http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prince

Wikipedia's summary of that abhorrent screed from the Dark Ages sounds like the ideas of our politicians. Machiavelli writes about how to maintain power, warmongering, eliminating dissenters, and about why one should be pragmatic rather than idealistic. This sounds just like the ideas of the politicians that uninformed voters have empowered and which have caused great harm to our country.

Wikipedia's article acknowledges that Machiavelli's supposed observations "resonate" with politicians, students, and scholars. If this is the case, it is unfortunate.

Of course, the bigger question is why have the American people allowed Machiavellians to gain power? Why do the American people continue to believe their lies? Why has Machiavelli been allowed to influence a nation founded on the direct opposite of what he advocated (namely, the ideals of freedom and equality)?