March 18, 2017

In the third world contracts are let and relet often to the relatives of El Supremo without any work actually being done. Or the construction is so poorly done that it falls down because the builder doesn’t use enough (or any) rebar and pays off the inspectors. This is even true in somewhat developed countries like Turkey and Panama.But it is extremely rare here largely because it is in the interests of organized labor to see that the work is to code. But the work does get done and done well. What corruption we have is generally a matter of going over budget to the advantage of the designers et al and with the builders skimming some graft off the top. There is no comparison between what the developed world calls corruption and corruption in countries where there is a wide chasm between the governing / business class and the rest of the people who they hardly consider human. The leadership class feels entitled far more than does our citizenry of any class. I expect that the Saudi princes see nothing wrong in this guy’s behavior. Bottom line: When Americans complain about corruption or entitlements they are using an American ideal as a measure. No wonder so many people want to come here. The country doesn’t need to be made great again, By any worldwide measure it and Europe are great. It is good that we beat on ourselves so much but the price is that we lose perspective.