The problem is that pageantry is all that it is. The other dictators that do this may say things like it is just a show of their patriotic pride, but it is, in reality, an indulgence, flexing their power, showing everyone when they jump, they better give me an amazing spectacle, not just jump. Also, behold our arms!

I, for one, want to believe that there are people responsible for this parade that deliberately pulled punches so we don't go down that path. What was on display was more akin to a living history exhibit, like the Smithsonian itself hired a bunch of costumed actors for the day. If we consider for a moment what an "American-style" propagandized display of full-on military might would actually look like, I am very relieved that the events of the 14th were very, very far removed from all that.