Friday, February 21, 2014

Power Corrupts

I watched a story on my local television news last night that showed the new Mayor of New York Bill  De Blasio being driven in a two car caravan around the strreets of the city.

The video showed that his cars didn't stop for stop signs, exceeded the speed limit and basically broke enough traffic rules to have the driver's license suspended.

It was a good story considering that Hizzoner a day or so ago talked about enforcing the traffic laws in the city to curb pedestrian deaths.

Infractions of the law is a seeming perk for those in power. There was no need to run stop signs. The Mayor was not rushing to an emergency. He was just the mayor heading to work at City Hall and too often those who serve the Mayor or any ranking official think the law is only for others. To me, even the President of the United States should have to follow the same rules and regulations that every other citizen must follow. Unless, of course, it's for the safety of the individual.

When an individual in power thinks he or she is special and priviledged and entitled, then leadership diminishes. When commonality, confomance and humility are embraced, then leadership is enhanced.

Mr. De Blazio is new to the job and to the power. We can indulge him this time, but not so in the future.

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