Tyranny Rules

Monty Pelerin: Tyranny was a word that was used frequently during the founding period of this country. Its usage is rampant once again.
The word tyranny is thrown around rather carelessly, especially when politicians invoke it. When Bush was president, it was a popular Democrat word. With Obama in office, it is used as frequently, but now by Republicans and rarely by Democrats. Tyranny and accusations of it are serious. Sadly, politicians use it whenever they disagree with the policies of the opposing party.
True tyranny is serious and should not be used as a tool to smear political opponents. It is a specific condition, one which the Founders found serious enough to initiate a revolt against England.

Now it is used more as political invective than in its true meaning. Sadly, the politicians who bandy the word about for advantage are unaware of true tyranny or that they are guilty of committing it.
Distorting words or misunderstanding them, however, does not alter the consequences of the acts. It is important to understand the true meaning of the word itself.

1. arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power; despotic abuse of authority.

2. the government or rule of a tyrant.

3. a state ruled by a tyrant.

4. oppressive or unjust government.

5. undue severity or harshness.

6. a tyrannical act.

“Arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power; despotic abuse of authority,” is the appropriate description. The other definitions are either somewhat circular or open to the subjectiveness that politicians love. The key phrase is “despotic abuse of authority.” Tyranny requires a person in a position of authority to exceed what he/she has been authorized to do. Unpopular actions or decisions may not be wise politically, but they do not qualify as tyranny unless authority boundaries are exceeded.

Without defined constraints there can be no tyranny. Acts may be foolish or even illegal but that does not necessarily qualify them as tyranny. In a land of savages with no rules or conventions, tyranny would be impossible. Bad or cruel behavior would have to suffice to describe abnormal actions.

Tyranny and The United States

The Founding Fathers knew the dangers of power and were especially concerned about preventing abuses. They established boundaries beyond which government and its agents were not to exceed. These constraints were codified by laws, a government made up of three equal branches and strong independent states. The Constitution provided the initial laws and defined allocation of power and responsibility among the branches of government and the federal and state governments.

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