When leaders in politics, business, communities and families are corrupt and/or breach the trust of those relying on them, corruption and distrust spreads and undermines social stability and strength.
The map of political corruption is never stagnant. Mariano Sigman, author of “The Secret Life of the Mind,” explains how this instability of political corruption seeps into the actions of citizens. This video clip explains some of the research.
According to @mariuchu, political corruption is contagious pic.twitter.com/aUcrskdtEA
— Business Insider (@businessinsider) August 21, 2018
Of course this is true! This is why centuries of common law and best practices around ethics and positions of trust have established basics like full disclosure (including personal tax returns of Presidents!), transparency, no hidden compensation, fiduciary duty and requirements for avoiding the ‘apprehension of bias’. This is a race that will never be won so long as humans are alive, and always requires ongoing care and scrutiny.
The fact that politicians, financial representatives and other leaders have been allowed to operate short of these established conduct imperatives to their great enrichment, is a huge catalyst for the spreading social upheaval today, and particularly in so called ‘developed countries’ that act as global leaders.
The next wave is a move back to higher standards and greater personal accountability, because the other way lies anarchy.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D) has been leading the charge with a series of proposed bills, most recently one called the Anti-Corruption and Public Integrity Act which includes a ban on political insiders from owning individual company shares. A steady stream of scandals around insider trading and government officials confirms this ban is necessary, even if political will to pass it won’t come until the next financial crisis intensifies the cry for sweeping change. Here is a direct video link.
Sen. Warren wants to ban Congress and White House staff from owning individual stocks from CNBC.
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