General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHow would you respond to corruption in local government?
Let's say you have solid first hand knowledge of wrong doing, as it has traditionally been understood over the last century
(ie post anti-trust developments and pre contemporary remedies that resulted in the undoing of those protections)
would you keep quiet to protect your job?
would you wait for the journalists to investigate, maybe pass along some information as an anonymous whistleblower?
would you call the police, or the FBI?
would you contact your local representative and expect action?
would you simply disregard the corruption as it seems too systemic to resist, the culprits unaccountable by law?
I suppose a poll would be easier, but apparently that is not in my stars today.
just curious about how people feel.
I have seen malfeasance, and been informed of things that certainly shock me into anything but silence.
But, particularly these days, I have not seen anything like the famous ABSCAM and Fresno's Operation Rezone.
It appears the word "trustee" has considerable importance.
but that is another story, perhaps never to be told.
LuvNewcastle
(16,820 posts)If they're taking public money and sticking it in their pockets or giving it to their friends and family, I would tell somebody. Who I told would depend on who I knew. If the corruption was happening in my town and I knew someone in state government who I was sure was honest, I would consult with them. If I thought the corruption was widespread, I'd call the FBI.
If I knew someone in the press, I'd also tell them about it, but I wouldn't likely turn everything over to someone in the press without also telling an official. If the corruption was not that serious, that's when I'd only alert the media.
It's going to be up to you to decide how serious of a matter this is. If you tell the FBI about it, they will do a very thorough investigation and they'll go wherever it leads them. Be prepared that if they start investigating your town, for instance, they are going to go through everything with a fine tooth comb and there will be people arrested who you might not necessarily want to be arrested. So think about all that very carefully before you proceed.
reddread
(6,896 posts)I speak out, regardless.
Just curious how others feel in this era of hostility to whistleblowers and independant journalism.
looking for bigger ideas of how to respond to entrenched, systemic corruption.
Perhaps the endless examples emanating from Fresno don't reflect the culture or climate of other communities.
Lately, the curious hirings of couples to high paid positions seems noteworthy.
maybe it is as it should be?
LuvNewcastle
(16,820 posts)"entrenched, systemic corruption" as you say, then that's a job for the FBI. I don't really trust most journalists, frankly. They're often friendly with people in government, and many of them would likely alert the very people you want investigated. If you know someone who is more of a maverick, independent, thorough and fair reporter, then you might tell them about it too, but be wary of telling the media about it. Good reporters are a rarity nowadays, especially outside of major cities.