3 ms·

Exactly this. Modern corruption vehicles include things like speeches, book publishing fees, movie/documentary fees, consulting fees, and real-estate deals whe

Exactly this. Modern corruption vehicles include things like speeches, book publishing fees, movie/documentary fees, consulting fees, and real-estate deals where an expensive property is sold or rented for much less than market value. Money laundering is done through complex derivatives, charitable foundations, and so on. Basically modern day western corruption is based on the premise that 'work compensation' is 'discretionary' -- so any kind of 'work-like' engagement of a corrupted politician, or his/her immediate family members is easily turned into a bribe. Even accidental (or minor) corruption of politicians, also adds to the rise of 'black mailing'. So there are politicians who have 'dirt on others', and that's their trading currency. And so on, the swamp is continuing to snowball. Some examples [1] http://time.com/3889577/hillary-clinton-paid-speeches-lobbyists-influence/ http://time.com/3889577/hillary-clinton-paid-speeches-lobbyi... [2] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/barack-obama-speech-money-wall-street-advertisers-interview-payment-a7707816.html https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politic... I am sure others can find more.

throwaway5752 8y ago
You've never personally experienced actual corruption in your entire life, have you?
- decebalus1 8y ago
  Growing up and living in Eastern Europe and then the US I agree with the post above you. I've experienced actual corruption (corrupt cops, doctors, small time civil servants, what have you) and I can see actual corruption in the US also. But it's 'legal' and way less prevalent at the lower levels.
woodandsteel 8y ago
So are you saying that all countries are corrupt, and approximately equally so? And is your conclusion that as a consequence trying to fight corruption is doomed to fail and so their is no point in trying?
- 75dvtwin 8y ago
  It is not the laws that are problem, it is the law-enforcement/justice system that's a problem. Justice based on 'selective outrage 'cannot fix corruption. Justice that's corrupt itself cannot fix corruption. Western countries have, mostly, the former. Eastern Europe, and most so called developing nations, have both problems. --- Somewhat separate topic... But, to be honest, dislike the 'developing nations' moniker. I use it, but I wish there is something better... As if inhabitants of those nations have 'less developed cognitive abilities, or 'less developed appetite for honesty'. That of course, is not true. In reality the 'developing nations' are, mostly, intentionally suppressed nations, intentionally enslaved nations, intentionally brain-washed nations. Where the suppressors are, often, their own leaders.

throwaway5752 8y ago

You've never personally experienced actual corruption in your entire life, have you?

decebalus1 8y ago
Growing up and living in Eastern Europe and then the US I agree with the post above you. I've experienced actual corruption (corrupt cops, doctors, small time civil servants, what have you) and I can see actual corruption in the US also. But it's 'legal' and way less prevalent at the lower levels.

woodandsteel 8y ago

So are you saying that all countries are corrupt, and approximately equally so? And is your conclusion that as a consequence trying to fight corruption is doomed to fail and so their is no point in trying?

75dvtwin 8y ago
It is not the laws that are problem, it is the law-enforcement/justice system that's a problem. Justice based on 'selective outrage 'cannot fix corruption. Justice that's corrupt itself cannot fix corruption. Western countries have, mostly, the former. Eastern Europe, and most so called developing nations, have both problems. --- Somewhat separate topic... But, to be honest, dislike the 'developing nations' moniker. I use it, but I wish there is something better... As if inhabitants of those nations have 'less developed cognitive abilities, or 'less developed appetite for honesty'. That of course, is not true. In reality the 'developing nations' are, mostly, intentionally suppressed nations, intentionally enslaved nations, intentionally brain-washed nations. Where the suppressors are, often, their own leaders.