I'm going to pop in hot on this discourse. Maybe because this is a matter that has burdened me, and one I keep seeing continually thrive in my nation, and other nations of common disaster. The resultant effect of which is a heartbreaking reality to face. Yes, this matter is a case of corruption; a serious one that has given rise and longevity to many other cases of corruption, and is still giving rise to many others.
This is a concern about the inequality spread from and through the government. The government, through the democratic system of governance we have here was meant to be a system that provides the people with power, regardless of tribe, religion, and even financial status. However, we see a different narrative. One that suggests; and it's obviously clear that power and wealth and the benefits of the nation reside with the rich, while the people of low status have no share in it. Is the government for the rich, to favour them?
Now, that's an imperative question. The funny thing is, we all know the answer. Through the acts of the United Nations on Human Rights, we know it's meant to be that all humans are treated equally, without any bias due to status and the likes. What we see today in a country like mine and many other countries calls for a reconsideration and questioning if indeed the government serves the interests of the masses coherently, or a select few who make behind-the-scenes decisions.
Maybe we can say the government is for the rich and powerful, because I can't fathom why even getting admission to school which you would end up spending your own money on, is a case of power, connection and those in high positions. A friend was telling me some days back how his friend’s brother who applied for a university got all the requirements and had a cut-off mark way more than the required. But then, his admission was withheld and a huge amount of money was required. Somehow, his name which was seen on the list was later replaced with another's.
Let's not even go to the issue of getting jobs. You can understand why I say this itself gives rise to other forms of corruption, not just that it is corruption. The public and masses are denied amenities and things they deserve, even for what they worked for. But you know what happens in the end? Nothing. Of course, the rich and powerful are there in those positions controlling and letting these things be because they have their shared interest.
The leverage on resources against the people; the common man, gives rise to this conversation. Resources provide a great hold on power. These determine the life of a people and the things they are willing to do. Appropriate distribution of resources and amenities as supposed would grant a better life, and the people wouldn't need to do the bidding of higher powers to gain some favours. And that, is why policies, institutions and the economy as a whole are tilted away from the poor masses, to make the rich and those in power stay relevant.
This itself is a sickening pandemic. I hope we come out of it.
Images are AI generated.