Leaders of the world’s faiths work together to address thorny issues
“Where diversity of opinion is embraced, and leaders are focused on their responsibilities rather than their power, great achievements are possible and extremism seldom arises.”
By Puneet Ahluwalia
When authority is concentrated in the hands of a very few like-minded individuals, the temptation to abuse can be irresistible.
What we’ve seen this year in Ukraine, and more recently in Israel, are heart-wrenching and abysmal examples of the damage that can come from belief systems calcified by never having been challenged.
It doesn’t matter whether they are the beliefs of an atheist dictator in the Kremlin or a theocratic dictator in Tehran.
The failure to be regularly confronted by opposing ideas almost always leads to hubris and arrogance.
Back when I was working as a journalist in India, I saw, first-hand, the problems political power can cause when left unchecked and unaccountable.
I also saw how much good can come from people with diverse backgrounds and ideas working together to solve problems.
With 9 of our 10 Fairfax County Supervisors agreeing on nearly every issue, I’m convinced the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors lacks the kind of diversity of opinion that would curb their temptation toward arrogance and self-dealing.
I believe that’s why Supervisors saw nothing wrong with raising their own pay by $2,500 per month while also voting to raise our taxes at 3 times the rate of household incomes.
They are insulated from the ordinary residents of our county. They hear only themselves, or listen only to a close contingent of allies who inhabit their same space.
The voices of ordinary people simply don’t cut through the static.
But where diversity of opinion is embraced, and leaders are focused on their responsibilities rather than their power, great achievements are possible, and extremism seldom arises.
If you agree, I’d very much appreciate your support. You can vote by mail (click below) or you can vote in person on November 7th. But whenever you vote, and whoever you support, I’m grateful that in America we get the chance to make our voices heard.
Thank you for listening to mine.
