Most Corrupt Nations List

There's an article out just now, telling of

The 10 Most Corrupt Countries in the World

And no, our own country isn't in the top ten but, that said, we do, unfortunately but honestly get an "honorable mention", rather fairly.  It reads:

Honorable Mention: The United States

Corruption score: 73
Power structure: Democratic Republic

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There has to be an honorable mention for the United States, which many people figure has to be the most corrupt nation on Earth. The fact is, the U.S. does have a great deal of corruption in many forms, like lobbying, bribery, gerrymandering, and bought elections. But according to the corruption index, the U.S. pales in comparison to countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

The economic system of the U.S. — although often portrayed as ‘free-market’ — is often anything but. A quick look at the telecom or energy industry shows that many monopolistic forces are at play, and big money oftentimes can get laws rewritten to preserve power and influence. Pressure from big business and labor groups is a major factor in why America is the only major world power without a nationalized healthcare system, and why there has been enormous growth in inequality, particularly as of late.

There are definitely many issues the United States needs to work out — from the financial system to elections — but with the status quo firmly set in place, there isn’t much indication that citizens should expect big-time change in the near-term.

I'm glad they mentioned the buying of legislation by the wealthy and corporations. It's especially poignant and topical this week, today, because it was only a few days ago all the Republicans in our US Senate voted down legislation to undo the Supreme Court's Citizen United decision. They wanted to be sure to keep the money flowing.  To themselves.

Yay, us.