Pala Watch

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Corruption

I was going to title this post Corruption in America or American Corruption but the reality is the United States doesn't have a monopoly on corruption. Corruption is just part of the human condition. It's always been with us and always will be.

It was present when Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple. I can't be sure but I would have to guess when the Egyptians were building the pyramids there had to have been some kickbacks and bribery going on. Corruption in the Roman Empire was legendary.

In more recent times we have had Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi charged with all sorts of corruption including tax evasion. Didn't seem to bother the Italian People all that much as he is still very popular.

Corruption in the Mexican Government is legendary to the point where now the media refers to Mexico as a Narco-State due to the influence of the drug cartels.

I am sure we could find corruption in every corner of the world if we looked hard enough. I'm not trying to single out the United States. But since I live here the news tends to be more focused on what's happening in America.

We have the best government money can buy. Billionaires buy elections and pass their own pet legislation. There's a reason why which ever side spends the most money is the side that tends to win.

Lest we forget the Golden Rule: He Who Has The Gold Makes The Rules

Here are some examples of corruption I have been following over the past few years:

LA Times FBI arrests sheriff's officials in L.A. County jails probe

Bell corruption: Rizzo gets 33 months for tax fraud

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick sentenced to 28 years in prison

California's senator Yee indicted on gun, corruption charges

CALIF. SEN. RON CALDERON INDICTED FOR POLITICAL CORRUPTION

Jury convicts former Mashantucket Pequot chairman in less than two hours

Former Tribal Chairman & Current Treasurer Charged With Stealing From Mashantucket Pequots

California sales executive charged in alleged $150 million bank fraud scheme

Former Army Contracting Official Indicted on Federal Charges in Bribery and Kickback Scheme

Feds charge North Miami mayor with mortgage fraud

Council: Mayor's indictment sad day for city

Former Auburn city clerk faces federal embezzlement charge

Beat the House! 42 Indicted in Legends Casino Scam

6 people charged in Choctaw Nation casino-construction bribery probe