CORRUPTION.

cor·rup·tion

/kəˈrəpSH(ə)n/

noun

• 1. dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery "the journalist who wants to expose corruption in high places" synonyms: dishonesty, unscrupulousness, double-dealing, fraud, fraudulence, ... moreantonyms: honesty
• 2. the process by which something, typically a word or expression, is changed from its original use or meaning to one that is regarded as erroneous or debased synonyms: alteration, bastardization, debasement, adulteration

 College history--American post-civil war, was very focused on specific instances.  It led me to believe that it was both rare in the past and unheard of in modern times.

•   During the Truman (D) administration, 196 local IRS staffers were found to be corrupt,pervasive systemic scandals, such as the role of money in normal politics, which purchases access and influence. Neither are 'revolving door' stories, which is the practice of hiring government officials to promote or lobby for companies they were recently paid to regulate. Though some rules now apply, to a great extent this is legal in the United States.

• Veterans Health Administration scandal of 2014 - It was discovered that officials in the Phoenix VA hospital lied about how long the wait times were for veterans to see a doctor.^[1] An investigation of delays is being conducted by the Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General.^[2][3] The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, General Eric Shinseki, voluntarily resigned.^[4]

• ATF gunwalking scandal – Attorney General Eric Holder was held in Contempt of Congress after refusing to release all documents which the House of Representatives had demanded concerning the Fast and Furious gun walking operation. (2012)^[5]
• Martha N. Johnson, head of the General Services Administration, fired two top GSA officials and then resigned herself after it was revealed that $822,000 had been spent in Las Vegas on a four-day training conference for 300 GSA employees. (2010)^{[7][8][9][10]}

• Dennis Hastert (R-IL) pled not guilty to charges that he violated banking rules and lied to the FBI in a scheme to pay $3.5 million in hush money to conceal sexual misconduct with an under age boy from his days as a high school wrestling coach.(2015)^[21][22]
•  Aaron Schock (R-IL) resigned his position after weeks of allegations that he used campaign funds for travel, redecorated his office with taxpayer funds to resemble the Downton Abbey TV series (a series about English nobility) sets, and other questionable personal uses.(2015)^[23] Schock's senior adviser Benjamin Cole resigned his position because he allegedly condemned "hood rats" and "black miscreants" in internet posts. Schock's office stated, "I am extremely disappointed by the inexcusable and offensive online comments made by a member of my staff.”

Hands in the cookie jar corruption seem most likely to create scandal. but there are other kinds.  Cover-ups of criminal behavior by those that are in law enforcement.  Cover up of creepy medical practices aimed at increasing profits with no benefit to the patient. Participating in routines that you know wouldn't look good on the evening news is not that uncommon.  And employees need their jobs.  If an opportunity to advance and make more money arises that involves a slightly shady side--that just might be job security.

What happened to our internal moral compasses?  When did we stop saying "I can't do that, that would be wrong"   Don't start about the loss of religion in our lives, some of the biggest and most horrifying stories come straight out of religion.  Religion is not internalized.  Beliefs are.  And in America these days, we have no problem espousing a religion while condoning practices that are forbidden by that same religion.

I'm not talking about accepting homosexuality or not stoning witches.  I'm talking about ignoring the very universal beliefs such as loving our neighbor and caring for the sick and poor.  I'm talking about forgiveness and acceptance.  I'm talking about being honest and keeping your word and doing what you say you will do.

How did corruption become all right as long as you don't get caught.