a sense of joy and then a panic

Hegemony exists in both democracies and authoritarian governments, but no, I was not trying to insult you, and if that's how you want to read it, I might as well give up. In fact, what I was trying to say is that I think we are both intelligent people, who are capable of thinking this through rationally, who aren't arguing for stupidly "joining" the military generals but for something more substantial and complex. Which you have demonstrated. I am just trying to say that I have respect for you, and if you have none for me, well, that makes me sad, but I guess that's your right.