Corruption undemines confidence

[SMAX]

The belittling of the person asking the question does not assist or encourage group participation┘

Please think before being disparaging.

The question is reasonable (even though it may not have been best phrased). Corruption is without a doubt the fuel of human rights abuse. It allows it to continue unabated and undressed. Those suffer from its effects and impact has now where to turn. If they cannot feel confident that the person they need to seek help from are not likely to assist.

Corruption to the extent that is reported in Ukraine is a serious issue. It undermines public confidence and perpetuates abuse of human rights. It is a form of misuse of power. If a person creates a situation in order to obtain profit or turns their back on a situation because they have been bought then where can you turn? A friend of mine wrote to me and said since ⌠perestroika■, they no longer have faith or trust in their government. There are many businesses that I know have turned there back on Ukraine because of the issues related to doing business in Ukraine. The cost is too high.

Changes to the laws, their implementation and enforcement all rely on a system working as intended. If you allow corruption to continue unabated then the interests of those who abuse their position of power and profit from it will only seek to perpetuate the abuse √ They would not want to see the profit disappear.

Corruption is as bad as drug abuse. It is equally as addictive and economically and sociality destructive.

The best way to begin to address corruption is to remove the basis and cause of it. Economic growth and activity, security and reassurance are all part maintaining a healthy society. If you remove/weed out corruption then the garden can begin to grow and prosper. Confidence in doing business returns and society gains strength and benefits all round.

[andrewblow]

I accept that corruption exists in every culture and society, but Ukraine certainly appears to me to have more than it's fair share. I currently have 2 wonderful Ukrainian ladies staying in my house (for 2 weeks) and the husband of one of them had a very successful sausage factory.....that was until the tax men came a-calling !

He was given two options - pay 86% tax - or become a 'friend', meaning drink in the same bars and use the same women, etc., etc., which would result in a reduction in taxation. This would mean 'licenced fraud' and - as a committed christian he could not accept this, and so - unable to survive on 14 % income - he had to close the factory.

He was totally aware that the '86%' would not all go to the government - a large proportion would end up in the taxman's pocket - but what can a guy do - complain to the police !!!!........go to the tax office!!!! > they're all in it together.

I feel privileged to live in such a (basically) lawful country as England and I am also privileged to be able to help my friends in certain ways. May God help those who WANT to help themselves and come to the aid of those under the heal of unrighteous taxmen.

ANDREW