Agreed gillymor. Many dictators/presidents/world leaders have acted out their evil ideas, but only with the acquiescence of the majority in their nations.
Hitler couldn't have 'achieved' the Holocaust without the wholehearted approval of the non-Jewish Germans at the time.
The Chinese Communist regime condoned mowing down recalcitrant students with tanks, and most Chinese thought it well-deserved no doubt.
I just wonder how many Americans secretly applaud Trump's racist attitudes and the appalling actions against black Americans by white Police?
Those who silently and inactively observe are in effect condoning.
Qui tacet consentire videtur...