The Trouble With Power
Power is given to enable certain entities to go beyond the ordinary use of whatever is being deemed necessary. You have the power of attorney, the power of the courts, and the power of the government. One aspect of power, however, is that it is addictive and this is where the problems usually start. When an individual whether in government or not is given power, they succomb to the ideal that they are "above" even those who have relegated this power to them. In essence, they are the servants of the ones delegating this additional authority. But given time and momentum, more power is sought and more unique ways of obtaining it are contrived. Power is likened to the yeast in a dough. It rises, but needs to be punched down in order to get the required results. However, if this one step is not taken, then the product mushrooms into a life all its own and its containment becomes more difficult.
Any type of power needs to have checks and balances, especially in government. Not one individual or team of individuals should be given "free reign" to do whatsoever and to whomever they desire. Not a single person should be given a taste of unchecked might because inevitably, it will go to their heads that they are "clouds above" those who originally bestowed this power. Ideals of kingship, and "above the law" mentality will thrive if there are no constraints. Then, the real issue of who is "handling" who comes into play. Does the horse run the cart, or does the cart tell the horse what and where to go? When there is a situation where power has been given to an individual because of certain circumstances, then there must definitely be given a means for the power to be removed, restrained, or curtailed. If not, there is anarchy and danger written all over this. People will be people and human nature will cause the "poweree" to feel that the world is their oyster and everyone in it is to do their bidding. They do not have to ask, or seek assistance, information, or even strength except what they have under their leadership. They will, and this has been illustrated in history over and over again, that power leads to power greed and then corruption. No one person in any situation or cir- cumstance should be without being "answerable" to another person or group whose job it is to keep this power in the proper authority and scope. Without this safeguard, you have an individual who will take upon himself/herself the feeling that they are and therefore they act. No questions, ands or buts are offered, only complete authority and punishment or banishment to those who try and draw in some of the true meaning of the power that was bestowed in the first place.
Many countries from Rome to Germany, and yes, even our own country are battling power. When a politician can cut down and ignore the demands of those who brought him/her to the position they enjoy, they are power-sick. When a government official can bypass laws and restraints that every single individual must attest to, then they are power-sick. There is, however, a remedy but it is not without its problems. Removal of the power is absolutely necessary, but consequences will be forthcoming and the initial problem that the power was given in the first place will look mild when compared to the outcry and pure tantrum of the one who senses that their power might be contained.
If power whether human or otherwise is not checked and kept in working order, then havoc and destruction will take place. In fact, it may take all the might of the world to bring it to its proper perspective and when this comes into play, well then, damage assessment will not be kind and many will be drawn into the vacuum of the dust of the one who lost perspective and common sense. Yes, power is addictive and it can prove deadly. Handle with caution and make sure that all safeguards are set into place. An explosion of major proportion should be avoided but many times cannot due to the greed, corruption and pure "evil" that power can bring into reality. Giving power - but not without thinking it clearly and checking it closely. Human beings have not quite worked out the kinks of power greed and the falling into the pitfalls of the pride of going before the fall. Just hope that there are not too many standing under when the fall occurs because it won't be kind.
Arleen M. Kaptur
©February, 2007
Related Tags: government, power, politics, greed, unchecked balances, human fraility
Arleen is the owner of A & J Northwoods, a gourmet food, book, and gift shop. She has written numerous stories and articles regarding living on purpose and enjoying every minute of it.
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