To the editor:

There are more female heads of state in the European Union — and, yes, also in the United Kingdom — than in the rest of the world combined (not to mention the president of the European Commission).

These happy countries are among the freest, most prosperous and most progressive to be found. At the same time, of course, there are as good as no women at the top of the world’s most criminal and repressive governments: Saudi Arabia, Iran, North Korea, Russia. Well, are these fortunate countries the most progressive because they are led by women, or are they led by women because they are the most progressive? Good point. But the latter case would simply mean that these same countries have been blessed with men who are especially wise and secure in their manhood — which is, I suppose, possible.

But, you say, are there — have there never been — any ruthless female autocrats? Sure, just as there is the occasional black swan or other freak of nature. But repeatedly doing the same thing and expecting a different result is insanity. I say slide over and let the women take the wheel for a while. I don’t see how they could do any worse.

Dan V. Johnson,

Lawrence