The heights of Mount Olympos may offer wonderful views of the world but limited explanations for the mess modern societies are in. Classical times were just too different and small city states were easily governable. Citizens shared common values and Classical Athenian democracy, limited though it was, was surely better inspired than systems that produce sosies of Narkissos, in love with themselves but lacking any beauty. It’s not just the leaders. There’s as much rubbish thrown here by Admirables into the remaining countryside as found in the Assembly – although on bad days both reek of Mare-Chicose rather than Sweet Nature. Other pillars of democracy are as worn down as Parliament. The Police force is clearly unfit for purpose and the legal world is in turmoil. Journalists were once like orators of old, speaking with some respect for facts, but seem to have acquired the accuracy of Madame Quack or be driven by an urge to fill the role of Leader of the Opposition.

Still, whether we look at the Admirals or the Admirables, the ship of state is riding through choppy waters, with any sense of civic duty swamped beneath the waves, not least because politics is based around leaders rather than convictions. As a result, Baby Doc still has followers despite his unexplained wealth. Of course, it’s possible he didn’t want to leave it lying at party headquarters – too tempting for mains longues – but his continued silence speaks volumes. Instead there’s talk of victimisation. Are the police really bent to let him off the hook? However fearless he claims to be, with all the skubalon being mouthed, you can only wonder what’s happening down below. The rupees were bad enough but even admirable accountants and lawyers may have trouble explaining tons of unused dollars. They can hardly be written off as unrelated transactions nor credibly claimed as an advance payment from the Donald for silence on Diego. Too much like father like son.

The last election should have signalled the end of imperial rule but little’s changed. How could Machiavelli’s successor leave the government with such scant consultation? Leaders seem to think parties are personal fiefdoms. The least they could do would be to float their family businesses on the stock exchange, to take in a few other shareholders. If their personal selection of candidates isn’t bad enough, they’ve spent decades building up a stranglehold over the local authorities. Political interference there, not to mention in public sector appointments, is one of the few convincing arguments for capital punishment.

Passing on a private company from generation to generation is natural enough – but the right to bequeath a party is questionable, whatever happens in many other countries. Of course, those brought up in a political environment can claim it’s a good nursery and, by the time Ti Adrien’s 85, the country may have advanced enough to allow him to become PM. Not that all leaders have encouraged dynastic rule. Certainly Papa Doc never claimed his son was enn extra bon garson, a term currently favoured by relatives to describe a sociopath.

There’s little consolation to be found outside. Even the USA has lost its soul and installed a sitting duck. Perhaps we should be grateful for small mercies. Ti Sage may do the textile sector no harm although it may be too early to seek a public listing. A former company called MSM went bankrupt – and was rescued by a press group. Now there’s a thought.