...and is defined by action, not philosophy. Left, right, religious, secular, monarchist, military, civilian, "democratic" (see "Socrates, death of"), "republican" (see also "St. Just", "Danton", "Robespierre") -- tyrannical behavior defines tyranny, not the principles used to justify it. Principles can be twisted to justify anything. People used Christianity to justify burning people at the stake for years.

I would appreciate it if you would stop treating the eastern European dictatorships of the last century as the prime examples of tyranny in the history of the world in an attempt to associate anything left of center with tyranny. Tyrants, regardless of political party, social class or religious school, have more in common with each other than they have with moderate voices anywhere. Tyranny's history is long, even though modern memory is short.

Regards--
Mary Anne