Does this advice include the sources
poncho routinely cites? Does it include you? How can we trust anyone, ever?
What did I say? Did I exclude anyone and if not then why are you so easily confused or uncertain? If you're acquainted with my manner of posting, you will observe its more wordy than most, to be careful with words and to make meanings as precise as I can. Concerning trust.... it is relational and there are different levels. For example, you can always trust God..... but can God always trust you? You trust you mate, but not with the same exacting confidence you have in God, but more than perhaps a friend or co-worker. But, in the way I presented it as instruction, I meant it fully in the sense that God put it in his word.... trust no man.
My problem with your perspective is that your equation seems to be Potential Corruption = Probable Corruption, which is a broad set of parameters and can include everyone.
Your problem is misstated. Your 'problem' is an issue of logic and thinking. It isn't that you don't have the ability. It may be that you don't have the habit or exercise..... or it may be that in times when you were schooled or exercised your logic, someone discouraged you or taught you that it was wrong to question and to think for yourself. We all have potentials.... for good and for bad.... for truth and for deception. Concerning deception, our greatest potential is for self deception, and our greatest weakness is in examining our own heart truthfully. Many who are quick to first accuse others and judge others often shrink from discovering that they themselves are the same. Now this propensity for self deception you may multiply to include all of humanity. The potential for corruption is ever present. But, now speaking broadly of society and its institutions or groups of people, corruption occurs when motives come together with opportunity, and agendas can be planned to take advantage of predictable human behavior, by use of deception.... which is essentially hiding the real truth in a mask which looks like another.
Also, I think we're talking past each other.
Very likely. We talk the same language, English, yet words develop meaning and deeper concepts as we make frequent use...... and thinking? ......well, ......it is a process of repeated challenge and use, and as it takes time and often tuning out the noises and distractions we've so become accustomed to, is a practice not easily done in our modern ways of living.
When I asked who "these people" are, I already knew that we were talking about the powerful. But specifically, which powerful ones? Every powerful person, everywhere?
I would not make a 'hit list'. As for determining 'who' are the powerful...... why don't you study the structure of banking and money. After all, it is the love of money which is the root of all evil, and in our world today it seems to be the value by which we compare ourselves and others, the means by which some are excluded from obeying the law while enforcement is exercised on others, the means by which briberies and injustices occur, laws and kingdoms are bought, people control others, and wars are fought over and financed. Who are the faces behind the national and international finance? How are they connected to international and national agencies, foundations, institutions of research and learning, governmental officials........etc.? Books are free at the library, but few are supplied with much depth of knowledge and revelation. Or you can go online.... and find a wealth of well documented material and books to buy once you find a reliable source. The caveat to this is that you are able to recognize that even the best of sites will have their own preferred areas of focus: For example, conservative sites may use the term broadly, and censor the self criticism and transparency you seek. Liberal sites will definately do the same. Conspiracy sites may present related information and also inuendo, some excellent documentation, whistle blower and insider information, contrast in reports presented as facts and point out conflicts and inconsistencies, reveal connections of people with events which weren't presented in the MSM.... and answer some questions left unnoticed, and a smorgasboard of ties and possibilities but may not always bring you to conclusions: They will encourage you to think.... and they will appreciate your dollar spent..... some on excellent and well documented material and some on hype. The source I most trust is radiolibery.com as the owner of that site endevors to look at everything from a balanced pov and a Christian and spiritual perspective.
I mean, Ron Paul has some power as a congressman but he's typically exempt from these kind of "outings" of the evil. Why? Why not throw him and every candidate you'd consider voting for into the fray as well?
FWIW: I supported Ron Paul's presidential bid and don't actually see him as evil. Just a hypothetical scenario.
You've given me pause in my third party leanings.