Where Lack of Limits Has Caused Harm

If you want to see what unchecked power results in, look at major figures in independent churches who embezzled or engaged in bad behavior. Jim Bakker in SC comes to mind. Big organizations, with lots of money, and volunteer board members in charge of oversight have proven time and again unchecked power corrupts. 

How do public servants become multi-millionaires? Simple. By selling influence. What makes their influence valuable? The promise of future benefits. At the least, we can control what the definition of “future” is. This is why I believe net worth should be reported at time of filing for election, and reported at term end. If you use your time in office to enrich yourself or your family, it is clear that you sold influence. Putting limits on actions you take while serving will reduce corruption. If you benefit from actions taken before election while serving, that is fair. It is not fair that you or your spouse make major gains because you got elected.