Whatever Happened to Justice Ch 26

Political Power

• Political power is the legal privilege to use force on those who haven't harmed anyone.
• Taxes are a common example, as they threaten citizens with force (arrest) for not complying with government demands.
• Only government is allowed this type of force; private institutions cannot compel people to buy goods or obey commands.
• Power seekers want the legal use of force to get their way, often with good intentions.
• This power is inherently corrupting. History shows an acceptance and abuse of power throughout leadership, despite good intentions.

Nature of Political Power

• Political power isn't a skill or talent; it's the use of force against individuals.
• Power is disguised, often in the background—the "mailed fist in the velvet glove."
• Power is often intoxicating and liable to abuse.
• Power can corrupt a good person into a tyrant.

Power, Addiction, and Corruption

• Political power potentially has an addictive effect, linked to a primal, "boosting" mechanism for survival (like the mammoth example).
• Powerseekers may lose their moral compass, becoming amoral to achieve that feeling.
• It's similar to a drug addiction, substituting for natural body chemicals.
• Historical examples show repeated misuse and corrupting effects of power.

Comparisons to Cocaine

• Power experiences a rush, like cocaine's effects.
• Cocaine's effects are linked to artificial substitution of body chemicals, perhaps akin to political power's effect.

Historical Observation on Power

• Founders' studies concluded power is intoxicating and corrupting.
• Extensive corruption in government is observed historically.
• Historical figures like William Pitt commented on the corrupting nature of power.

Influence vs. Power

• Influence differs from power.
• Private entities (corporations) can influence but cannot use force (guns, prisons) like governments do.

Peace Officers vs. Police Officers

• Peace officers uphold fundamental laws (enforcing civilization) and protect citizens, combating encroachment and fraud.
• Police officers enforce what politicians demand (potentially breaking peace).

Quotes about Political Power

• Many quotes from various historical figures (La Rochefoucauld, Voltaire, Churchill, etc.) highlight the corrupting, intoxicating nature of power, and the risk of its misuse.
• Quotes from figures like Plato, Hitler, and Emerson illustrate various perspectives on power and politics.

Additional Notes

• Power-worship can lead to the belief that current trends continue without questioning the status quo.

• History shows humans make the same mistakes repeatedly when power is involved.

Explore the complex nature of political power and its inherent risks of addiction and corruption. This quiz delves into the legal use of force, the history of power abuse, and the psychological aspects of governance. Test your understanding of how political power functions and affects those who wield it.