Corruption

Embracing Corruption

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A couple of times a week there is this man who stops by our office to remind us what is so rotten about the governing system we all live under. Most of the things he says are quite true, but we are all quite content to live under the system of rot because what is personally gained from the system is greater then what is lost under the corruption. Corruption may be eating away from society’s future and praying on those not enriched by the system, but for those who are benefiting, it really is quite good to us today.

Untangling the Arrests in the N.Y. Corruption Case – Graphic – NYTimes.com

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Interesting infographic.

State Senator Malcolm A. Smith arranged payments to get on the ballot of the New York City mayoral race, according to federal prosecutors. Mr. Smith, a Democrat, wanted to run as a Republican, and needed approval from Republican leaders. A criminal complaint detailed transactions that led to the arrests of six officials.

via Untangling the Arrests in the N.Y. Corruption Case – Graphic – NYTimes.com.

Conspiracy Theories

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You often hear the nuttiest theories when you listen to people talking about politics. There is a prevalent belief that your opponent is somehow corrupt, and that you know the only true philosophy.

Capitol

It’s always the fault of the:

  • Corporate Interests
  • Big Money
  • Corrupt Labor Unions
  • Ethnic or Religious Minorities

Assuming that you don’t affiliate yourself psychologically with one of those groups. It just seems only human to want to believe that people besides yourself can’t be operating with all of their facilities. Yet, we all know that is not true.

Most conspiracy theories have a kernel of truth. Most of us have a financial interest in many of the things we do. Even if we don’t have a direct financial stake, we usually know somebody with a financial stake, or are at minimum are ideologically attached to an idea.

Yet, just because we don’t necessarily agree with one person or group’s position, we shouldn’t be believing that they are conspiring against us or are corrupt. They may have very legitimate reasons for believing what they believe.