What are Core Truths?
Core truths are basic beliefs about how the world works. Based upon these beliefs - other values and policy decisions necessarily follow. Many Core Truths are shared across the political spectrum adopted by both Liberals and Conservatives. Conservatives will differ in Liberals in that they will place a greater importance on some or more of these Core Truths.
Core Truth One: Power Corrupts
In 1887 historian, writer and politician Lord John Dalberg-Acton wrote:
I cannot accept your canon that we are to judge Pope and King unlike other men, with a favourable presumption that they did no wrong. If there is any presumption it is the other way, against the holders of power, increasing as the power increases. ... Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. (1887)
Thomas Jefferson stated:
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government, those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. (1778)
No matter how just and noble a person is - the general rule is that (1) power will erode and corrupt them; and (2) people in power will seek to expand and strengthen their power; and (3) power granted is not easily withdrawn.
There are of course exceptions to this rule. George Washington could have become King - but choose not to do so. Roman aristocrat Cinnicinatus became a dictator during an invasion, and stepped down once the invasion was defeated and returned back to his farm.
These are, however, the exceptions.
Those that accept this truth understand that power is a necessary but very dangerous tool. It must be used sparingly, with many safeguards, and rarely by the same person for great lengths of time. Otherwise power will spread, corrupt, and increase and will erode individual liberty.
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