Lessons of History

On Solon and the foundation of Athenian democracy, with applicable examples.

Is it right for a new leader to refuse to “look back” on the transgressions of his predecessor? Solon in general embraces this principle of amnesty or forgetfulness as essential to the fluidity of a democratic state. But he also imposes important limits on it. Some crimes cannot be forgiven, he writes, the failure to act on them will only undermine the legitimacy of the democratic state. And the proper vehicle for enforcement is a public prosecutor who exists and operates with a reasonable measure of detachment from the daily political process; it should not be the work of the new leader himself.

In America today, these principles rest in our own constitution and laws. And they are under steady and almost thoughtless assault by our worldly-wise political elites–always so obsessed with the daily play of the partisan political game which they referee and oblivious to the lessons of history and power of principle.

Hint.