Power corrupts

Background: Power corrupts. Even men (and women) with integrity. The temptation is great when you have control over vast sums of money and the lives of others. That is why we are supposed to have a government of limited power. In Federalist 51, James Madison summed it up aptly:

"The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary."

The "culture of corruption" that contributed to ousting the Republicans and currently plagues the Obama administration has nothing to do with political party. As Lord Acton pointed out, "Power corrupts."

The Founding Fathers knew this and set up a government of limited power but the federal government abandoned these limits long ago. Today, politicians scheme on how to spend an extra trillion dollars while special interests flock to DC, stroke their egos, and beg for cash. This power is addictive; tempting even the most ethical of men. Unfortunately, Charles Rangel and Roland Buriss are not exceptions to the rule.

[Letter to the Editor - Detroit Free Press. Submitted 02/20/2009.]