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Title: Let's Be Glad L. Ron Hubbard Isn't Running Things
Review: "Final Blackout" was written in the 1930's, and it is an adventure story written for fascists, by a fascist. Here's the set-up: a world war, started by weak, democratically elected elitists, has been dragging on for decades. A courageous soldier known simply as "The Lieutenant" overthrows the corrupt military power structure and takes matters into his own hands. He defeats all challengers and installs himself as a military dictator, bringing peace and prosperity to war-ravaged Britain. This new regime's torture and execution of dissidents is mentioned only in passing -- but I guess you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. "Final Blackout" is sneeringly contemptuous of democracy, and the character of "The Senator" is one of the most ridiculous straw men you will ever find within the pages of a book. This is an interesting relic, but not much more. I don't think Hubbard's defenders ought to be crowing about this one.
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