Originally Posted by
honedright
I agree that most people are inherently good and want to do good in their lives, and the world in general. Unfortunately, you are correct, there are some bad apples; people who are wired so differently as to confuse and confound the rest of us by their propensity for pure evil.
I don't see the pursuit of power as necessarily wrong. We all seek the power to control our own lives and destinies which is perfectly good and legitimate. Some of us seek administrative power because we think we could do a better job than the incumbent. I suppose power for powers sake could be seen as odd. Especially when said power might be wielded arbitrarily, and especially, as it may harm others.
When speaking of power in government, the United States was founded with rules/ laws designed to check that power. Designed such that power remained with and emanated from the sovereign people (the rightful arbiters of power) who consented to government only that amount of power necessary to achieve the greatest common good, and nothing more.
Unfortunately over one hundred years of progressive era ideology and policy has severely mucked and adulterated the system holistically, and has made it difficult, if not impossible, for many well meaning Americans to sort out the mess.
Just keep thinking, reading, and asking questions. You are on the correct path.
You might start, if you haven't already, by reading John Locke "Two Treaties of Government" and comparing to a study of the progressive era, especially President Woodrow Wilson and his views on natural law.