Plunkitt of Tammany Hall

Corruption is the manipulation by those in authority, and it mainly entails bribery. In this regard, it has a number of consequences on culture, including inflation and economic depreciation. Corruption exists in several facets of the government in the United States, as it does in other countries around the world. Terrorism does not pose a challenge to commercial operations in the United States. Global investors should be reassured that they will be investing in a stable and competitive climate. Companies, on the other hand, face bureaucracy as a product of the reorganized company nature overseen by the government. Corruption has grown over time, reaching 66 percent in 2009. Currently, the reports from the U.S have indicated an increase in the data. Plunkitt of Tammany Hall book about corruption compares with corruption in the present times in several ways.

American politicians today do not represent the people but the ideologies and values of their supporters and the parties. Democracy in America has faced corruption it is difficult to phase it out despite its global leadership. In Western European countries, political operations are brief and funded by the public. United State conducts the campaigns differently where the funds are acquired from the government, and the process runs longer. The cash is collected from institutions such as tobacco companies and the public taxes (Klinghard 312). Politicians currently use federal resources to create a fortune. Plunkitt ruled in Tammany Hall for 40 years (Klinghard 438). The success of this leader was acquired from his political career since he held various positions such as assemblyman, alderman, police magistrate and county supervisor (Klinghard 512). With these views, the corrupt nature is depicted in how the individual earned three salaries a month which lead to his rapid growth.

The American politicians are easily bribed to decrease the rules set for organizations such as banking industry. The political corruption resulted in financial exploitation. The government had no control of auditing the finance sector hence the economy lapsed leading to crash experienced in 2008 (Klinghard 420). The villains who caused the crash which 90 percent of Americans have not yet recovered were not charged. Such a scenario indicates that corruption has heightened. Plunkitt, on the other hand, acquired wealth in what he referred to as honest graft. An example is getting tipped off when there was an upcoming project (Klinghard 460). Plunkett also bought land which was not in use and later sold it at a profit. Plunkitt accumulated profit in such methods and taking advantage of upcoming projects. The person purchased property and then sold it to the government for the creation of a park which included a swamp he had bought (Klinghard 488). Such methods of acquiring wealth were not corrupt compared to the present state of events.

The rich in America bribe the government to reduce taxes on their end. The policy among others the government is implementing creates a wealth inequality where the rich are worth $2 trillion as much as the poor 150 million American (Klinghard 488). In comparison to other eras, the level of corruption since such has never occurred. In Plunkett times, the young generation thought that politics involved a well-structured. Such was not the case. Governments needed more than just speeches. Plunkitt mobilized followers first before he could think of constructing an address (Klinghard 499). Plunkitt says that that is only to create a lasting foundation in politics. On the contrary, many politicians in America bribe their way up. The result is the corruption and favors of the rich who fund their campaigns. In a presidential debate, Donald Trump recognized the corrupt political state in America. Trump said that he had given most of the people money and offered help when they called (Klinghard 498). In return for the favor, when he needed for political support they gladly provide support. They mobilize people out of corrupt motives paying them in exchange for political support.

The civil service should consider including the youth to work for the government. They are supposed to first provide them with offices where they can perform their duties (Klinghard 480). By so doing the child will learn to become patriots to the country. Plunkitt gave this an example of reducing corruption in the society. However, the current is providing such favors to members their relatives hence no chances left for the youth. In the government, crime has been in existence for the longest time in that it is almost a culture. Most politicians engage in a game where they pay to be involved in politics (Klinghard 512). Few are caught practicing corruption, but there are those who are exposed. An example in is the case where Rep. Chaka Fattah and four of his associates were charged with enticement and mishandling funds meant for charity and campaign (Klinghard 512). If things are not corrected in the civil service they level of corruption will continuously raise which will lead to the downfall of America.

The federal State has a considerable number of prisoners in jail and prison. There is a future possibility of prisons being privatized hence corrupting the government system (Klinghard 487). Therefore, it is not right to create profit due to keeping citizens in prisons. Worse to it, there is a possibility of changes in the sentences given to those who commit crimes. Increased jail sentence for minor offenses in the rise and also giving jail sentence for life (Klinghard 488). Plunkitt points out that such measure aims at discouraging the youths from joining politics. The few that are not affected end up hating the system and opt to become anarchist (Klinghard 488). There are also known patriots who passed well the examination done to qualify in joining politics but are discouraged by those in position. Such people end up becoming revolutionaries and hating the present day way of leadership.

Lastly, present-day corruption is heightened compared to what existed during the era of Plunkitt. During the old times, politicians usually gained their wealth through taking advantage of a project and accumulating huge profits from it. Todays' politicians use selfish means to acquire wealth such as funds from industries. Plunkitt also acknowledges that campaigns were funded by citizens and did not last for long. Therefore, it is different from the current situations where the government supports politicians for the drives. Wealthy citizens also bribe politicians to reduce taxes on them hence the indigent population continues to suffer as they pay huge taxes while the wealth continues to accumulate wealth. There are also new policies where the United State has increased number of prisoners. There are plans for private prisons and also increase the sentence of individuals with minor crimes up to life imprisonment. Donald Trump recognized the corrupt state of the nation. The candidate openly says there are many among the citizens that call for financial support and him lenders to them. In return, when Trump requires their political support they grant him. Such are corrupt ways compared to Plunkitt definition of how he mobilized followers and supporters without giving them money.



Work Cited

Klinghard, Daniel. "Reading Plunkitt Of Tammany Hall In The Context Of Late Nineteenth Century Party Nationalization." Polity 43.4 (2011): 488-512.