Corruption, since it is hidden, is by its very nature undemocratic. Socially, corruption is destructive of morality and public decency. It undermines and weakens strong social values that are necessary for a true modern democratic system to function. It also reduces a sense of crime and guilt because if corrupt acts can be done with impunity, other types of theft and criminal activity will be more likely to occur. These costs of corruption add up and must be addressed.
Old habits are hard to break but there is a changing environment concerning corruption.
We need to embrace this change in attitude and lead the effort to reduce corruption and its debilitating costs. Mr. Chairman, it wasn't long ago that businessmen would brag privately about their illicit business practices. Corruption was part of the business of doing business. Now, there are conferences on corruption and there is a growing recognition that the topic must be addressed. Although corrupt practices have certainly not been eliminated, there is a much greater sense that corruption is wrong and needs to be minimized.