POWER: It’s easy to abuse

An abuse of power by a policeman took place in Minneapolis a few weeks ago. As a result of that abuse many people chose to use their power of the right of assembly to protest that abuse. Unfortunately, power was then transferred from those people to another group to abuse that power. That transfer of power allowed the second group to hurt innocent people physically and economically.

The events we have observed are other examples of the adage that “Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely” — both in Minneapolis and in many U.S. cities. The response by many elected officials was to do nothing when the unlawful absolute power to destroy was being exerted. That failure to respond encouraged others to assume unlicensed power to continue to injure and destroy. Again “Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.”

It is heartening to note that discussions have started in Spokane to try to avert further unfairness in the exercise of power in that city. The violence was not necessary except to hold the threat of the further unlawful abuse of power if those who feel injured do not get their way: “Walk softly and carry a big stick.”

The example of the abuse of power by protesters in Seattle is condoned by the elected officials who, apparently, do not understand that failure to act to discourage an abuse of power by those in “chop” and set up talks to defuse an issue has allowed the very abuse of power that they abhor. The city is now being sued for failure to put down an insurrection.

Once the lawful assembly was exercised, it was time for talks, not insurrection. The activists were as guilty of an abuse of power as much as the police officer in Minneapolis. It was a different power that was abused, but it was still a very harmful abuse of power. Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely no matter the cause.

KONRAD LARSON

Hayden