AnalPhilosopher

Peggy Noonan, bless her heart, doesn't get it. See here. As Lord Acton pointed out long ago, power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Our athletes, movie stars, musicians, and politicians—our celebrities—misbehave because they can. We enable them. Wealth and political power insulate one from criticism and attract sycophants. Michael Jackson wouldn't last five minutes in ordinary life, but his wealth allows him to live in fantasyland and abuse people. This is not an argument for restricting wealth or limiting political terms. It's an argument for remaining virtuous in the face of temptation. It's also an argument for the rest of us to choose wisely. If you think Michael Jackson is a pervert or Tom Cruise a lout, don't put money in his pocket. If you think your United States senator has been corrupted by power, vote for someone else. Let your values be reflected in your behavior.