History Doesn't Repeat Itself But it Rhymes

[Evang.Benincasa]

Aristotle understood government and how it raises up Tyrants.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gkYbrzMAE4

[Amanah]

I asked AI to make a comparison between Trump and Pisistratus just for fun:

Pisistratus, an ancient Athenian tyrant (561-527 BCE), and Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States (2017-2021), share some intriguing similarities:

1. Demagoguery: Both Pisistratus and Trump used emotional appeals and populist rhetoric to gain support from the masses.
2. Charismatic leadership: Both leaders possessed charismatic qualities, captivating audiences with their confidence and charm.
3. Economic anxiety: Both leaders exploited economic concerns, Pisistratus among Athenian farmers and Trump among American workers.
4. Anti-establishment sentiment: Both leaders tapped into anti-establishment sentiment, presenting themselves as outsiders who could shake up the system.
5. Authoritarian tendencies: Both leaders displayed authoritarian traits, Pisistratus by dissolving the Athenian constitution and Trump through actions like attempting to influence the DOJ and undermining the electoral process.
6. Cult of personality: Both leaders cultivated a strong personal brand, with Pisistratus presenting himself as a champion of the people and Trump as a self-proclaimed "winner."

However, there are also significant differences:

1. Context: Pisistratus ruled in ancient Athens, while Trump led a modern democracy.
2. Methods: Pisistratus used violence and intimidation, whereas Trump's actions, though controversial, were largely within the bounds of legal institutions.
3. Duration: Pisistratus held power for over 30 years, while Trump's presidency lasted four years.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Pisistratus Also faked his own assassination attempt.

[Evang.Benincasa]

It took Pisistratus several very colorful attempts to seize power in Athens before finally establishing himself as in 547 BC.

A popular general, Pisistratus first tried to seize power in about 560 BC. Posing as a champion of the hill farmers, he inflicted wounds upon himself and drove his cart into Athens alleging his opponents had attacked him. Taken in by his story the Athenians granted him his own bodyguard, which he then used to seize control of the Acropolis. However, soon after his political opponents united and drove him out of the city.

This second attempt at gaining power was described by Herodotus as "the silliest trick which history has to record.". Dressed in gleaming armor, he arrived in the city accompanied by a tall and beautiful woman, posing as the goddess Athena. The Athenians rejoiced at the arrival of their new leader and the 'goddess' even when they discovered Athena was actually a tall girl called Phye from a local village. To cement his power, he married the daughter of Cleisthenes father, Megacles. However, when Pisistratus discovered the curse of the Alcmaeonids, he divorced her. Without their support his rule came to an abrupt end.

A decade later he returned once more at the head of an army and finally established himself as undisputed tyrant, having been fortunate enough to discover a silver mine in Thrace and make strong allies in the intervening years.

https://www.pbs.org/empires/thegreeks/background/5.html

[coksiw]

Originally Posted by Amanah

I asked AI to make a comparison between Trump and Pisistratus just for fun:

Pisistratus, an ancient Athenian tyrant (561-527 BCE), and Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States (2017-2021), share some intriguing similarities:

1. Demagoguery: Both Pisistratus and Trump used emotional appeals and populist rhetoric to gain support from the masses.
2. Charismatic leadership: Both leaders possessed charismatic qualities, captivating audiences with their confidence and charm.
3. Economic anxiety: Both leaders exploited economic concerns, Pisistratus among Athenian farmers and Trump among American workers.
4. Anti-establishment sentiment: Both leaders tapped into anti-establishment sentiment, presenting themselves as outsiders who could shake up the system.
5. Authoritarian tendencies: Both leaders displayed authoritarian traits, Pisistratus by dissolving the Athenian constitution and Trump through actions like attempting to influence the DOJ and undermining the electoral process.
6. Cult of personality: Both leaders cultivated a strong personal brand, with Pisistratus presenting himself as a champion of the people and Trump as a self-proclaimed "winner."

So, when the people are suffering, what leader doesn't do exactly that? So if the leader is right wing is a populist, but if it is a left wing is a revolutionary bringing a needed revolution?

The label populist is applied quickly by the media as a way to spread FUD, but their favorite leaders promise the same. Do you realize how convenient are those 6 points to the ones that already have power and want to keep it? Points 1 to 3 "your leader is a manipulative person!", point 4-6, "your leader what really wants is power", ... wait, aren't you the same, and also got us in this mess?

