facebook-pixel

Letter: Power is not ‘better’ when it is abused

(Oliver Contreras | The New York Times)

Outside the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, Dec. 24, 2020.

(Oliver Contreras | The New York Times) Outside the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, Dec. 24, 2020.

When I read Mr. Lancaster’s letter to the editor “Using political power,” I was bemused by his final sentence: “Having political power is better than not having political power.”

How do I challenge a statement that is almost certainly a tautology? Alas, I cannot, but I do find that I want to add to Mr. Lancaster’s vapid statement. In this spirit, I suggest the following:

• “It is better to use one’s political power for the welfare of the nation than it is to harm the country.”

• “It is better to promote honesty and integrity in government than it is to advance corruption and deceit.”

• “It is better to pardon Weldon Angelos than it is to pardon the legitimate prison sentences of a whole slew of dishonorable, sociopathic white-collar criminals because they support your corrupt administration.”

• “It is better to save American lives than it is to ignore a pandemic and watch our country’s residents die needlessly.”

Is it really “better” to have political power when the one who wields the power is the most dishonest, corrupt president in American history?

Ken Roach, Salt Lake City

Submit a letter to the editor

Support free news for Utah

sltrib.com is now free to access — no subscription required. We made this decision because we believe access to trustworthy, independent news shouldn’t depend on what you can afford — especially as misinformation and AI-generated content continue to rise.

Free to read doesn’t mean free to produce. Our reporters show up every day to ask hard questions and hold powerful institutions to account. That work takes resources. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on support from people who believe it matters. Make a donation today to fund local news that serves Utah communities.

You can help us bring more local news to more communities today.