The Empire is not cuddly

The past week or so, there has been a plague of stupid Imperial Fanboys in Lit, talking about how the galaxy would have been so much better off if the Empire hadn't lost, and about how the Empire isn't REALLY evil, honest! The bitter olbie in me is screaming "Stupid n00bs!" and the SW fan in me is screaming "I think you missed the point somewhere along the line."

We have a government that admits to ruling by fear. (Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station.) This is not how a good government rules. However, it does sum up a fair number of the items on the Evil Overlord list.

Then there is the rampant oppression of NHM. (Non-HuMan). Basically, it sucked to be anything other than a human male under Palpatine. Now, mind you, being female wasn't QUITE as bad, but if you were an alien? He was out to make your life a living hell.

Oh, and did I mention the slavery? Everyone seems to overlook the slavery thing. Good governments don't enslave entire species.

A regime ruling through fear. Opressing and enslaving its people. HOW is this a good thing.

The Empire, and especially the EMPEROR are most certainly NOT cuddly.