To the editor:

“The truth is that all men (and women) having power ought to be mistrusted.” That quote was not of recent origin, but came from James Madison, who is also known as the Father of our Constitution.

“The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.” This second quote could easily have been said by a political pundit in the 21st century, but it is 230 years old – part of George Washington’s, Farewell Address, in 1796.

Collectively, the Founders knew the foibles of human nature: greed, power, lust and abuse of authority. How disappointing that in this day and age we tend to support or find fault with an individual because of skin color, political and religious affiliation, education, wealth, etc. Lady justice must be shedding tears behind her blindfold, due to how foolishly and emotionally we make decisions, before we have all the evidence.

Leo R Lindquist

Balaton