Corruption in Government...

...according to the Wizard of Id today...

Leadership sets the cultural values of the organization - it doesn't matter whether we are talking about the private or public sector. For the last several years, the focus has been on corporate malfeasance, beginning with Enron. But now with the disasters of two hurricanes, along with the unending revelations of corruption, the public sector, including federal, state, and local governments have had the same sorts of defects revealed once again - often rooted in a leadership style of power without morality or competence.

In a democracy, voters are often urged to make the needed changes at the ballot box (assuming that the ballot boxes/machines can be properly protected). So, it starts now, voters. Whether you decide to get into the political arena yourselves or actively support those who can make a real difference - it's time for the complacency to stop.

Our institutions are infected with a virus, much more dangerous than the bird flu or a 'trojan horse'. Shockingly few in leadership in our governments (or the corporate world) now understand the concept of a conflict of interest, or even the appearance of a conflict of interest. These same people are using your tax dollars to further their own interests, or they are wasting your tax dollars because they are incompetent - the results can be disastrous.

The question is: Do you care?

We'll see next Fall.