Ancient Days, Modern Times

The Ol' Perfesser, materially aided by one of his former students, sends the following observation, possibly in honor of the Feast of St. Isidore, Patron Saint of Farmers, but even if not, at least in coincidence with it:

A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. They do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.
-Aristotle (384-322 BCE)

The Ol' Perfesser did not need to draw any painful parallels to current events. Neither, alas, does the Slangwhanger-in-Chief.