"It is easy to be brave from a safe distance." -- Aesop

There is a sad truth in this statement. I had lunch today with someone who discussed his days in Africa and we agreed that Robert Mugabe was a brutal tyrant who destroyed Zimbabwe.

We spoke openly and without fear -- because the tyrant is far far away.

Remember the old joke?

"Rabbi, is there a blessing for the Czar?

A blessing for the Czar? You want a blessing for the Czar?

Yes Rabbi, I do.

In that case, "may G-d bless and keep the Czar ... far away from us".