Abuse of power does nothing to protect us

Abuse of power does nothing to protect us

"Politicians who cynically misuse the power
of the state for personal or political benefit are a far greater threat
to democracy than criminals, even organised gangs, write Gary W Crooke
and Tony Fitzgerald, who were responsible for the Fitzgerald Inquiry.

Almost
all politicians, even those who care only for ideology and power and
who regard both democracy and "ordinary people" with contempt, claim to
represent and speak for those "ordinary people".

Politicians also
commonly manipulate and exploit the same "ordinary people".
Long-established tactics include populist propaganda; appeals to
ignorance, emotion, fear and prejudice; untestable claims to know, and
unachievable promises to provide, what "ordinary people" want; lies;
half-truths; omissions; and distractions. Unpopular groups are demonised
and used as scapegoats. Crises are manufactured and exaggerated and
used to justify immediate action and increased state power. Deliberation
and rational discussion are scorned. Critics, including moderate,
thoughtful people and institutions, are falsely accused of weakness,
elitism, not understanding or caring about "ordinary people", failing in
their duty and even improper conduct. "

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