Prop. 165
Charles Montesquieu, whose “Spirit of the Laws” exercised such a profound influence on the framers of the U.S. Constitution, contended that the separation of powers into legislative, executive and judicial functions was essential to the existence of a democratic government. Without the checks and balances, tyranny will prevail.
While Gov. Wilson may not be a tyrant, it is the height of folly to institutionalize, through Prop. 165, a budget process that would enable him or any successor to make budgetary decisions which the Legislature could override only with his assent! If we recall Lord Acton’s dictum that “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” we had better not rely on benevolence or self-restraint to curb the arbitrary exercise of authority.
JOHN RICHARD FELTON, Ojai
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