Politicians are supposed to be the lawmakers who make and enforce rules for the betterment of society. However, it's not uncommon for some politicians to believe that the law does not apply to them. This attitude is detrimental to society and can lead to corruption and chaos. In this article, we will discuss some examples of politicians who think the law does not apply to them and the consequences of their actions.
The Case of Former President Jacob Zuma
Former South African President Jacob Zuma is a prime example of a politician who thinks the law does not apply to him. During his presidency, Zuma faced numerous allegations of corruption, fraud, and racketeering. Instead of facing the charges against him, Zuma used his power and influence to evade prosecution.
However, in 2018, the Supreme Court of Appeal upheld a lower court's ruling that the charges against Zuma should be reinstated. Zuma refused to comply with the court's decision and instead claimed that he was being unfairly targeted. This led to a constitutional crisis in South Africa and ultimately resulted in Zuma's resignation as president in 2019.
The Case of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is another politician who has been accused of thinking that the law does not apply to him. Cuomo faced allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct from multiple women, including former aides and state employees.
Despite the allegations against him, Cuomo refused to resign and insisted that he did nothing wrong. However, after an investigation by the New York Attorney General's office, Cuomo was found to have sexually harassed multiple women and violated state and federal laws. He eventually resigned from his position as governor in August 2021.
The Consequences of Politicians Who Think the Law Does Not Apply to Them
Politicians who think the law does not apply to them can have serious consequences for society. When those in power believe that they are above the law, it can lead to corruption, abuse of power, and a breakdown of trust in government institutions.
Furthermore, when politicians refuse to comply with court orders or investigations, it can lead to constitutional crises and undermine the rule of law. This can ultimately result in the erosion of democracy and a loss of faith in the political system.
Conclusion
Politicians are supposed to be held to a higher standard than the rest of society. They are the ones who make and enforce the laws that govern our lives. However, when politicians think that the law does not apply to them, it can have serious consequences for society.
As citizens, it's our responsibility to hold our elected officials accountable and demand that they follow the law. Only by doing so can we ensure that our democracy remains strong and that those in power are held to account for their actions.