It could be argued that people are inherently evil. Our laws are designed to maintain order, not for any moral purpose, but because without the fear of punishment there would be nothing stopping me from killing everyone I disliked etc. Religions, politics and other belief codes based on dogma are perfect vehicles for 'leaders' to impress on the people the importance of following the belief system and justifying all manner of otherwise atrocious acts of cruelty. Hitler is an extreme example, but remember in the 1930's he was immensely popular in Germany. History is dotted with instances of people turning on their neighbours based on nothing more than ideology...and the fact they could with the support of the State or the religious powers with whom they are aligned; do so with impunity.
The human condition is fragile, it doesn't take much of an excuse for people to behave very badly.
29/07/2008
"A sure way to lose happiness is to want it at the expense of everything else."--Bette Davis