Corrupt Officials: Do the locals care?

it occurs to me that the real issue here has not been mentioned. As long as we live in a society that is based on capitalism, maybe any society, we will experience greed, corruption, crime, poverty, misuse and abuse of the people, power and money at some level. The real issue is accountability. This moderates and regulates and minimizes what people in power can "get away with". Many good points have been raised here and many opinions have been stated. Accountability is what keeps the abuses of people, power and money in check.

"As long as we live in a society that is based on capitalism, maybe any society, we will experience greed, corruption, crime, poverty, misuse and abuse of the people, power and money at some level. "

And I'm sure you have you have a better alternative than "a society based on capitalism". It ain't capitalism's fault.

"A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm." - Henrik Ibsen

Change comes through individuals who take action and lead by example. Gretta George, "Jack", VI Daily News, .... - these, and many more, are fine examples of individuals in your community who are effecting positive change - some in the bright light of day and others who silently inspire greatness.

"Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced." (James Arthur Baldwin)

I will be an official newbie,on 1/28/06.I have been reading everything concerning crime/curruption in the VI.If you don't mind me saying it,I have lived all over the mainland US and AK island,and many terrible things have happened due to my beleiving all of what was said about high/or low crime in an area in the media.Some of the places I was told that were low crime and quite safe,ended up costing me dearly,from putting my guard down to much.Other places that were toughted to being high crime areas were just a matter of staying away from the more crime ridden areas,and being wary of your surroundings.There was usually more police visibility in the areas in question,so were more opportunities to get help if something DID happen.Have also lived where white police curruption was just as bad/or worse than what it is said to be like in some places on the VI.Covered up murder of unarmed innocent people,authority figures all the way up to the prosecutors and judge being on the take,to the highest bidder/or to anyone who was their friends.The judge was a known hypokondriak,Prosecuting attorney went to next town on weekends to do drugs,cops all drank and drove drunk,false grudge arrests,illegal breaking/entry with no warrants,letting anyone who were their friends beat and harrass anybody they wanted without fear of repercussions.Everyone was bought and paid for.Even the cops, (high school aged boys) were allowed to go to peoples houses with guns and shoot things up with people inside,with NOONE stopping them...So,I guess I can't imagine that if I am wary about where I go,and when I go places.There should be few problems to living in the beautiful VI.Since I don't drink,I don't have the DUI worries,and I very rarely go out at night,so that pretty much cuts my altercation chances,down to size HUH????Am looking forward to raising my daughter in a more diverse culture,letting her live among differences oflanguage, living,food,etc.We can learn so much from other peoples way of life.I am willing to blend in as best I can,and learn from the locals,and hopefully make some good friends...LA