>>... A client told me today: It is better to have a strong and good dictatorship than a terrible democracy. He might be right...
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>"GOOD dictatorship" is there such a thing?
>Was Saddam a good dictator?
>Is Kim Jung-Il a "good" dictator?
>What is a good dictator?
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>I'm not trying to be "cute". I just want to know....

Sam;

A good dictator?

A man whom I consider to be an effective and benevolent dictator was Josef Pilsudski of Poland. He is loved by the Polish people. Pilsudski is credited with stopping the Soviet Army invasion of Europe. From 1919 – 1921 the Polish Soviet war was fought. The Soviets had announced they were going to first take Warsaw and then Berlin.

In 1935 Adolph Hitler ordered two divisions of the German Army to invade Poland. Pilsudski learned of this act and sent one division of Polish Army to the border of the two countries. When Hitler found out that he would not be able to invade Poland without a fight he sent a telegram to Pilsudski apologizing for this act, and withdrew the German Army. This telegram is on display at a museum in Warsaw and the event well documented. Pilsudski died May 12, 1935.

The story of Pilsudski is fascinating to me and very idyllic. I have read many books about him.

There have been other dictators in recorded history who actually were helpful to their country and its people.

Dictatorship can be the most effective form of government and at the same time it can be the most dangerous. When you have a dictator what do you have? Only time will tell.

I must say that I have met many older Germans who love Hitler - "He gave everyone a job" is the typical comment I have heard. But then Hitler was elected within a democratic process. :)

Tom