We are all sinners

From time to time, I have to trick and bully Congress into doing what I know is right. I promise a veto, they blink and I get to do what I want with my executive orders.  Like giving $500 to the United Nations to fund its climate change program to help poor countries with new technology. So what if that money could have helped folks in Flint with their water problem. One needs to have a vision for the whole planet.

Coal and gas plants now would likely save millions of people dying prematurely from opening burning of wood and dung in their homes. Solar will help once newer battery technology is in place. But I just can't allow for an interim solution with coal and natural gas. I don't know why. Maybe it's because we are all born sinners. And we've got to regulate folks behavior.

I've read Hsun Tzu, a Confucius scholar from the 4th century BCE.

Man’s nature is evil, good is the result of conscious activity. . .

A warped piece of wood must wait until it has been laid against the straightening board, steamed, and forced into shape before it can become straight. . . .  Similarly, since man’s nature is evil, it must wait for the instructions of a teacher before it can become upright, and for the guidance of ritual principles before it can become orderly.

In ancient times the wise kings realized that man’s nature is evil, and that he tends towards evil and violence and is not upright or orderly.