Did I ever tell you about the time I was offered an inspector job?
Applying in a major city with a legacy of (no surprise) of corruption, I took the first test in a room filled with folks in natty suits and city uniforms. I have no way of knowing for sure, but I think I was the only applicant with any trade background. The others were either city employees (who had preference) or eager graduates of various 'certified inspector' career paths.
After all the various hoops were jumped through, I placed 7th. on the list ... and was ultimately offered the job. Mind you, by then the economy had tanked and the job was placed on 'hold.' Two years later the job opened up again, and I was contacted. Having sunk roots elsewhere by then, I declined.
The man the city hired was arrested seven months later, and charged with corruption.
Imagine that. Not that the city didn't try, what with their screening process, background checks, and whatnot.
Power corrupts. There's financial corruption, and there is corruption of the soul - where a man begins to think he's no longer a mere mortal. As some wag once said, the abuse of power is always in the right hands. From the chief executive who expects all the pomp of a Pope, to the lowliest clerk who terrorizes everyone with the paperwork.
