Banana Republic Bobby

Whatever place could Lombardi be describing here?

In its current incarnation, this small republic operates with a populist authoritarian government led by individuals in search of advancement to more prosperous and internationally significant posts. Their skillful combination of populist rhetoric, economic manipulation of a state dominated economy, and first-world media management has maintained them in power. The regime has taken every opportunity to create illusions of progress by continuously bleeding the nation's treasury to buy the participation of foreign companies that receive tax-supported subsidies. Their arsenal of management also includes the use of state resources to conclude beneficial contracts with favored national business interests.

When confronted with opposition, the regime mobilizes its sycophantic adherents and paid partisans to discredit, isolate, and eventually drive out any people with an ability or opportunity to address the real issues and consequences of the regime's behavior.

Your obligatory Friday afternoon bombshell

This week's comes to us from the LSU Board of Supervisors who just voted to fire system president John Lombardi.

Critics say Lombardi has not worked well with the governor, the Legislature and his chancellors. Former president William Jenkins was named interim president of the system while a nationwide search for a permanent replacement is found.

Not saying I know what the right thing to do here was but isn't "not working well with the governor" kind of a plus given the budget fights over the past few years?