Fighting corruption with prayer

BY THOMAS R. MITCHINSON

Hearts around the globe weep for Zimbabwe, which, like some other developing countries, is struggling with political corruption. Not long ago, the head of the Zimbabwe Peace Project was refused a court-ordered release from jail because of her opposition to the current government. Others have been murdered because of their political affiliation. Lawyers defending a Zimbabwean human rights activist recently said the rule of law has "absolutely broken down" in that country.

A breakdown in the rule of law may take different forms depending on the culture or society. For example, it's not uncommon to hear that relief supplies don't get to those in need because of political red tape or corrupt rulers who commandeer them for their own purposes. Several governments have been in collusion with illegal drug dealers, and some years ago, the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States was forced to resign because of bribery allegations. Various websites keep track of such political scandals, and the list is long.

Bribery, extortion, nepotism, and embezzlement aren't pleasant to think about, but allowing such behavior to continue undermines political and economic development. Corruption abuses human rights by stifling political opposition; and it can even lead to loss of life. In my own state of Illinois, an accident that killed six children led to an investigation of high-ranking officials, who were accused of selling trucking licenses to unqualified drivers in exchange for bribes.