Power and Money. It’s a citizenship issue, so let’s talk about it.
I was discussing this topic with an older gentleman. He said, “Power and money are the root of all evil.” I take issue with that statement. The LOVE of power and money is the problem. As I teach civics, I can trace many issues to a disagreement or fight over power and money.
Money Is Not Evil
As I continued the conversation with the older gentleman, the topic wandered to the presidential race. (We do NOT use the names of politicians or political parties on this page. So I won’t because the conversation turns ugly fast). My first civics teacher, when I was 11 or 12 years old, taught me that you had to have money in addition to the constitutional requirements to run for president. I said to the gentleman, it isn’t money that is evil. It is how you use money. It is not wrong to make money or to have money. Instead, Americans need to be accountable for our finances. Are your motives honest when you make or spend money? Next, do you pay your debts? Similarly, do you spend wisely? Do you use your money to help others when needed? Is money, money, money all you think about?
A conversation that could have ended abruptly became an agreement between two Americans. We should examine candidates through several lenses, including their attitude toward power and money.
Power Is Not Evil
What about power? For a moment, translate that word to “control.” Dominance in a dictator’s hands, whether a leader, boss, parent or any other authority, is dangerous. There is no concern for others. The first concern of a power-hungry person is themselves. The gentleman I conversed with added that using power correctly means serving others for their good (not their destruction). That’s a great point.
Our Founders understood the cultural drift towards the pursuit of money and power could easily corrupt a constitutional republic— even one with the best intentions. John Adams, one of the top constitutional theorists of the founding generation, said it best:
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
With this in mind, what did Adams mean? Americans cannot leave moral behavior behind when living out their daily lives as citizens. He wasn’t talking about a church, synagogue, or religious groups. He meant that you and I must deal honestly, with integrity, and concern for our fellow citizens. These attributes are in direct conflict with the way totalitarian regimes operate. The expectation of Americans is to lead moral lives if they want to keep their country.
So, in the spirit of John Adams, observe how you use your authority. What do power and money mean to you?
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
Image by Sally Jermain from Pixabay
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