Jonathan Shockley

'Those who have or seek more power than others do not apply to themselves the same standards they apply to others. Obviously, one cannot say that all authority is evil - particularly non-exploitative, challengeable and accountable authority that allows people to survive or grow. However, hierarchical authority is inextricably connected with the marginalization and dis-empowerment of those without authority, with a lack of control over their actions and destinies, and with a subsequent rationalization of one's place in the pecking order. This, not only arouses instincts which predispose people to cruelty and indifference in the face of the suffering of their fellows, but it interferes with honest communication between people at different levels of power, and turns people into subordinates - following orders from above regardless of their effect on others'.