Quote:
Originally Posted by Rnrboy
The contradiction of terms is that I also sincerely doubt we are #49, as Forbes puts it. And substantively, the argument veered into a debate about corruption when one of the other posters raised that issue. That is what I was responding to. If you honestly believe all studies on corruption in all states are meaningless (despite a pretty consistent trend - which usually belies your belief), then you are automatically ceding the discussion to others. You've already admitted you believe corruption is unfalsifiable. I, of course, find this to be a totally ridiculous cop out, but I appreciate that you admit you have no idea how corrupt we are in any way, shape, or form - other than silly message board anecdotes.
To me, if I find every single study ranking us much lower than your anecdotal "evidence" suggests, that's a pretty huge rebuttal. But hey, I like believe in science and stuff more than hearsay. Maybe you just surround yourself with corrupt individuals and you think we're all like that? I don't know.
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So you doubt the #49 ranking, show us an alternative study or theory that suggests otherwise. You know it, you cannot. The only counter you have is your opinion of Forbes Magazine, while you fail to demonstrate how the survey is invalid. It is you who is "copping out" here.
Any pea brain can see why these corruption surveys cannot truly measure the scope of the problem as even the most naive understand that an organization with no competition (in this case the state) cannot be relied on to police itself. If you can come up with a way to measure the real level of corruption going on, please let me know.
There are some pretty reliable indicators however (to those with a little common sense and/or who haven't been hiding under a rock) that a state has more than it's share of corruption:
High rate of spending. Check (especially when crap is received in return) double check for RI!
One party rule. Check
Poor business climate. Check (Well, I guess those like Chafee living their little fairy-tale might disagree)
High admin. costs/overhead. Check
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