Re: The joy of Democracy

On Sun, 20 Oct 2024 03:57:09 GMT, Charlie Gibbs wrote:

On 2024-10-19, Lawrence D'Oliveiro <ldo@nz.invalid> wrote:
 

On Sat, 19 Oct 2024 17:26:15 GMT, Charlie Gibbs wrote:
>

On 2024-10-19, Lawrence D'Oliveiro <ldo@nz.invalid> wrote:
 

The ancient Greeks had the only solution: checks and balances.
Because “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”.

 
In one of his thought-provoking editorials, John W. Campbell, editor
of Analog Science Fiction (formerly Astounding), corrected that
saying. He pointed out that it's not so much power that corrupts, but
immunity. After all, you're less likely to abuse power if you know you
might be called to account for it.

>
That’s what “checks and balances” are all about.

 
Which is why the dangerous politicians try to dismantle or circumvent
them.

That’s why you have more checks and balances: an independent judiciary, en
electoral commission that operates transparently and free from political
interference, a free press, and an electorate that stays informed about
what is being done in their name by their leaders.