corruption firebrand, Anna Hazare, has struck a chord with a wide swath of the population, much to the surprise and increasing dismay of his country's entrenched political class. His jailing and subsequent release at the virulent urging of Indians, who took to the streets to demand it, is a clear sign that the voice of the Indian people can still be heard above the obfuscating statements of those who profit from the culture of corruption that permeates not only India but numerous other countries in the world. India is clearly not alone in subjugating its poorest citizens to the corruption of police and government officials who routinely demand non-legislated fees for performing routine duties. There are other countries which also watch corporate and government figures siphon funds earmarked for needed projects into their own or family members' bank accounts. In these countries there is a simmering resentment among the people who have no choice but to pay non-existent fees that only line the pockets of corrupt and cowardly bureaucrats. “Culture of corruption” is the exact term for what transpires in such nations. Just as the populace as a whole tends to imitate the likes of fellow citizens - be it in music, TV shows, restaurants or other elements of popular culture - siphoning public or corporate funds into private bank accounts is equally subject to imitation. But there is a serious difference between developing a like for a particular popular song or singer based on a neighbor's or friend's influence and stealing money because “everybody else does it.” Stealing is prohibited in every religion, and there are laws against it in every country in the world. But when it is widespread, especially at an official level, it appears to be condoned. If the people at the top are stealing, then it seems a rational assumption that it is OK to steal at every lower level. The Kingdom has taken action against corruption by establishing the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) which has been given considerable power to crack down on corrupt government officials and to combat financial and administrative fraud. The commission, which is linked directly to the King and is an independent financial and administrative legal entity, is led by a president appointed at the rank of minister. Such positive action needs to be taken by other nations before people in those countries fed up with corrupt officials take to the streets to demand change. __
