The Slippery Slope to Authoritarianism: Lessons from History

| January 24, 2026

In an era of political polarization, it’s crucial to examine how nations can swiftly embrace socialist or communist systems, and how hard it is to reverse course without robust democratic mechanisms like free, fair elections. Historical examples from the USSR, Cuba, and Venezuela show how quickly charismatic leaders who promise equality and prosperity can consolidate […]

Citgo = Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A.

| March 3, 2006

I’m reluctant to post a message before hearing from Citgo Petroleum Corporation on an email making its way around the internet that generates strong emotions from most I’ve shown it too. (see posted email at the end of this post) The company (Citgo) is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of […]

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog