⌛ If! we can't Beat them! Should we join them?

Politics/Corruption! nasty words, they are ones we see and use regularly, I want to ask a Question, first though, let me just say, this is in no way, meant or intended to be political, just a straightforward, thinking issue, based on a personal view from our members.
Many years ago, My father (RIP) became involved with minor politics, he was a staunch party member, (No mention, as I don't want it thought, Politically motivated) he became the Mayor of a Small, Rural English Village, nothing Grand. To get there, he changed his views and Party, (Just to get there) we as a Family thought this Odd, vote getting seemed all he wanted, the Rot set in. He made, Associates, Allies, Cohorts. He lost family, Friends and respect. Just for Votes.
He quickly found, that he had promised the earth, to get those Votes, Only to find, that he was hitting his head against a brick wall, on a lot of cases, in issue. He became a Liar to most, (forced to rescind his promise) He was quoted as Corrupt, (His snout was lodged in the Trough) He was Trapped, as many of the Politicians are, he like many, took the easy road. Sinking deeper into the Den of Iniquity. He knew, he had got on the wrong Train, the Gravy Train, was not for him. Too little too late, he had lost so much. He got off, Others will not get off that train, it is fare free and lunch is provided. He was not a Politician, he was my Father, who was misguided, Trying to change the world, cost him.

I ask here, "Would any of us (Including me and I don't know) Would WE, get off that gravy train if we were Elected?
We all can talk about politics and Corruption BUT how would it affect any of us? Would the trappings be too good to give up? (OK! so that is 3 questions)



Jack P.

 

Jack, when I first came here my darling wife told me about the corrupt government/police/local politicians. I just laughed at her. When she asked why, I replied "do you honestly think it only happens here?"

I really don't know if there is any country on earth where this doesn't happen. Obama used false promises and the Chicago political machine to get elected and now his unkept promises are going to be his downfall. The next president, possibly Perry, will do the same thing and not keep his promises I'm sure.

Things are "just done that way" in politics at every level, from the very top to the very bottom.

Many years ago, my older brother (RIP) decided that he wanted to be a US Marshall, but there was a very long waiting list and he had only minimum questionable experience. However, my Grandfather was at that time, head Chief of the D.C. Fire department (chief of all the chiefs). My mother was private secretary to the D.C. Alcoholic Beverage control board. My father was chief purchasing agent for the Bureau of Ships (Navy Department). Witin a few weeks my brother got appointed. To his credit, he advanced all the way to the top in his 27 year career. But it never would have happened without the "proper phone calls being made".

Now, you ask a question would we do it ourselves? If I was 40, maybe, and quite possibly yes. I'd do some long hard thinking about it anyway.

As they say "money can't buy you friends, but it can buy you a much better class of enemies"

And then there's the saying "power corrupts, and absolute power absolutly corrupts more".

But, I'd probably make a terrible politician. I say what's on my mind far too much.

 

Skeletons!

You know something Ron, if asked, we would all say, Skeletons, in My Cupboard, Oh NO! not me. These sometimes, semi-provocative Threads/Posts have a knack, of bringing out the ones, we forget are there.
I know I will sleep well at night, when I can say, I have been honest to-day.
Thank you for your input.

Jack P.:D

 

Corruption is everywhere. If any Country has an anti-corruption agency, then the rreason for it being in existance is pretty obvious.

Of course here are degrees of corruption. Here, after many years of doing business I can proudly say I have NEVER paid or been involved in any activity that could be deemed corruption, as I understand it. I prefer to take the long hard route rather than line the pockets of a few, whilst the masses starve

However, I have bought "merienda" on may occasions for the officials who I have had to deal with. This is basically a free feed. I do not class this as corruption, but I guess in the pure form it is. I see it as a necessary business practice.

I am politically involved here, being president of a large investors association up north (Like a Chamber of Commerce) I am not popular because I avoid all the deal making, lunches, etc where "things get done", preferring to spend my time making life better for our members/investors and dealing with real issues which are generally related to official corruption. Rest of the time I am in Dumaguete forgetting about the rest of it. :D

Same as RonV, I do not make a good political figure, I speak the truth, so a political career is definitely out of the question .. :D :D :D