POLITICAL BITES, NO. 29 - POPES, KINGS, & PRESIDENTS

Modern democracies have inherited many traditions, procedures, and rules from Kings and monarchies. The American Revolution and the French Revolution said they were a break from the past. But were they?

Most democracies today have arcane rules which give immunity from prosecution for breaking the rules while in office. Presidents, Prime Ministers, and other elected positions occupied by politicos (including legislators) are protected. The reason given is the politicos are acting on behalf of the country and for the good of the people.

But since when have politicos acted for the good of the nation and its citizens? Most politicos, if not all, act for the good of themselves. Politicos can act with impunity with complete immunity.

If a dictator or pope acts illegally or immorally, no one can prevent them. Most modern dictators have died while in control of their countries. Hitler and Stalin died without any action taken against them.

But in democracies politicos are supposed to.be accountable to the citizens. The solemnly spoken words are the rule of law. But who makes and controls the laws? The politicos! They will protect themselves and their political party hacks. A true democracy will not allow politicos to act without accountability.

Every democracy should review its laws regarding immunity. These laws are a throwback to kings. Every politicos should be held accountable for their actions. How else can politicos be kept under control? No one should be allowed to act irresponsible.

In corporations and in the militaries around the world, every individual is accountable for their actions. If an individual does wrong, they will suffer the consequences of their actions. That's reasonable and right.

So modern democracies are a throwback and inheritors of kings and monarchies. The 'kings' of today are granted immunity. The Roman Catholic Church is an archaic institution. The leader is 'elected' by a group of people, the Cardinals, who are appointed by the pope. This insular system allows for individuals to operate without accountability. The horrible part is this organization represents and 'serves' a billion people, who have absolutely no say about what happens in the organization.

Even if laws prosecuted politicos who do wrong, there is an unwritten and tacit agreement among politicos to protect each other. Take for example the situation of former President William Jefferson Clinton. He lied to a US federal grand jury about his peccadillos.

Everyone knows that lying to a federal grand jury is a felony. What happened to him? Nothing! The only punishment was a slap on the hand by the Arkansas Bar Association , made up of his fellow peers, attorneys, His punishment was he was barred from practicing law in Arkansas for two years. If an ordinary citizen had lied, they would have been convicted and sent to federal prison for a couple of years.

Politicos abuse the power of the people in a democracy. Laws must be changed to make everyone accountable before the law. Politicos are no exception.