Mounce: Wisdom from a Dead, White, European Male

My title does not refer to myself – not yet. I refer to the justifiably famous Lord Acton (1834-1902). I refer to that English historian’s often quoted letter to a Bishop (and a warning to all of England, to all of mankind): 

“Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely!”   

Listening, Donald Trump? Greg Abbott? Probably not. But you who believe in limits to power? Surely, you are worried. Results of unrestrained power? Well, for one thing, no more White House Rose Garden, that “lush, historic green space” created by Jackie Kennedy is now covered by “Donald and Melania’s concrete” (Thomas Smith, “White House Rose Garden Gone,” Ft. Worth LLC, 22 Jul 25).

Not serious enough? Not irreparable? Not the main worry on your mind? Me, neither. But what of the power of Abbott’s special session? “Special” to deal with blame for disastrous floods? To avoid a repeat? No. First, in his quest for more power, Abbott will attempt to gerrymander more Republican seats in the Texas Legislature (Marilou Johanek, “Brazen GOP Steals,” Capital Journal, 22 Jul 25).

Closer to home, in our Rio Grande Valley, “Anita” (no last names, for fear of ICE) in sorrow; her son, ruptured appendix, in fear of ICE, avoided a hospital when he needed it. “No location is safe–including hospitals and churches” (Trumps Raids,” Amanda Seitz and Jacquelin Martin, MyRGV, 25 Jul 25).

To make matters worse (more wisdom from the past, from a possum, in the comic strip, “Pogo:” “We have met the enemy and they is us.”) Meg Hilling (The Hill, 23 Jul 25) reports “former member of the Texas National guard convicted of conspiring to smuggle immigrants.” Who can you trust? What can be done?

The Texas chapter of American Federation of Teachers is pushing back (with thirteen other organizations–strength in unity). They are suing the government for large funds withheld from education–dedicated to support English language learners and professional development for educators (Kelly Wiley, KXAN, 19 Jul 25). Can they win, competing with Trump’s millions? Can they, and others, with backs against the wall, hope to compete with what seems to be overwhelming, absolute power?

How do normal conservative folks, the average Republican, not “Trumpers,” handle the situation that faces us? How do they maintain their calm beliefs? How can they not see the challenge to Lord Acton’s dictum? Things are not normal. Trump has brought us to “chaos, misery and poisonous social strife” (Mike Lofgren, “The Truth of U.S. History,” Salon, 24 Jul 25). How to end this mess?

Some answer: only by releasing the “Epstein Tapes,” and soon. Magistas, “normal” Republicans, Democrats, almost all agree. Could that be the “last straw?” We shall see. Lord Acton’s words in his letter were powerful. His advice was cogent. But, not enough. So, will truth and revelation – even of sordid affairs – be our salvation?   

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by writer Dr. Gary Joe Mounce, a professor emeritus (political science) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He can be reached by email via: gjmounce@gmail.com.

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