Peter's Viewpoint

Power comes in different forms such as financial or political.  Most people have the power to affect the immediate factors of their own lives but when that power is diverted to others such as politicians, the outcome can be beneficial or detrimental to freedom.

While watching the Greek politicians, one can see develop a case study that proves that power can be overwhelming.  The recent decision by Prime Minister Papandreou to voice his demands that the people must vote for his party during the mayoral elections is clear evidence that he is abusing his power.  In his demands, he states that if the majority of votes do not favor his party, the Pasok, then he will call for national elections.

Prime Minister Papandreou is reasoning that due to the current volatile economic conditions of the country that the people must accept his dominance or consider new elections that will probably place his opponent Mr. Samaras and the party of New Democracy in power.

Is it reasonable to assume that politicians of a democracy can place an entire country into blackmail?

Does the size of a country play a role in allowing this abuse of power to rule?

If a leader of a country receives the majority vote that he or she demands in a similar situation, what will be the future surrounding the further abuse of power?