A dialogue below, set in the medieval times, from the latest ‘Robin Hood’ movie, that reminds me of more than one present situation. We must not mistaken that any leader in any context is there by right of his or her virtues alone. (Some clearly lack crucial virtues to rule!) The rule of any leader is a reflection not just of the personal karma of the leader, but the collective karma of those ruled over too. And the latter is generally stronger than the first due to strength in numbers – which is why leaders, be they of a democratic reign or not, are often overthrown by their people. Every leader must be humble and listen to the will of the people, or the people will be enraged and will the leader out with their actions.
Sir Baldwin: We will not fight to save (King) John’s crown. Rather let him bend the knee to us… I have no right and no ambition to wear the crown. But let the rightful wearer beware. From now we will be subject only to laws that we have a hand in making. We are not sheep to be made mutton of by your butchers… We will not be loyal to a crown that robs and starves us! The king must listen to what we have to say!
King John: A king does not bargain for the loyalty that every subject owes him. Without loyalty there is no kingdom. There is nothing.
Robin Hood: if you are trying to build for the future, you must set your foundation strong. The laws of this land enslave people to it’s king, a king who demands loyalty but offers nothing in return… I know in tyranny lies only failure. You build a country like you build a cathedral, from the ground up. Empower every man and you will gain strength… If your majesty were to offer justice, justice in the form of a charter of liberties, allowing every man to forage for his hearth, to be safe from convictions without cause or prison without charge, to work, eat and live on the sweat of his own brow and be as merry as he can, then that king would be great. Not only will he receive the loyalty of his people but their love as well.
King John: So what will you have? Castle for every man?
Robin Hood: Every Englishman’s home is his castle. What we would ask, your majesty, is liberty. Liberty by law!