History students know the last czar or tsar died in the early 1900s.
But the imperial title since has spawned more than the occasional use in crossword puzzles.
The title now adorns assorted poobahs in government, who may or may not be synonymous with emperors, autocrats, despots or rulers in the strictest sense.
No, those czars oversee autos, health care, cyberspace, drugs, climate, financial regulations, executive compensation sports, culture and aging.
They apparently can say dah or nyet to a variety of activities, issues and programs affecting Americans.
But unlike the dictators of old, today’s czars don’t have absolute power.
They can be trumped by the White House. They can be symbolically lined up against the dacha wall and shot.
Next on the horizon? Expect employment of Blackwater Cossack soldiers of fortune in the Middle East. (30 AUGUST 2009)
