"Power without responsibility, the prerogative of the harlot throughout the ages". Stanley Baldwin, British Conservative politician, was three times Prime Minister and dominated the United Kingdom government, between the two World Wars. He used this cited insult and made it famous during his speech in London in 1931. He aimed it at wealthy British newspaper magnates that had attacked him in their articles. In civilised world, use of "Prerogative of the harlot” with a sarcastic connotation doesn't sound fair, but I think, it can still be safely used to address unethical media corporations and conglomerates, which is quite an issue everywhere in the world.
As it has been noted by many sources, Stanley Baldwin got the zinger from his cousin, famous writer Rudyard Kipling, who is “expected" to be popular again, towards the end of this year, with the release of 'The jungle book’!
Samandika Saparamadu
30/03/2016
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