Shimkus, Iraq, and benevolent Monarchs

Shimkus takes it on the chin from Prarie State Blue and Rich Miller for voicing want seems to me the Democratic Party's Foreign Policy today: that the invasion of Iraq was a mistake, that Iraq would have been best left alone under Saddam (and no philosopher King he!), and that Bush's second inaugural's proclamation that America's ideals and self-interests are now one; was dangerously idealistic.

“In some of these countries where they are having some Islamic presence, is it better to have a constitutional monarchy, with a very strong, powerful king, and maybe a dictator who is trying to move a little bit to democratic principles, versus just throwing the door open and pushing full-blown democratic principles, which could destabilize the country?” Shimkus said during a discussion with the editorial board of The State Journal-Register.

“When I taught government and history,” Shimkus added, “by definition, what is the best form of government, the most simple, is a compassionate monarchy - a monarchy that loves and respects its citizens and … is able to make easy decisions without the weight of a bureaucracy we’d have to fund.”

I don't agree with Shimkus but I understand the frustration and wonder myself.