Political corruption (power) and business corruption (greed) is the source of poverty. How do we stop it here?

Question

What can, if anything, the United Nations do to prevent international politcal and business corruption? It's this obession with power and greed that negates all the outstanding efforts of such organizations as ONE. The result is that our bandaids of relief become temporary and in the end, people continue to suffer and die.

Answer 1

I wish I had a simple answer. Somehow, the greedy ones have to evolve in order to see what they are doing is hurting so many others.
The internet may well be a big plus-if it is used for the common good. There are many of us out there that really care-maybe we can make a difference.

Answer 2

Your premise is flawed. Poverty existed long before there were politicians or corporations, so they clearly cannot be considered "the cause".
The case can be made however, that governments and corporations, despite all their money and influence, have had little impact on worldwide poverty levels. The reason for this, as you rightly note, is corruption. It occurs at all levels of all beauracracies, and is by definiton a self-serving endeavor. As a result, it serves as a parasite on the good intentions and resources of others by funneling them instead towards their own personal gain.
The UN is the biggest offender in this regard. Many of the countries represented therein do not even consider corruption a crime. In some cultures it's a way of life.

Answer 3

business corruption stems from political corruption. political corruption is a natural by-product of a system of wealth redistribution. As long as there is government booty to collect, the rich and the powerful will always have the upper hand against the poor. And this just isn't corporations, it is special interest groups, lobbyists, and unions as well. If there is a prize to be won, there will be people who will play the game.

The source of poverty is two-fold.

Fiat currency lets the government print as much money as it wants. This lets well-connected bankers and their buddies get rich, while the common man's buying power slips through his fingers. Return money to a commodity based currency (the gold standard, which Alan Greenspan advocated for decades).

The other source of poverty are subsidies and corporate welfare. They allow a few powerful corporations to win government favors in order to snuff out honest competitors. This is leading to the increased plutocracization of the economy, as the up and comer has enormous political obstacles in his way, and the only ones capable of playing are the big dogs.

Answer 4

I do not believe in your statement about power and greed but corruption is a symptom of loving money. The UN can not stop those things from happening. You have the power to shut it down. Vote for morally correct people to be in office. Do not purchase goods or services from companies that not return at least 10% of the annual NET worth to a worthy charity. Teach other people to do the same. And by the way the good book does not say that money is the root of all evil it say that the LOVE of money is the root of all evil. Money is an inanimate object that can be used for good or bad depending on the person.

Answer 5

The UN can do nothing to stop corruption. They themselves are often corrupt. As far as helping different countries with poverty the best thing to do is export capitalism. People are by nature "greedy". The extent of the "greed" varies from one individual to the next. If the person is a little "greedy" we call it self-interest and it is healthy. If the person is a lot "greedy" we call it greed and it is manifested in the ways you referred to in your question. Self-interest is what makes capitalism work and like it or not it does work. I hope this helps. (All the aid in the world does nothing unless the country to which it is sent is politically & militarily stable.)

Answer 6

"Money is the source of all evil"...
It's the people in control that make things what they are, not power itself. People can always choose to do the right thing with their power and ignore money. I don't know anyone that wouldn't let power get to their head.
The only solution is basically to creat a state of nature, which might be worse. More death...
There is honestly no way to stop greed.

Answer 7

The ultimate power lies with the people. Political corruption will end when the people vote in honorable and decent leaders. And the consumer always has the final word in business. You stop buying...they go out of business.

Its high time people stopped looking to their governments or other organizations to make the changes necessary. They need to recognize the power they hold in their hands, and exercise it! And if they don't, then they get what they deserve.

Answer 8

First of all, your premise is completely wrong. Corruption does not cause poverty. It can contribute, but it is not the only or most important cause.

The UN can do nothing about poverty because the UN does not have the authority to do anything about it.

If you wan to end poverty, you must convince your fellow man to be a good and decent person. You can't do it through taxation and government programs.

Answer 9

The people have to be as one in not taking part at the operational level.

( Political police and the various government organisms working from the ground up that implement policy. )

If what is visible in the statute books is taken up by prosecutors then they must do so without acting as though they see nothing.

No one should criticize them for doing so til this basic dynamic for evil is eradicated. Needless to say these must be peerlessly honest and dedicated individuals.

Answer 10

Create a world wide law that limits the population that each country can govern. Like 20 million citizens. So basically the United States would be divided into 18-20 countries, making it easier for each country to govern its citizens.