Authority and Responsibility

I have been so disappointed and disgusted how people in power abuse their authority for their own benefit or group or interest. That is a reality to be expected if we always use "Authority" and "Power" interchangeably. Especially in government. Although, one thing is to Lead and another to Influence, we always mainly focus in the Legitimacy of such authority for justification of any and all actions.

"Ese Man es un bravo ... de los buenos !! Esta en todas!! ..

Por eso es El Jefe"

If the legitimacy of any authority is legal, or traditional, or charismatic, I expect that Authority to have equal Responsibility. That is a challenge to the way we hold people accountable, in everything we do we accommodate our position of results. Even the variety of approaches by Geo-social differences ..

In the southern hemisphere ..

"Jefecito .. es la primera vez .. no paso nada .."

"No es para tanto .. no exageren .. No jodan !!"

"A cualquiera le pasa .. pobrecito"

In the northern hemisphere ..

"To the best of my recollection ... I am not aware of it .."
" I don't recall being privileged to ... such report .."

" I just don't recall .."

Years ago, a CEO of Japan Airlines resigned his position as a result of an event that was not tied to corruption or bad economic results. I don't recall the specifics, it could have been an accident of sorts, that resulted in his decision, but I remember thinking how unusual for him to say ... "It should have not happen .. I am the man in charge .. I assume my responsibility and resign my post".
I know .. only in Japan.

Now, if we have an universal authority with legal, traditional and charismatic legitimacy we have a heavy weight. A most serious position in our social network of human groups. The responsibility is tremendous with such position. This is not about indirect or minimal events .. no .. this is about direct and purposely bad decisions and behavior. There is no excuse for Joseph Alois Ratzinger to hold on to his position. He should resign immediately.