Northern Gaijin (observe his fascinating blog) writes in:
I would like to nominate Conrad Black for the “Bluffer of the Day” award. Lord Black whose official title is Baron Black of Crossharbour, OC, PC (Can.), KCSG was incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution Low, Coleman in Florida a.k.a. Club Fed for looting his companies of tens of millions of dollars. While he was in the correctional institute as prisoner #18330-424 beginning July 13, 2007, he had both a personal butler and chef. Rank has its privileges. He referred to his fellow inmates as the “ostracized, voiceless legion of the walking dead” (Wikipedia) and complained about the quality of the wine. As you said in your post the true bluffers are far above us. He did help inspire the inmates by giving lectures on American history which I gather were well attended. This is the best example of which I am aware that applies to your comment:
“I also wonder sometimes, and this is very indiscreet, whether it has to do with the legacy of slavery, the authoritarian system par excellence, where you get things, people and services by grabbing them and/or forcing them out of others — and get out of scrapes by having a friend in the big house.”
He complained about the quality of the wine? How did he get wine or was it some sort of hooch?
Axé.
coldhearted scientist وداد 