Instruments of Power

I was discussing with my parents this evening how it's possible (and in fact mind-blowingly easy) to manufacture lethal gases and industrial strength explosives with common household ingredients. I won't go into specifics here (I'm sure you can find recipes somewhere else on the net) but most people could gather everything needed for these extremely dangerous cocktails in a few minutes. It's kind of cool to think that these things are at my disposal if I ever need them. And then that thought scares me. How different is that from countries who hoard complex weaponry systems? Okay, some nations need them for self-defense - but how many really need them? Not even a tithe of those who so jealously guard their right to possess these things. It's not a matter of rights - any nation has the right to own just about anything - but rather it's about necessity and motives. Why are these items stockpiled? They aren't beautiful, they don't feed people, they don't create wealth - they do, however, give power. Ah yes. That is their allure. One of the most compelling temptations known to man. Not that power, in itself, is evil - nor does power (contrary to the old adage) always corrupt - but the pursuit of power for its own sake is infallibly destructive. Power (and the instruments that give it) are amoral - they're a sword that cuts both ways. If we cultivate our influence and clout in order to build others up and empower them, then we ourselves are safe. But if we become enamoured of this tool, our souls will begin to surrender themselves to it - in the end, the sword will wield the man.