Is Power Necessary for Peace and Order?

By: Jan Catherine G. Piñon

A couple of meetings ago, we have discussed the kinds of power that rulers possess, how they manifest these powers, and the way they balance it. Different potentates displayed power over the state that their handling in a vast manner. Together with this power, they made use of their knowledge and skills in order for them to implement rules and regulations that their people should follow. However, is power really necessary for peace and order?

A lot of people nowadays see power in a different perspective and make use of it in a negative way. Some leaders make use of their power in order for them to get away with something and excuse themselves from having the same treatment as the ordinary people. I think that "powerful people" always have the best opportunities when it comes to everything. In hand with this power is the force that they exert to their followers. Force is necessary in order for citizens to recognize, respect and follow rulers. But sometimes rulers take advantage of these things and instead of gaining the trust of the state, people become more doubtful of them and their capabilities. I truly believe that a great leader instills values that are not in any way biased and are just to his/her people. The rules and regulations that are set before the people are also applied by the leader for he/she serves as an example to them. That is one of the dilemmas that I think leaders face in the present. Most of the time the laws/bills/orders made by the government are neglected by the countrymen for their own rulers do not follow them as well. I think the common misconception about power is that it serves as a free pass or excuse to be extraordinary. Extraordinary in a sense that when people who possess this so called power, they can do whatever they want and be exempted for whatever consequences they will be facing, for they are aware that they have an easy way out. Money is one of the things that powerful people have. It is evident nowadays that when a person has a lot of money, he/she is considered to be powerful. And I believe that this kind of power will do no good to the society.

I have always been wondering if all the potentates of our country are honest and true to the people. I have not been watching the news because most of the time negative occurrences are showed. In my opinion, in order for people to show reverence to the rulers of the society is that the rulers must be able to prove its people that they have been fulfilling their words. The force that they exhibit in front of the people must serve as an advantage for them upon getting their trust and respect. This force must not in any way show any kind of racial discrimination and gender biases regardless of their religion, culture and beliefs.