Greetings,loyal minions. Your Maximum Leader sees on the news wires that the Thai military has launched a coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The (now former?) Prime Minister is in New York at the opening of the United Nations General Assembly.

You have to like a coup where the military leaders issue a statement that begins: “The armed forces commander and the national police commander have successfully taken over Bangkok and the surrounding area in order to maintain peace and order. There has been no struggle.” And ends: “We ask for the cooperation of the public and ask your pardon for the inconvenience.”

“Pardon the inconvenience…” Nice touch. Your Maximum Leader will have to remember that during the early days of the Mike World Order. “Your Maximum Leader has taken charge to maintain peace and order. There have been minor disturbances due to the continued activity of firing squads. We ask for your peaceful cooperation and ask your pardon for any inconvenience you’ve experienced…”

In all seriousness, one hopes that if this is a full-blown coup that there has been no bloodshed. One would also hope that some settlement can be reached quickly that will restore an elected government.

Carry on.