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Friday, September 18, 2009

Get Informed, Get Involved To Fight Corruption

By Edmund Perea
Albuquerque Attorney
      Corruption, corruption and yet more corruption, unfortunately this word has become too prevalent these days. Over the years we have had our fair dose of the word. It has become part of the common vernacular and national dialogue. Is this wave of recent corruption our social destiny or simply an aberration of the times?
       I know, based on guilty pleas and convictions, that there are cases where corruption has taken place, but I wonder if other cases of corruption are alleged only because of an insatiable appetite among some members in our society to sling mud at high-profile members of our community. Could it be that yet others embrace the premise that since a person is a politician that he or she must be engaged in corrupt behavior? Have we as a society become so jaded in our view of elected officials, or have some of our elected officials given us reason for feeling this way?
       Based on my experience working with elected leaders at all levels, I have found that most choose to serve their community in order to contribute to a positive quality of life for others. I realize that over the course of time, some have slipped from the path of their original intent. It is rare to read about scandals erupting around new leaders, because time has a way of exposing those who are susceptible to crossing the line or who take the public trust for granted.
       Corruption exists for a number of reasons including power, greed and ego. Regardless of a person's motivation, corruption causes a destruction of economic value and trust. In contrast, integrity is not gray in color and there are many more who have performed in an upright manner regardless of how long they have served.
       I am concerned that we may have become desensitized to the mere mention of the word — corruption. For instance, if we are satisfied with the status quo, we may look past the true cost of corrupt leaders. Our complacency can cause us to miss seeing the bigger picture of how corrupt behavior harms everyone. In reality, corruption by leaders of the government comes with a high and often unseen cost, amounting to what some describe as an illegal tax on its citizens.
       The media seems to be doing its part in educating the public about corruption cases. However, others might argue they are adding fuel to the fire by sensationalizing the headlines with allegations of corruption. We should refrain from assuming some form of corruption took place just because there is an allegation.
       Our legal system is grounded on the foundation that one is innocent until proven guilty. We must honor that principle and approach each allegation in a diligent manner, lest we unjustly try and convict a person in the arena of public opinion. This being said, our elected leaders need to ensure transparency in their job responsibilities. They must take the high road by not using their positions inappropriately.
       Corruption, like cancer, often cannot be seen on the surface, yet it slowly erodes the body of our government. Fortunately, corruption is not inevitable. There are studies that suggest corruption by elected officials is less prevalent when the electorate actively participates in the electoral process.
       Now, what responsibilities do we have to prevent corruption? For one, we must not sit idle on the sidelines. Our power is made up of the collective contribution. In other words, it is difficult for one person to root out corruption. However, through our combined conscience, we can generate constructive change by our vigorous engagement in the democratic process.
       A major deterrent to corruption is community action and informed participation in the voter's booth. We should elect each leader not based on sound bites or campaign slogans, but upon his or her qualifications and quality of character.
       We are not destined to live where corruption is just part of the process; rather we can transform our political culture through our own actions. We are the cure for corruption!
       Edmund Perea is a New Mexico attorney, adjunct professor and former command-level officer with the Albuquerque Police Department.
       

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