Corruption in Mexico
INTRODUCTION
It is difficult to examine many of the problems currently going on in Mexico without the word "corruption" being thrown around. It is assumed that most government officials, judges, and police officers are on the take, either from each other, the public, or drug cartels.
How has corruption become such an ingrained part of Mexican society, and why is it so difficult - if not impossible - to stamp out?
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
In colonial times, the buying and selling of indulgences, of public offices and titles, military ranks trafficking, confiscation of goods, were daily practice. All these occur between wealthy families and of course, all people linked with the Spanish crown,
Rulers, civilians and ecclesiastical always were trying to advantage complexities of bureaucratic structure to made large fortunes and got expensive properties.
After independence, the system continued because bureaucrats needed some way to make up for the shortfalls in their incomes from small tax revenues.
"In most cases there just wasn't enough money to pay for the services people needed, so corruption developed as a means of raising revenue, although it has always been more than a way of financing government operations."
**In modern Mexico, this system attempts to ensure that services are rendered to certain people. As in colonial times, it also attempts to make up the shortfall in salaries. Mexican government officials say that corruption is almost a necessity in Mexico to maintain order and stability. It is seen as a way of life. As long as most people feel they are getting their share - even if it is through corrupt means - then it keeps the masses happy.
Another angle of corruption in Mexico is the dreaded "silver or lead," meant as take the bribe or take the bullet. This is a form of corruption encouraged by fear, as opposed to social acceptance or economic survival. Many police officers in Mexico are corrupt because they or their families are
It is difficult to examine many of the problems currently going on in Mexico without the word "corruption" being thrown around. It is assumed that most government officials, judges, and police officers are on the take, either from each other, the public, or drug cartels.
How has corruption become such an ingrained part of Mexican society, and why is it so difficult - if not impossible - to stamp out?
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
In colonial times, the buying and selling of indulgences, of public offices and titles, military ranks trafficking, confiscation of goods, were daily practice. All these occur between wealthy families and of course, all people linked with the Spanish crown,
Rulers, civilians and ecclesiastical always were trying to advantage complexities of bureaucratic structure to made large fortunes and got expensive properties.
After independence, the system continued because bureaucrats needed some way to make up for the shortfalls in their incomes from small tax revenues.
"In most cases there just wasn't enough money to pay for the services people needed, so corruption developed as a means of raising revenue, although it has always been more than a way of financing government operations."
**In modern Mexico, this system attempts to ensure that services are rendered to certain people. As in colonial times, it also attempts to make up the shortfall in salaries. Mexican government officials say that corruption is almost a necessity in Mexico to maintain order and stability. It is seen as a way of life. As long as most people feel they are getting their share - even if it is through corrupt means - then it keeps the masses happy.
Another angle of corruption in Mexico is the dreaded "silver or lead," meant as take the bribe or take the bullet. This is a form of corruption encouraged by fear, as opposed to social acceptance or economic survival. Many police officers in Mexico are corrupt because they or their families are