Petty Tyrant

There was a great This American Life Sunday about an over-the-top example of a petty tyrant, Steve Raucci.  He was in charge of the school maintenance department in Schenectady, NY.  


Raucci used all the worst elements of the political frame to keep his job in the face of some horribly abusive behavior: he fired enemies, sexually harassed male and female employees, threatened violence, and even slashed tires.  At around 18:43 you'll hear some of the strategies Raucci used to gain and maintain power--they are very similar to what we discussed in class.  He made the right school district contacts, gained expertise that made him indispensable, and kept his employees in line... for better or worse.


Fascinating stuff... here. 


Sean