The Corruption Perception Index
Transparency International gathers up data on public-sector corruption in various countries, meaning how severely public officials use their positions to enhance themselves personally.
Their 2005 Corruption Perception Index ranks Iceland as #1 (least corrupt), followed by Finland. The US ranks a respectable #17, after much of Western Europe (although ahead of France!). In fact, this is the same rank the US had in the 2004 Index also.
This provides a nice reminder to those who speak loudly of America's steep plunge into corruption since 2000. Obviously the vector points in that direction, lending credence to the warnings, but a little bit of global perspective shows that panic is unnecessary.
Calm action would serve better, not to mention providing a useful model for others.
Their 2005 Corruption Perception Index ranks Iceland as #1 (least corrupt), followed by Finland. The US ranks a respectable #17, after much of Western Europe (although ahead of France!). In fact, this is the same rank the US had in the 2004 Index also.
This provides a nice reminder to those who speak loudly of America's steep plunge into corruption since 2000. Obviously the vector points in that direction, lending credence to the warnings, but a little bit of global perspective shows that panic is unnecessary.
Calm action would serve better, not to mention providing a useful model for others.
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home