Contents of Sensational Book “Fake Leaders”

*Hiragana Times CIA(Cynically Insulting Agency)

Japan now has a new Prime Minister ABE Shinzo. On this occasion, a new book called “Fake Leaders” written by Dr. Ernesto REED, a writer well-known for his studies into the lives of leaders, is now drawing attention worldwide. The translation of the book will be published here in Japan soon. In the meantime, Hiragana Times CIA interviewed Dr. Reed.

CIA: What is your latest book about?

Dr.: In short, it is about leaders’ ambitions, the people who are easily taken in by them, and the subsequent tragic history that often follows. Regardless of the time, the purpose of leaders gaining power is to advance their own ambitions, not to aid their people.

CIA: Can you explain some of the details?

Dr.: Up until around the mid 20th century, dynasties had ruled in many countries of the world. In other words, a family who won in a power struggle in the past had ruled the country from generation to generation. Naturally, all of the nation’s wealth was centered with the family and the majority of citizens were forced into hardship. Citizens’ dissatisfaction was often oppressed by a forceful organization controlled by the leading family, so that the population has no choice but to tolerate the situation.

CIA: But when an extreme situation occurs, people rise up, don’t they?

Dr.: Yes, people rose up in the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution and the royal families of both countries were executed. But NAPOLEON, who came to power after the revolution in France, took over the regime and became an emperor. After the Russian revolution, STALIN, who took power, ruled by fear. These people are not people’s heroesthey have simply realized their own ambitions by taking advantage of the situation.

CIA: Were there any leaders who had no political ambitions?

Dr.: Surprisingly, Rumanian President CEAUSESCU, who ended up being killed in miserable circumstances, initially implemented good policies for his people. And South Korean President CHUN Doo Hwan, who was later sentenced to death, warned himself when he came to power saying, “Gaining power will make people corrupt.”

CIA: Why are leaders involved in corruption?

Dr.: There are many villains around the world who want to gain a share of the benefits of the leader and suggest many plots to do so. Then gradually, leaders start to embezzle national wealth.

CIA: Well then, leaders are not working for citizens anyway, right?

Dr.: Of course, not. The ruling system has changed today as elections are carried out, but the leaders’ plots are the same. Leader candidates can only win elections with the support of certain regions or industries. In other words, they cannot become the leader unless they represent the interests of certain groups. Therefore, they use politics for their benefit. They never stand for ordinary people, much less weak people.

CIA: Can’t people sense this fakeness?

Dr.: No, it is difficult. Fake leaders use shrewd tricks. To carry out autocracy, the Roman Empire built sports stadiums and theaters to give their citizens something to go crazy about, and that helped keep the people from getting too interested in politics. It is still the same today. Many people in advanced countries are more interested in gourmet and vacations than in politics. They select their leaders without deep thought, in spite of the fact that history repeatedly tells us that doing so often leads to awful situations.

*Hiragana Times CIA(Cynically Insulting Agency)

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