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Power itself does not corrupt, saying that power corrupts is the equivalent of saying guns kill. Guns and power themselves are only tools. However, power and guns in the wrong hands are sure to cause harm, and this is why extra precautions with both tools must be taken. Some might look at instances where a seemingly good person gains power and then begins committing corrupt acts with their new found power. In these instances it is still not power that is corrupting, but that the person was corrupt all along and simply did not have the means or courage to carry out their corruption before they had power. If a person in power does good things, do people start claiming that power sanctifies? Of course not. And for the same reason the idea that power corrupts is equally as ludicrous. Another danger to such sayings is that it takes focus off the real problem and causes of corruption that needs to be dealt with. Methods of finding people with the integrity and intelligence for executive positions should be sought after, not making false blanket statements that mislead the gullible quasi-intellectuals. Checks and balances are also important, but alone they are worthless. As soon as the checks and balances are corrupted just as the people in power are, then you have a monstrosity of corruption to deal with. Such is the case right now. Taking power away from those in executive positions is inefficient and not a realistic solution. However, punishing and removing corrupt people and replacing them with the aforementioned people of integrity and intelligence is.
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