Why cuckoos rule the roost

Justice Malala’s observation in “Only Birds Still Fly” (At Home & Abroad, June 18-24), on the importance of political leadership and how Covid-19 has exposed how horrific the leaders of many countries really are, brings to mind the satirist George Carlin:

● “Think about how stupid the average person is, and then realise that half of ’em are stupider than that.”

● “Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.”

● “If you have selfish, ignorant citizens, you’re going to have selfish, ignorant leaders.”

● “In America, anyone can become president. That’s the problem.”