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A.Word.A.Day--kakistocracy Pronunciation: WAV or RealAudio kakistocracy (kak-i-STOK-ruh-see, kah-ki-) noun Government by the least qualified or most unprincipled citizens. [Greek kakistos, worst, superlative of kakos, bad + -cracy, government, rule.] "Russia is proving the opposite. Late last year, the kakistocracy propping up Boris Yeltsin decided not to risk giving up power." William Safire, Contrasting Elections, The New York Times, March 20, 2000. Democracy, government of the people, by the people, and for the people, is only as good as the governed demand. As recent elections in several places around the globe have illustrated, this leaves a lot to be desired. However, until we invent a better system, it is the best one can get. The presidential race in the US is heating up too and is being closely watched by the citizens of the world. For better or worse, the results of this contest will have repercussions everywhere. Later this year we'll know whether Bush gets gored or Gore gets bushed. In the meanwhile, enjoy this week's words (all of them selected by a single vote :-) about government, politics, and elections. -Anu X-Bonus The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist." -Maria Montessori, Italian educator (1870-1952)

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