Rath said:
Government is one of the few institutions that are directly and publicly accountable. If a private company acts unethically who holds them accountable? Is it their consumers (who really just want the lowest price/best product)? Is it their shareholders (who really just want the greatest profits)? If a government acts unethically they are held accountable at the next election. |
Except when they aren't. Which is pretty much all the time.
Italy, Greece and Japan are all pretty good examples of countries with longstanding well known corruption that went rampant. Russia is another great example.
Or hell, the United States. 20% or less aproval ratings for congress... 85-90% retention rates. They can do whatever they want and not be held accoutnable.
Drone strikes that kill more civilians then actual terrorist targets, nobody really cares.
Congress insider trading for god knows how long... a lot of people just assume that most if not all of congress is in the pockets of some special interest or another... Ie corruption... yet, nothing.
Companies actually tend to be influenced MORE by actual public opinion... not happy with Nike, there are plenty of other shoe companys out there.
Not happy with your political party? Your lucky if you have two other shitty choices out there who are for the same things... live in a place like most places in the US where lines are gerrymandered to assure one party wins? Your representiative can do whatever the hell he wants and get elected, not unless someone credible from the same party runs against him in a primary.
