Men and women, who are ambitious and may be inclined to be "leaders", will take power and will hold onto it. And more often than not, I think, they will tend to use that power for their own sake and for the benefit of those to whom they may be indebted, even while that power has been given to them by the rest of us...

None of us should believe that such power will be used responsibly, even when it is so obviously handled with responsibility. None of us should have faith that one who is in power over our lives and the lives of others will pay any attention to anyone who is themselves not paying attention to the exercise of that power...

None of us should believe that when power begins its beneficial touch at the top of society, it also somehow has any intent to touch those at the bottom in the same way, even when we are reassured with soothing and patronizing words that if patient, the remaining 95 percent of our society will feel that beneficial touch...

There may be some temporary needs for civilized discretion and secure silence. But honorable men and women in public life will not be uncomfortable with making their thoughts and commitments and actions open and transparent for all to examine. And honorable men and women in the opposition will not be uncomfortable with doing the same...

The question is not one of whether we can trust our leaders but, rather, are we doing our part as citizens in paying attention...