Asia Expats Forum

DirtyHarry · Novice Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 39 Location:

I am a bit late to this party Laughing

But having worked and lived in Vietnam for years, I have come to hate the Communist system and the entailed corruption.

There is no way that corruption can have any beneficial effect on a country. It saps the strength and motivation of the citizens. It clouds the business environment for entrepreneurs. Last but not least, it drastically reduces tax revenue that would have gone into public projects that benefit the nation.

Someone mentioned the culture of giving "gift". I believe this exists in the West also, although probably less prevalent than in Asia and perhaps Africa.

I see a slight difference between this practice and outright corruption. For example, if someone provides an outstanding service for you and you buy him a sumptuous dinner or give him an expensive gift, how is that different from giving the waiter at the restaurant a large tip.

What gets my goat is when the service provider expects something before even lifting a finger. That's like the waiter asking for his tip before he would even bring you the menu!!!
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Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely!

Mike · Site Admin Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 4512 Location:

agree with u 1000%

in thailand--one often has to grease some palms before getting a government provided service. Although it is getting better
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