Isaac Asimov wrote and used the Three Laws of Robotics as the foundation for the science fiction he wrote.  The three laws were adopted by other science fiction writers and have appeared throughout science fiction and are referenced in many other works.

Why do we start an opinion article with reference to a science fiction writer?  Because some things are true no matter how you phrase them.  Isaac Asimov wrote the three laws as a foundation for how robots would behave in his science fiction universe.

The premise was that no matter how powerful and intelligent robots became, their role was to protect and serve mankind.  These same common sense rules can be applied to the actions of any elected officials.

The Three Laws of Robotics are:

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey any orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

How about the Three Laws of Politics:

1. An elected official must be guided by the Constitution in all actions and may not injure a citizen or, through actions favoring one constituency over another, allow a citizen to come to harm.
2. An elected official must obey any mandate given to it by citizens, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. An elected official must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

With no effort to expand or explain what is meant, it’s simple to see that the three laws would, if followed by our elected officials, result in a government that truly “does the right thing” for all citizens, and does not favor one group over another.

Interesting concept.  A return to Constitutional, fiscally responsible, smaller government that would be brought about by politicians.  Now that’s truly fiction.