2, 1:12 am, Karsten Silz <[email protected]> wrote: > On Feb 1, 12:45 am, Steven Herod <[email protected]> wrote: > > > I think the iPhone is a dictatorship, and most people don't give a > > damn about democracy and freedom unless the dictatorship is affecting > > them directly. > > Having grown up in a dictatorship (East Germany), I would define a > dictatorship as a form of government that most of those who live under > it can't leave (and can't prevent from being born into). To me, a > consumer product that's not in a monopoly position can't be a > dictatorship since users are free to enter and leave. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Java Posse" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/javaposse?hl=en.
