America is in a state of chaos and the problem is bigger than racism. In addition to the enduring wars in the Middle East and on our city streets, recently publicized incidents reveal widespread violence against citizens perpetrated by officials under the cloak of authority.

The myriad of videos circulating on the Internet documenting these horrific crimes unearth the startling reality that power hungry people have infiltrated our everyday life at epidemic proportions. While institutional racism is alive and well in America, the constant focus on racism instead of the overall problem of abuse of power is divisive and does a disservice to all citizens.

In the interest of brevity I took the liberty to name this condition, Addicted to Power Syndrome (ATP). Keep in mind, I have no medical credentials and might have watched a few too many YouTube videos, but I think I’m on to something.

The symptoms of this hypothetical condition are similar to the developmental disability ADD. Like ADD, people who suffer from ATD have trouble controlling impulse and activity and often suffer from Oppositional Defiant and Conduct Disorder.

ATP Syndrome likely caused a Florida police officer to punch and pepper spay a 15-year-old girl he was arresting for a curfew violation, and a high school principal in Louisiana to choke a 14-year-old student. Indeed, the Georgia cop that arrested a young fast-food cook for too much salt on his hot dog appeared to be on a power binge. Under close examination, the war in Iraq could have its roots in some form of the disease.

As power-addiction spreads faster than Meth in suburban America, citizens under siege cannot allow those suffering from ATP or a derivative, LFF (Lust for Fame), to drive a wedge between people who should work together. Many of the talking-heads who make their fame and fortune pimping race are aware that rallying against overall official misconduct would unite rather than divide, yet they continue to focus on racism.

Don’t get me wrong. I know racism plays a huge role in the equation. It explains why these violent attacks are more prevalent in non-white communities. Racism is also the reason that, until the rise of the Internet, mainstream media has allowed these incidents, for the most part, to go unreported.

However, these undercover thugs come from all races and backgrounds. Their uncontrollable need to be in control would make them lose control regardless of the victim’s age or race. The misconduct by disbarred ex-District Attorney Mike Nifong in the malicious case against the Duke Lacrosse players, the tasering of a 21-year-old Florida student for asking challenging questions, and the detainment and mysterious death of a handcuffed and shackled mother of three by Arizona airport authorities, are only a few of the cases that demonstrate that white Americans are no longer exempt from the strong arm of overzealous officials.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” have come home to roost. Now that a few white people have publicly experienced some of the abuse blacks have endured for years, perhaps everyone can let go of their defenses long enough to join in a fight to protect fast-eroding constitutional rights.

If race were taken out of the equation, the same people who were outraged by Michael Vick’s treatment of dogs might protest against a California guard breaking a high school student’s arm over cake crumbs. Also, many of the officials who suffer from ATP syndrome are the very people who allow racism to persist. Eliminating power-hungry narcissists from positions of authority will undoubtedly impact the institution of racism.

Obviously, a truce will not be easy. But, as these acts of domestic terrorism spiral out of control, it is imperative that all citizens stand united. Black Americans must release the anger for 400 years of oppression and resist the urge for a “ha-ha” moment. White Americans must set aside their anger and resentment for being blamed for a system created by their forefathers. We are living in dangerous times, unable to trust the people appointed to legislate, educate, and protect America.

Dr. King summed it up aptly in his book, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? “Black Power alone is no more insurance against social injustice than white power. …In the final analysis … the black man needs the white man and the white man needs the black man.”

While our soldiers unite to defend democracy in the Middle East, “We the People” have an obligation to band together and fight for democracy here in America.