power corrupts
absolute power corrupts absolutely
psychopaths find that irresistible
willingly sell their soul for a piece of that action
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The study of the psychopath reveals an individual who is incapable of feeling guilt, remorse or empathy for their actions. They are generally cunning, manipulative and know the difference between right and wrong but dismiss it as applying to them.
They are incapable of normal emotions such as love, generally react without 
considering the consequences of their actions and show extreme egocentric and narcissistic behavior.
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Psychopathy is a personality disorder that has been variously described as characterized by shallow emotions (in particular reduced fear), stress tolerance, lacking empathy, coldheartedness, lacking guilt, egocentricity, superficial character, manipulativeness, irresponsibility, impulsivity and antisocial behaviors such as parasitic lifestyle and criminality.
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[link to full article on psychopaths – excerpt here:] 
… after fifteen years in the business, Bob Hare knew what he was looking for when it came to psychopaths. They exhibit a cluster of distinctive personality traits, the most significant of which is an utter lack of conscience. They also have huge egos, short tempers, and an appetite for excitement — a dangerous mix. In a typical prison population, about 20 percent of the inmates satisfy the Hare definition of a psychopath, but they are responsible for over half of all violent crime…
THE PSYCHOPATH – The Mask of Sanity
Special Research Project of the Quantum Future School
Imagine – if you can – not having a conscience, none at all, no feelings of guilt or remorse no matter what you do, no limiting sense of concern for the well-being of strangers, friends, or even family members. Imagine no struggles with shame, not a single one in your whole life, no matter what kind of selfish, lazy, harmful, or immoral action you had taken.
And pretend that the concept of responsibility is unknown to you, except as a burden others seem to accept without question, like gullible fools.
Now add to this strange fantasy the ability to conceal from other people that your psychological makeup is radically different from theirs. Since everyone simply assumes that conscience is universal among human beings, hiding the fact that you are conscience-free is nearly effortless.
You are not held back from any of your desires by guilt or shame, and you are never confronted by others for your cold-bloodedness. The ice water in your veins is so bizarre, so completely outside of their personal experience, that they seldom even guess at your condition.
In other words, you are completely free of internal restraints, and your unhampered liberty to do just as you please, with no pangs of conscience, is conveniently invisible to the world.
You can do anything at all, and still your strange advantage over the majority of people, who are kept in line by their consciences will most likely remain undiscovered.
How will you live your life?
What will you do with your huge and secret advantage, and with the corresponding handicap of other people (conscience)?
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I got up this morning with that “power corrupts” thing at the top of the page rolling around in my head. I had more than my share of experience with bullies, 
AKA psychopaths in my formative years. It enabled me to recognize them quicker and easier than most, and to know how to deal with them.
The links in blue are to two articles that really stood out in my research this morning. If you are at all curious on the subject, I strongly encourage you to check them out.
The majority of the populace remain incredulous at the incompetence, stupidity and 
massive “mistakes” made by those in power. They think mere understanding or smarter people in the seats of power would fix this.
They don’t understand the problem. See “power corrupts” above.
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You are a den of vipers and thieves.
I intend to rout you out,
and by the Eternal God,
I will rout you out.”
– Andrew Jackson (1767-1845)