Thought experiment: Where does authority come from?

**FTL_Ian** · 12-01-06, 12:40 AM

If you have it, from where did it come, and how did you get it?

**2209** · 12-01-06, 12:58 AM

Authority comes from the people. People like you Ian. Thanks pal!

**Coloradocop** · 12-01-06, 01:05 AM

hmmm... aren't you the philosophizer tonight Ian? (by the way, I like my new word there... and I stole it from Dodgeball, as I'm sure you know)

I'll give it a shot here:

My authority (as a LEO) comes from state statute. State statute was written by elected legislators. These lawmakers were voted into office by the people, with an understanding that they would represent their interests in writing laws.

Therefore, my authority ultimately comes from the people that I have authority over (a catch-22 on the surface of things in some ways). Thus, in a roundabout manner, I serve the citizens collectively. This group of all citizens combined can be looked at as an entity upon itself. It is from this group that I receive my authority to enforce laws against the few who choose to violate the standards of conduct that were agreed upon within our society (and these standards were essentially set by the majority, as explained above).

**TXCharlie** · 12-01-06, 01:41 AM

Originally Posted by 2209

Authority comes from the people. People like you Ian. Thanks pal!

I think you just ruined Ian's day - Don't get your feelings hurt, but I'm sure it was an accident. He meant to give it to Pablo Escobar in exchange for some weed.

**TheOldRhino** · 12-01-06, 04:51 AM

Originally Posted by FTL_Ian

If you have it, from where did it come, and how did you get it?

If you mean my "Authoritah"- it comes from the state that mandates my training, the Chief of the Department where I work, and the Sheriff of the County I work in who swore me in as a deputy.

And Ian. You will respect mah authoritah.

**CountyFourteen** · 12-01-06, 06:19 AM

It comes from within.......you either have it or you don't. It is just like respect....you either have it or you don't.

**Jackalope** · 12-01-06, 10:19 AM

"Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same;

Romans 13:1-3

**TXCharlie** · 12-01-06, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by Jackalope

...For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same;
Romans 13:1-3

That's a great quote.

**Ruh** · 12-01-06, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by Jackalope

Romans 13:1-3

I don't mean it in a bad way, nor do I mean to derail the thread, but...I find it ironic that its Romans 13:1-3

.

**Piggybank Cop** · 12-01-06, 10:40 AM

Mine comes from the President of The United States.

**HardNoseBull** · 12-01-06, 11:29 AM

My "legal Authority" is given to me by the the govt of this country, through, the oath I have sworn to, also under the Criminal Code. It's very simple really, I devote 2 years of my life to Criminal Justice studies, I then applied to a Agency and gave up 3 months of my life to move 600km away from home for my basic training, then if I make it through that I come back to my job posting for anothe month of on the job training. Thats 4 continuose months without any paycheck. During my field training I sign my papers and take my oath. Then I have "authority". That being said authority is only as good as the govt or the agency that you work for backing your plate. With that authority comes a great responsibility-to maintain your honor,integrity and to be firm and fair with everyone. That may sound BS but it's true, if you treat the poor bum on the street as fair as the millionaire your job will be much easier in my opinion. There is reason lady justice is blindfolded, people need to remember justice should be fair and even for all people.

Cheech · 12-01-06, 11:48 AM

Mine comes from Vicente Fox

**BigDawg** · 12-01-06, 11:49 AM

I havent answered this because I have the feeling no matter how its answered it will be turned around to fit their agenda. I wont be baited and play into their hands like that. I do concure with several posts above, is all I will say.

**Motorwaycop** · 12-01-06, 01:03 PM

My mum. Nough said.

**keith720** · 12-01-06, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by FTL_Ian

If you have it, from where did it come, and how did you get it?

I have no inherent authority. All of the authority I have is that which a government, by the people and for the people, has seen fit to bestow upon me because of my position as a Police Officer. I have no more authority than that which society allows me to have.

**markw76** · 12-01-06, 07:40 PM

My wife. Just ask her.

**Jackalope** · 12-01-06, 08:16 PM

Authority on Earth ultimately belongs to (I know that's not the same as 'comes from') anyone who has the ability to use brute force to subject their will on others. Our Founding Fathers were traitors to the Crown, but they banded together and used force to send the King packing.

If you don't like our laws, you have two choices: Obey them, and work for political change (and thank God that you live in a country that gives you that option), or disobey them, and be imprisoned by authorities that have the ability to force their will on you. You can resist, and you may even take a few cops out if you're good. But you will ultimately lose because more people in this country will fight for its current government than against it.

**2209** · 12-02-06, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by Tony

Mine comes from Vicente Fox

Tony, dude you are so "un-authoritied" now that there is a new pres down in Mexico!

Bam! Does that mean I won this thread?

**Jenna** · 12-02-06, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by 2209

Tony, dude you are so "un-authoritied" now that there is a new pres down in Mexico!

Bam! Does that mean I won this thread?

And the Current Events Awareness, International Subdivision Prize goes to 2209!

But maybe Tony's a diehard loyalist who will go down fighting for his leader, elections be darned.