I learned a new word today, and it fits perfectly

Kakistocracy

"government by the worst persons; a form of government in which the worst persons are in power."


Doesn't that sound similar to what some people are claiming about the US government, and have for the last several presidencies (different sides accused the government of this for each one, of course).  


Of course, I don't think even in the days of W. that we ever descended into kakistocracy - but that might have been closer than just about any other time.  No, I think kakistocracy applies more to groups like the Taliban, Khmer Rouge, North Korea, etc.  Those extreme dictatorships that have a cult-of-personality-like stranglehold on their populace, and use violence, propaganda and extreme measures to enforce and maintain their position and power.  


Those are the true kakistocracies.  in contrast, we've just got to suffer from rule by the incompetent and ignorant.


Gee, I feel so much better knowing I live in an idiocracy.