The mere fact that scientists work/ have worked on nuclear, chemical,
psychological and biological weapons is adequate proof that they have
absolutely no place in a leadership role. Nobody put them in a torture
chamber to bring horrors which could, potentially, bring an end to
humanity. Or even the entire world as we know it. All they needed were
the funds, the facilities and blind patriotism. Such psychopathic
behaviour has few public sanctions. As do true, democratic elections
for leadership. Science may be rational but it displays few morals to
balance its study or exploitation.

A scientist is more likely to press a button to see if the world
actually ends as predicted than some deranged, religious psychopath.
Neither is capable of leadership for the long term benefit of the
majority. Most present forms of democracy are critically flawed but at
least the majority of candidates are not cold, calculating scientists
driven by an overdeveloped, morbid curiosity. Their defence may be
that science is innocent. But, even an unqualified fool can recognise
the dangers of exploitation of anything and everything science can
come up with.

History records that the greatest living minds of their time worked
on, or were responsible for, fiendish weapons. Politicians may be weak
and corrupt and afraid to go against the tide but at least they can be
relied on to behave foolishly enough to be removed at the next
election. The Nazis were much closer to science than any other recent,
leadership horrors. Much of what they did is still being exploited by
"peaceful nations". Many of those who carried out work leading to
inhuman atrocities were "snapped up" after the war so valuable was
their "work". Where others were expected to "fall on their swords",
rather than work for the evil Nazi war effort, scientists who caused
hundreds of thousands of agonising deaths were spared such moral
dilemmas and embraced for their valuable skills and knowledge.

Scientists hold no special place in society which places them above
the religious despot. Both are equally dangerous given enough power. I
do not place myself on a higher level either. It would be a bloodbath
if I was ever offered power. But at least it would be for the greater
good! ;-)