Trump, Not Trump

Donald Trump on the campaign trail in Las Vegas, Nevada June 18, 2016. REUTERS/David Becker/Files

The Scratching Post has a great post about Trump. I especially like his opening statement:

Donald Trump as a candidate is primal scream therapy for the right. He is the embodiment of our rage against the corrupt news media, the incompetent expert class and the neo-Nazi education industry.

Righteous anger is all good fun until you're hitting serious troubles and then it actively prevents working on solutions.

Good advice if you want to get serious.

But let me wander off the straight and narrow and out into the weeds where we can smell the car tires burning. The best thing about Trump is the way he is able to turn half of the country into deranged lunatics just by opening his mouth. I don't have that problem, I never listen to him. Shoot, the only people I listen to are actual people who are right in front of me. My politics are pretty much driven by the price of gold and gasoline, and since both parties are spending money like drunken sailors, I don't expect any improvement within the, well, ever, actually.

I suppose things could get better if we purged all the corrupt officials, but I'm a little afraid that might look like gang warfare. Now I'm wondering if any countries had any success in rooting out corruption, so I asked ChatGPT:

Yes, several countries have undertaken successful campaigns to root out corruption. It's important to note that the success of such campaigns can vary, and eradicating corruption is an ongoing challenge. Here are a few examples:

Singapore: Singapore is often cited as a success story in combating corruption. The country implemented strict anti-corruption measures and established institutions like the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB). The government's commitment to transparency and accountability has contributed to Singapore's relatively low levels of corruption.

Hong Kong: Hong Kong has a strong anti-corruption framework, and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has been effective in investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption. The ICAC's success is often attributed to its independence and the support it receives from the public.

Rwanda: Rwanda has made significant progress in reducing corruption. The government implemented anti-corruption reforms, established an ombudsman office, and promoted a culture of accountability. Rwanda's efforts have been recognized internationally for their impact on reducing corruption levels.

Georgia: Georgia has been praised for its successful anti-corruption initiatives. The country implemented comprehensive reforms, including the digitization of public services to minimize opportunities for corruption. These efforts have contributed to improvements in Georgia's corruption perception rankings.

Denmark: Denmark consistently ranks high on global corruption perception indices. The country's success is attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong legal framework, transparent institutions, and a culture of integrity.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of anti-corruption campaigns often depends on a combination of legal reforms, institutional strength, public awareness, and international cooperation. Additionally, addressing corruption is an ongoing process, and countries may face new challenges over time.

Notice that all of these countries are small places. I'm wondering if there is a critical mass above which corruption is inevitable. 

If it's Trump vs. Biden in the next election, I'll be voting for Trump. I find it hard to imagine that the Democrats will put Biden up again, but nothing anybody in the top tier is doing makes any sense. The Democrats could put up a literal sock puppet and with their lock on the media, they could make it look like the answer to our prayers. God help us.