News Analysis: Corruption Is Where One Finds It, Just Look (as Transparency International has for 2013). Since in almost all countries the “AFAB” Acronym (Anything For A Buck) is the Operational Guide for some of their residents, Corruption is rampant. The Mores and Folkways of the Country’s Culture are of little importance compared to the Precepts of “AFAB”. “Beg, Borrow, Cheat, and Steal” become their Operational Guide.
Businessmen in Cabals with Bankers illicitly Connive (Bernie Madoff Convolution); Bankers do the same with Bankers (LIBOR Scandal); Government Workers collaborate with Defense Contractors (Fighter Aircraft Program); Federal Government Leaders do it with other Countries Heads-of-State (Iraq War).
The important thing to realize is that Corruption takes at least Two Parties: A Donor and A Recipient. Corruption grows in relation to the Sizes of the Economies in which it exists. For example, one can be of the opinion that the Largest Transaction Currency Amounts will take place where the biggest “Deals” are available. To wit, a $1.26 Trillion+/- Deal with Banks was Signed Off by the U.S. Government within approximately 30 days of a New Regime commencing! Many people think that the paperwork for a “Deal” that Large would obviously HAD TO HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BEFORE THE ELECTION OCCURRED. Conveniently there were NO Requirements that the monies be lent to businesses for the hiring of workers. The banks lent the majority of the money back to the U.S. Government and collected the interest! Bankers Collaborating with Government leaders before the Election is thought by many. Corruption? A completely “Legal” transaction (those involved would say). Much of the monies lent are noncollectable (unfortunately for U.S. Taxpayers).
A very Valuable Anti-Corruption Tool was implemented recently by Russian President Vladimir Putin. In it, Government Employees had to declare ANY Assets they held abroad and cease and desist from keeping them (if they wanted to retain their employment in the Government). This is an Excellent Idea which is needed in America and other “Big Ticket” Countries.
Keep in mind that a Corruption PERCEPTION Index is just that. Connotation is NOT the same as Denotation; they exist one way or the other regarding “Corruption”, in the eyes of the beholders.
One Man’s “Corruption” is another Man’s “Efficient Business”. Reality.
Reference: http://cpi.transparency.org/cpi2013/results/
