"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” British historian Lord Acton’s observation was painfully accurate. Within our lifetimes, starting with the Holocaust and continuing through the impeachment charade, holders of coercive power enhance their positions while destroying those of lesser influence. It operates in Oregon’s Legislature as well; “working across the aisle” has largely been abandoned by Democrats who can say “we have the votes – we don’t need you,” while Republicans are excoriated for walking out. With both sides right and wrong, did those with the power use it to bring the Legislature – and the state – together? No, the Democrats were fully prepared to run over the Republicans, leaving them with only the “nuclear” option of walking out. Could we describe this as a working representative democracy, all parties committing to honorable opposition? As the Duke may have put it, “Not hardly.”

One power-obsessed party and one temporarily weakened one is a recipe for disaster. When power changes hands, revenge absorbs the victors (compare Trump’s firing of the witnesses). When Mitch McConnell positioned the Republicans’ first priority as making Obama a one-term president, we heard another revenge-seeking loser; he’s continued proving that during the past four years.

If this trend continues, my grandchildren may live under a dictatorship masquerading as democracy. Unless the political system begins to attract a class of people who demonstrate genuine interest in the success of all citizens, this Great Experiment will be over. Some legislators appear to get it – I’m not hopeful about the remainder.

William R. Walker, Portland