Concentration of executive power, unless it's very temporary and

Hear now, O children of wisdom, the words of Noam Chomsky, a voice that echoes across the ages with a warning against the dangers of unchecked power: "Concentration of executive power, unless it's very temporary and for specific circumstances, let's say fighting world war two, it's an assault on democracy." These words, sharp and resolute, speak of the fragile nature of democracy, of how the concentration of executive power—even if momentarily justified by external threats—can slowly erode the very foundations upon which freedom is built. To understand these words, one must grasp the delicate balance that exists between the protection of the state and the preservation of the individual’s rights and freedoms.

Let us first consider, O children, the essence of democracy. It is a system of governance that is built upon the principle of shared power, of voices raised in unity, of decisions made by the people and for the people. In a true democracy, power is distributed, ensuring that no single entity can claim dominion over the lives of others. But concentration of power—when the control of the state is held by one, or a small group of individuals—threatens this balance. When power becomes too concentrated, even if for noble purposes or temporary measures, it begins to corrupt, to overshadow the will of the people, and to undermine the very foundation of the system. Chomsky warns us that such concentration, even in times of crisis, can slowly degrade the principles of freedom and equality.

Consider the time of Rome, when the great republic was on the brink of collapse. In times of danger, such as during the Punic Wars, the Senate would appoint a dictator—a single ruler with absolute power—whose role was meant to be temporary, intended only to guide the republic through the crisis. Yet, as time went on, the line between temporary necessity and permanent power began to blur. The great general Julius Caesar rose to power in just such a way. His authority, initially granted in the name of defending Rome, ultimately led to the fall of the republic and the rise of an empire ruled by a single man. His concentration of power, though it served a purpose in the short term, marked the beginning of the end for the republican ideals of shared governance and participation.

In modern times, the same dynamics are at play. Consider the aftermath of World War II, when executive power was centralized in many nations as a response to the global threat of fascism and the destruction that accompanied it. Leaders like Franklin D. Roosevelt and others were given sweeping powers to combat the war effort, powers that included restrictions on civil liberties and control over much of the economy. The wartime economy, the suspension of rights, the need for swift decisions—these were temporary measures, meant to address immediate threats. Yet, as Chomsky suggests, even such temporary measures must be handled with great care. If allowed to persist unchecked, these powers can begin to erode the very democratic structures they were meant to protect.

The lesson, O children, lies in the recognition that concentrating power in the hands of a few, even for a just cause, is a dangerous path. It is a path that leads to the corruption of the state and the loss of personal freedoms. Throughout history, we have seen how the suspension of democratic principles for the sake of expediency or crisis can lead to authoritarian rule, where the government grows increasingly distant from the people, making decisions without their consent or participation. This is not just a theoretical danger—it is a lesson learned from the fall of empires, from the loss of liberties, from the rise of regimes that claimed to act in the name of the people, but instead acted in the name of power itself.

Now, children, consider the world in which we live today. Concentration of power still happens in the name of national security, in the name of economic stability, or in the name of order. Governments often justify the erosion of rights with the argument that extraordinary measures are necessary to face extraordinary threats. But Chomsky's words echo across time: we must always be vigilant. The concentration of power may be necessary in a moment of crisis, but it must never be allowed to persist beyond that moment. It must always be temporary, always subject to the checks and balances that define a true democracy.

The lesson here is one of constant vigilance and accountability. We must recognize the dangers of centralized power and defend the principles of democracy—not just during times of peace, but during times of crisis as well. As citizens, we must demand transparency, participation, and oversight in all areas of governance. We must not allow the government to act in secret, unchecked, or unaccountable to the people it serves. Democracy thrives when power is dispersed, when voices are heard, and when leaders are held accountable. In our lives, let us commit to being guardians of democracy, ensuring that even in times of great need, the will of the people is always preserved.

So, children, take these words to heart: concentration of power, though it may seem necessary in times of great struggle, is an assault on democracy if left unchecked. Stand firm in the defense of freedom, of participation, and of the shared governance that defines us as a people. For the true strength of any society lies not in the power of the few, but in the power of the many—the strength of community, the voice of the people, and the principles of justice and equality. Let this be our guiding principle: to safeguard democracy, to ensure that the power to govern always remains in the hands of the many, and never in the hands of the few.