Han Solo and the Economics of Rebellion Against an Oppressive Regime (via SuperPunch and the Volokh Conspiracy).
Han Solo, unlike most potential dissidents in repressive societies, stood to gain purely individual benefits from fighting that he could not get if the regime were defeated without his help. For example, he greatly increased his chances of getting to marry Princess Leia and becoming a high-ranking officer in the Rebel Alliance. In Return of the Jedi, we learn that he has been given the rank of general, which is extremely rapid advancement indeed from his previous position as an impecunious smuggler. Marrying a princess and becoming a general are not likely outcomes for your average potential North Korean or Iranian dissident.
More clashes at Iran Cleric Ceremony (via BBC).
Activists said police used tear gas and batons to disperse people gathering to commemorate Grand Ayatollah Hoseyn Ali Montazeri, who died at the weekend.
Security forces reportedly surrounded the home of the ayatollah who organised the memorial service.
On Monday, tens of thousands attended the grand ayatollah’s funeral in the holy city of Qom.
Many of them shouted anti-government slogans.
-Sonny
Ahahahah, good observation. Pretty quick climb. Thanks for the post and happy xmas.