A Bribe Blocks Social Justice
Kids look to adults for answers. And what if the same adults uphold corruption?What is the Hidden Cost of Corruption to Children At-Risk?
How about mistrust of authorities? Bitterness? Rebellion? Crime?
Not a good list.
Maybe you heard about the Commonwealth Games for the first time as I did recently through a ministry partner in India. The Commonwealth Games at India have increased scrutiny on corruption issues affecting this country of over one billion. (Of course, we all know corruption exists in our own communities as well.)
One of the most interesting news stories that got attention because of the Games was an Indian website called “I Paid a Bribe.” The report totals for Bangalore alone have costs its people over 66 million rupees in bribes paid (http://www.ipaidabribe.com).
If you recognize how corruption negatively affects the ability of children to grow into healthy adults, you know that our Character Solutions program has been correcting this problem at its root for nearly two years in India.
Any good or service in a community built on a bad practice such as bribery hurts its most vulnerable: children, especially orphans! It is a lesson for us all.
“You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just.” (Exodus 23:8)
“His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice.” (1 Samuel 8:3)
But these are just my thoughts.
How do you think corruption affects children—especially those in poorer communities?
I’d be interested to read your comments.
-Byron
Links of Interest
(Mission to Children has no connection to any of these websites)
CNN Video on the Commonwealth Games and corruption
