<p>Please grade my essay on a score of 12 - Any comments appreciated Thanks! :)</p>
<p>Prompt: Is it important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority?</p>
<pre><code>With authority comes power, and with power comes responsibility, however many people abuse the power of authority. If someone with power goes unquestioned, then they assume a dictatorial position which is unhealthy for everyone else. It is important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority to prevent people like ponzi scheme tycoon Bernard Madoff, Governor Rod Blagojavich and British Petrouleum CEO Tony Hayward from abusing others.
Bernie Madoff became a very rich man, but unlike some prominent business tycoons, he earned his money through conning others. Madoff was the mastermind behind a multi billion dollar ponzi scheme which ruined the retirement plans, college savings and bank accounts of hundreds of unassuming investors. When some of the more careful investors attempted to withdraw their money from Madoffs firm, they were unable to do so, and began questioning Madoffs liability. The questioning of Madoffs methods were the beginning of the chain of events that led to his imprisonment and the prevention of even more money being stolen.
Another clear example is the story of Governor Rod Blagojavich. Blagojavich was arrested for trying to sell a seat in the senate for his own monetary well being. His plan of selling the seat in the senate would have been succesfull, had it not been a few brave people that decided to question Blagojavichs ideas. The questioning and accusations by a small group of people brought to light, Blagojavichs actions of attempting to sell a senate seat for monetary profit, and resulted in Blagojavichs arrest.
When British Petrouleums oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico exploded, most people had no idea of the string of events that were to follow. Neither the media nor the general public knew that oil was leaking from an oil well, as the well was thousands of feet deep underwater, however very few people had suspicions. These few people decided to question BPs CEO and eventually achieved their goal of obtaining information from BP. Eventully the United States Senate became involved and ordered BP to provide live video feeds of the oil rig, which would have never been unveiled had British Petroleums CEO not been questioned.
When an individual obtains a large amount of power and authority they are likely to use their power for personal gain, even at the expense of others. And so these people of authority must be questioned as to their use of power, and if their actions are just.
</code></pre>
