as the man you met in Mexico described. She was there through most of the Marcos years where corruption was widespread all the way from the local cops up to the presidency. As she described it, virtually anyone could be bought off - cops, building inspectors, you name it. As a result, there was no trust in anything. Despite recent efforts to wipe out the corruption, it's hard to undo the effects of decades of crooked public officials.

Think about how much of our daily lives is based on trust - both of our fellow citizens and of the government. Think of what would happen if we allowed that kind of corruption to spread throughout our society. Yes, we do have corruption here but I venture to suggest it's not yet as rampant or widespread as in countries like Mexico or the Philippines. That's why I became so enraged at those who excuse politicians when they're caught breaking the law, ANY LAW, for short term political gain.