Chocolate cake

“POWER corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This saying is attributed to the 19th century British politician, Lord Acton. There are a couple of world leaders, both current and in recent history, to whom this must surely apply.

It is perhaps understandable that this might happen in a communist or totalitarian state, but amazingly it also happens in democratic nations. It happens on a micro level too.

How often do we read that a trusted servant has stolen from their employer? The power to do so is there, and it’s easy. They get away with small things, which lead to bigger and bigger things, until it’s all out of control.

Even four-year-old children can lie and steal, as some humorous studies have shown. “Don’t touch that chocolate cake”, and then leave them alone in the room. The temptation is simply far too great … just a taste …

Any one of us can be tempted. Were you 100% honest on your latest tax return? Did you really try to find the owner of that $50 bill you found lying on the footpath?

Luckily, most of us are too insignificant to change the world in a negative way.

There are some places in the world where you can leave your bicycle unattended and unlocked and it will still be there next day.

Is there a greater class of honesty in that place, or is there a very harsh punishment system in place? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

The more powerful an organisation or political system is, the more there needs to be checks and balances.

In Australia we have a two-party system where one side constantly checks up on the other.

We have a leader, but that person does not have absolute power. They are more like a chairman, but one who must follow the rules of the meeting.

I’m hoping that in my lifetime that we never see that position elevated to the godlike status we see in other countries.

There are some current and recent world leaders I would never trust to be alone with chocolate cake.

KAT ADAMS, Toowoomba