[Amanah]

Meta AI may have a liberal bias:

Using Aristotle's criteria for dictatorships, here's a comparison between Biden and Trump:

1. Concentration of power:
- Biden: No, respects constitutional limits and checks/balances.
- Trump: Attempted to consolidate power, but was limited by the system.
2. Suppression of political opponents:
- Biden: No, respects political opposition and free speech.
- Trump: Criticized and attacked political opponents, but did not suppress them.
3. Control of media and information:
- Biden: No, respects a free press and diverse media.
- Trump: Criticized and attempted to influence media, but did not control it.
4. Use of force and violence:
- Biden: No, did not use force against citizens or political opponents.
- Trump: Did not use force, but was criticized for rhetoric that could incite violence.
5. Disregard for laws and institutions:
- Biden: No, respects the Constitution and institutions.
- Trump: Criticized and challenged institutions, but did not completely disregard them.

In summary, while both presidents have been criticized for various actions, neither Biden nor Trump exhibits all the characteristics of a dictator. However, Trump's actions and rhetoric more closely align with some of Aristotle's criteria than Biden's.

[MawMaw]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Pisistratus Also faked his own assassination attempt.

Do you think Mr. Trump faked his assassination a few weeks ago?

[Amanah]

Meta AI thinks Trump is a dictator

Here are some examples of Trump's actions that align with Aristotle's criteria for dictatorships:

1. Concentration of power:
- Attempted to bypass Congress through executive orders and national emergencies.
- Fired or replaced officials who disagreed with him, like Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats.
2. Suppression of political opponents:
- Criticized and attacked political opponents, like Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi.
- Used the term "witch hunt" to describe investigations into his administration.
3. Control of media and information:
- Repeatedly attacked the press, calling them "fake news" and "enemies of the people."
- Attempted to influence media coverage through personal relationships and public pressure.
4. Use of force and violence:
- Rhetoric that could incite violence, like telling police to be "rough" with suspects or saying there were "very fine people" among white nationalist protesters.
- Deployed federal agents to cities without local consent, leading to clashes with protesters.
5. Disregard for laws and institutions:
- Challenged the legitimacy of the electoral process and the judiciary.
- Ignored congressional subpoenas and oversight requests.

Please note that these examples are controversial and some may argue they don't necessarily align with Aristotle's criteria. Additionally, the US system of checks and balances limited Trump's actions, preventing a full consolidation of power.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by MawMaw

Do you think Mr. Trump faked his assassination a few weeks ago?

MawMaw, I haven’t the foggiest idea. The only thing I do know is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

I just brought up the fact that Pisistratus faked his own assassination. Me saying that Trump did the same would be pure speculation. Which if I were to claim Trump pulled the same stunt as Pisistratus. I would then have to assume the same for Andrew Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan. All presidents who survived their attacks. I like to make sure I have the facts before sharing information with family, and church family. I don’t like making assumptions based on “could bees.” I’ve occasionally inserted my foot in my mouth in times past. I can tell you with full assurance I hate the taste of foot.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Amanah

Meta AI thinks Trump is a dictator

Here are some examples of Trump's actions that align with Aristotle's criteria for dictatorships:

1. Concentration of power:
- Attempted to bypass Congress through executive orders and national emergencies.
- Fired or replaced officials who disagreed with him, like Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats.
2. Suppression of political opponents:
- Criticized and attacked political opponents, like Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi.
- Used the term "witch hunt" to describe investigations into his administration.
3. Control of media and information:
- Repeatedly attacked the press, calling them "fake news" and "enemies of the people."
- Attempted to influence media coverage through personal relationships and public pressure.
4. Use of force and violence:
- Rhetoric that could incite violence, like telling police to be "rough" with suspects or saying there were "very fine people" among white nationalist protesters.
- Deployed federal agents to cities without local consent, leading to clashes with protesters.
5. Disregard for laws and institutions:
- Challenged the legitimacy of the electoral process and the judiciary.
- Ignored congressional subpoenas and oversight requests.

Please note that these examples are controversial and some may argue they don't necessarily align with Aristotle's criteria. Additionally, the US system of checks and balances limited Trump's actions, preventing a full consolidation of power.

I do think Meta AI has a man behind the curtain.