The usual feverish tempo of elections seems dying out, with joys and sorrows of people whose ambitions were either won or lost in the first automated elections. Certain things have to be kept in mind always, besides keeping elections clean and honest. We should realize God knows all secrets, frauds and dishonest actions.
As we trudge on forward, we must remember history. In the past history we know of despots or autocrats who made use of power tyrannically or arbitrarily, like a Herod, a Hitler or Stalin. We must remember history so we may avoid future mistakes that cost us lives. The ambition of such tyrannical leaders did sacrifice lives by the millions. Check history yourself, it would be too horrendous to mention the staggering numbers of the victims of war and violence. That’s why that expression was coined – “There never was a good war nor a bad peace” (B. Franklin).
Let us remember that what has straightened the concepts of authority are the words and example of Our Lord Jesus Christ who showed us that authority means humble service for the good of the community. “You know that among the pagans their so-called rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all. For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:41-45). This is the real and true leadership, an authority that is there to serve, not to dominate or exploit.
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