Czars?

[verytwistedmind.livejournal.com]

When did 'Czar' enter the American Political lexicon? Is this an official federal job such as a 'Secretary'  or something more abstract?

How many Czars do we have now? Here are the ones I could find:

War Czar
Drug Czar
Poverty Czar
Auto Czar
Energy Czar
Environment Czar
Climate Czar
Egg Czar (LBJ assigned this one.)


The danger of a Czar is that they are not approved by The House, merely appointed by the President. These are unelected people given titles of nobility. This is more for my own education. Are there more Czar Titles about there I am unaware of?

Is evoking Russian cast system really the lexicon what American's should use? Isn't there a better term for these individuals who are given such power?

Comments

[gunslnger.livejournal.com]

And that term would probably have a more accurate connotation, since government is just a more "legit" mafia.

[paris-of-priam.livejournal.com]

Generally speaking, however, the Mafia is better organized.

[gunslnger.livejournal.com]

I don't have enough information to speak to that point.

[underlankers.livejournal.com]

You insult the Mafia by comparing them to the government? For shame, for shame. The Mafia's a more honest and better bunch of crooks and liars than anyone in the District.

[gunslnger.livejournal.com]

I said a "mafia", not the "Mafia".