In Ancient Greece and Rome, political orators mastered techniques of manipulation and “demagogia” meaning control of people. From Cleon to Gaius Flaminius, the contrivers were sating their hunger for power by tampering with prejudices, emotions, and hopes of cheering crowds. Unscrupulous persuasion led to corruption: “And hence when by their foolish thirst for reputation they have created among the masses an apetite for gifts and the habit of receiving them, democracy in its turn is abolished and changes into a rule of force and violence”(Polybius). Allegations of venality and mutual accusations turned political debates into a massive blame-storming. Blame-shifting became a weapon in political duels, even if its use, just like in modern times, wasn’t always fair:”For in oligarchies it is not he who wishes,but he who is in authority,that addresses the people;whereas in democracies he speaks who chooses,and whenever it seems to him good”...(Read Full Post)