Corruption is one of those things we don't think will damage our society but certain does and in big ways. Where shadow markets take hold we often find a decline in the general health and welfare of society. Where there is a culture of corruption at work, there can be even more "status que" expectations that could make its way into many transactions throughout social and business networks.
"Cultures of Corruption" (...the term actually sounds like a good book. 🖉) slow down opportunities for everyone and make it difficult for cities to thrive. People who live in such systems don't know that many of their opportunities are being taken by elected officials who do not feel that they have done anything wrong.
As corruption spreads as a social expectation among certain groups of "elite" (could be local, national, and now international) members spreads the behavior becomes even more embedded. It can be hard to coax people to whistle blow or come forward with important information. Yet the system will always rely on the willingness of people to stand up for their communities.
Law enforcement only works when people turn in important information that leads to a cleaner and less corrupt socio-political system for everyone. Its not a perfect system and there are lots of hiccups but getting information into the hands of those who can help make a big difference in the outcomes for everyone (i.e. the society).
That right thing leads to more societal trust and in turn leads to more economic engagement through fair opportunities, investment through trust that laws will be enforced, spreading of wealth to the most amount of people, and a belief that there is a "system" of order when it comes to certain values and activities. Thus "the people" and law enforcement have a stake in the greater health of society.
While many of our corrupt officials can smooth talk like car salesman (no offence to car salesmen. I actually respect the field. Its just a saying. 😬) they must earn their support and influence through ethical behaviors (Walk the talk!) They are subject to the very same needs of power, validation, influence as everyone else on the planet. Law enforcement is a check and balance against corruption. The difference is they are in positions of authority and access to societies resources and often influence our sociably acceptable behaviors. When they break that trust it is a betrayal of all of society for the benefit of a few. Having a mechanism like a reporting line that can be used by the public and interested parties to report corruption helps create greater meta awareness (data points) in case action must be taken for the best interest of society.
MichiganCorruption@fbi.gov
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