rich.bmpI want to live in a fair society, a just society where hard work, intelligently directed, is rewarded as frequently as possible. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed for nothing is certain in life and chance and fortune do intervene. But the game should be fair, the rules consistent, the playing field level, the social contract equitable.

Unfortunately, it seems on occasion the games appear to be a bit rigged. Wall Street seems to have discovered a way to privatize profits and socialize risk. Heads they win. Tails the taxpayer (you and me) loses.

One of the obligations of power is not to use that power to rig the game in favor of power.

Yes, that requires ethics, morals, a deep and abiding belief in the importance of social contract and one’s duties and obligations thereunder. And an awake government regulatory structure (SEC? Fed?) responsive to the needs of all and capable of balancing and tempering the excesses of the free market.

One of the obligations of power is not to use that power to rig the game in favor of power. It is a vital principle that we need to remember, enforce, and make sure that current and future generations of leaders respect.