“Authority intoxicates,
And makes mere sots of magistrates;
The fumes of it invade the brain,
And make men giddy, proud and vain.”

Welcome to an intoxicated Amerika. Giddy, proud and vain with the invading fumes of nationalizing banking / securities / insurance companies, auto industrial giants, medicine, etc. all while being clearly unconstitutional, unjust, and contrary to law. Lets party.

Just look to the White House for proof of this quote.

One thing I can say about His Hopiness...he may be in the right place at the right time doing the right things to cause a return to the Constitution. I hope so.

Our household was solid against Lyndon Johnson in 1964. The above quote easily describes him to a tee. Totally drunk with power and a socialists.

And arrogant, let's not forget arrogant.

The worship of power is the driving influence of 'authority.'

Pride goeth before a fall.

This depends upon perspective. I have know many in authority who have exercised it with grace and humility. It is generally only those over whom authoirtiy holds sway who resent it. And we are beset with authorities at every turn, from inanimate traffic signs to parents, teachers, experts in every field to police, magistrates etcetera. It is childish people who cannot relate to, handle or respect authority. More than likely all of the above 5 star folk are authorities also. I know no one who tries to sound more authoritative than does Mr. Archer.

Who among we "contributors" does not consider him/her/our selves as an "authority" on this or that ? The POWER of authority is, or should be, granted by "the people." ( Ain't it wonderful how frequently "the people" turn out to be THE central issue ? Thanks to our democratic republic !

Authority ? power over oneself, to be responsible ? Your personal Authority to control yourself at liberty. A gift, and Right. authority comes from many corners of understanding, by way of study and skill. There are many in this " room " who speak with great authority, knowing and unknowing. respect of the truth and its source, and the ever present natural law of commonsense, makes their words glitter. That is the Light of Truth. Waffler is a thorn and ever present spirit of contention and strife. a small reminder, ignorance is filled with contempt, pride, presumption. ( without respect ). of that which is wholesome value. Many have no authority, and do not speak. Desire is the way of the Spirit. Obviously Archer has the Authority. and is very well spoken. !! As are many ! desire is a Measure of faith, concerning the things we have to be about, other than ourselves. Class never changes.

Waffler never ceases to defend 'authority' and the centralization of power. He has admitted to working for the government (most likely the IRS) and has a government pension. In essence he is of the 'if you can't beat them, join them' philosophy and 'we are the government and we are to help'. Ronw13 has nailed it -- personal responsibility and authority over oneself is a concept that just does not jive with group-think and collectivism.