Compared to a North Korean, I am grateful to speak. What I have to say won't be welcome there. Or anywhere else. It's just a matter of degree.

Not many of us have learned from history; the rest aren't really interested; and it's not repeating itself. We have acquired the means of civilized oblivion through nuclear weapons and climate change. If this were a game, each factor would be permitted and discussed separately. In fact they are. Taken together, the reality is an impermissible horror that amounts to a taboo. Who speaks it is bad for business, a traitor.

There are contributing problems. Capital-driven consumerism, overpopulation, the digital revolution, financial instruments of destruction, and some inherited attitudes. These latter hide right here in plain sight. The divine right of kings has gone into hiding because no one's really looking at present rulers. Maybe grudgingly or at gun point, whether by democratic or inherited or financial processes, comparative advantage, somehow – well, that's how it is.

I disagree.

The taboo, however excused in a long train of past actions, is simply another example of humans behaving badly. Especially those rulers, protected in their class or current situation, who disclaim responsibility. And this is not as simple as throw the bums out. Someone had to design and build the nuclear arsenal. Oh, they were just wage earners? Einstein? Oppenheimer? It goes on. Chemical weapons, biological weapons, chemical fertilizers, bulldozers, coal mining machines, suicide vests.

I owe no allegiance to anyone in a position to effect any of this. Why should I approve the construction of any part of the chain? Especially those who pretend or believe that their participation or leadership is for the common good. Not to mention those who don't give a damn. The entire cadre of effectors, diplomats, generals, lanyard pin makers and slaughter house operators do not deserve my allegiance. We have been bamboozled by history.

Behind this taboo, the real problem is equal parts stupidity and acceptance.