Monuments for Megalomaniacs

Peter Klein recently observed that the majority of popular tourist attractions in Paris were financed by coerced philanthropy (i.e., taxation). While there are exceptions to this rule, the same hold true for most of the state edifying temples in the DC/Kremlin areas as well. In addition, Peter linked to an interesting story from of all places, Esquire. It is an overview of the Seven Wonders of the Totalitarian World. And unsurprisingly, North Korea makes the list (not because of the Ryugyong Hotel). Speaking of which, be sure to read the excellent essay by Peter Hitchens, Prisoners in Camp Kim — it is a stark contrast to this naive report.

More on the calamity that is North Korea: 1 2 3 4