What is the kakistogon?
The word "kakistogon" derives from the Greek word "kakistos" (κακιστος) meaning "the worst"; the superlative of kakos (κακος) "bad". So the kakistogon is that shape - that complex of forces, structures and events that result when the kakistocracy gets in bed with the kakistopoly.
If society is ruled by monarchs, we call that an aristocracy; rule by the aristos. If society is ruled by a mob, we call that democracy; rule by the demos. So if society is ruled by the worst, that makes it a kakistocracy. Welcome to South Africa.
If a market is supplied by a single supplier without competition, we call that a monopoly. We generally consider monopolies to be pretty inefficient at servicing a market with the best products at the lowest prices. If a market is service by only two spulliers, we call that a duopoly. Generally held to be about as bad as a monopoly, since the two are naturally quite likely to collude on issues like quality and pricing. So if a market is supplied only by extremely bad suppliers - suppliers that actively seek maximal profit for minimal service, that seek to confuse and confound their customers so that they can rip those customers off to the maximum extent possible, that's called a kakistopoly. Welcome to cellphone service.
US President Dwight D Eisenhower sounded a warning to the American people against what he termed the Military-Industrial Complex. However this does imply a degree of competence, expertise and efficiency. The kakistogon - the confluence of kakistocrats in government and kakistopolists as Big Business - implies the direct opposite. All there is is a vicious cunning in ripping off the ordinary citizen, in leeching off the skill and work of legitimate businesses and of sheer highway banditry in obtaining Special Dispensation from government to do so.
This blog is a protest against all that. Although our focus is on South African politicians, government entities and companies, we welcome anti-kakistocrats from everywhere.
In the immortal words of Lord Melchett, "Time for a bit of choppie choppie, I think."
