...and you know what happens to "visionaries"...

@mykhael yes...you have a point...and it appears the same fate befalls them no matter what, as Hitler and Stalin saw themselves as visionaries as well...I believe we also have someone in office who thinks like that as well ...

@thinktwice Agreed, but I'm not sure he's actually capable of thinking at all! lol! As for Stalin, I've been reading a little about him, and it (may) seem he got a bum rap: [socialism-simplified.com]

@mykhael When you look at the man himself, who had hundreds killed, I think Stalin was actually worse...and while his views on socialism and other ideas have merit, character or lack thereof takes a more prominent priority...he was an evil man and the ideas of the men like him do not warrant any consideration.

@thinktwice So, there is nothing positive to learn from the whole of him? Just playing the devils advocate here: I think there is always at least a tidbit behind any story -- good or bad -- for the advancement of the human race. Look at former president Richard Nixon, rightfully vilified for his war that killed nearly 60k American soldiers, and hundreds of thousands of innocent Vietnamese, including so many atrocities that, even today, can hardly be counted, also did some good things. Established the EPA, engaged with the SALT Talks, ABM Treaty, tried to ensure affordable healthcare for the entire U.S. population, lowered the voting age to 18...... Given what he did with the Vietnam War was, in my mind anyway, just as bad as anything Stalin did...given where we were/are in that day and age.

@mykhael Didn't say that...I love reading biographies and have found that no person no matter how good or vile are not 100% of either...Stalin and Hitler both intellectually had some great ideas and had history been in their favor, we would probably have read more about those...but as humans, they were tyrants. Same with Nixon and a myriad of others...history tends to be kinder to those who at least were categorized as decent human beings...look at our own forefathers who were "good" and yet owned slaves....I didn't mean to discount what you said..An interesting read is a book called simply Hilter & Stalin...if you redacted their names, it is quite informative and fascinating history of these two men...

@thinktwice "Hilter & Stalin: Parallel Lives" ?

@mykhael yes...I was going to look it up for you....I have quite a few on Stalin and Hitler and my father left me the original speeches of Hitler on 78 vinyl...very powerful...

@thinktwice Could this be it?

@mykhael yes...that is it...that is the one I have...thanks...

@thinktwice No...thank YOU!

@mykhael If you get a chance to read it, we can discuss the merits of Stalin and Stalinism independent of the character of the man...sometimes knowing a lot about how there is a thin line between greatness and infamy helps us better understand current events...

@thinktwice Just ordered it. Always eager to learn. Thanks again.

@mykhael Always looking for new books...I seem to get stuck on biographies...I guess I just like learning about people...ha ha Good reads to you!

@thinktwice Me as well: Getting ready to finish up "Reporter" (Seymore Hersh). Fascinating read. Deep into 60's -- 9/11. Looking forward to the one I just ordered on Stalin/Hitler, though I have one coming on Victor Jara: An Unfinished Song. Ugh, I need more eyes and more time! HaHa.

@mykhael I bet the one on Victor Jara will be interesting..please don't add to my own ever growing book list...I have such a long "retirement" read list already, ha ha ha

@thinktwice Well, if you have Netflix and want to mix it up, there's a new documentary series with one on VJ. (Just say'n! )

[netflix.com]

@mykhael I might hate you now...ha ha...I need more Netflix...ha ha ha

@thinktwice Now I know what makes you tick! Enjoy!

@mykhael I found a Spanish version of the book on Amazon...two birds with one stone... ha ha ha

Agree.

I don't think so...We don't give off Veterans Day, Flag Day, Columbus Day, President's Day, etc. It is not lack of respect for any of the groups...it is just business...

If someone wants the day off, they can have it...we allow for floating holidays out of respect for other holidays of our employees' choosing...no questions asked.

@thinktwice Yes but what about when you do give Veterans, President etc. and not MLK?

@AlexRam I guess it depends on the company...the holiday was added in 1986...some companies never added it to their roster of holidays...if it is selective, I guess you could infer something...I would think that if the employees are upset, I would definitely look at it as a slight...

Totally agree