Although a renewed interest in the insightful Lord Acton, of ‘power corrupts’ fame, inspired the idea of developing the Acton Scale, a proposed measure of potential corruption in any given public officer.
I’m hoping to post my initial outlines on the Acton Scale in the next few days. I say initial because I hope this might become an ‘open development’ project which goes beyond humour to some sort of functionality.
I guess the main purpose is to create a scale which is capable of predicting corruption on the basis of ability and opportunity. A bit like a dog licking its privates, because it can!
Early thoughts are to a purely subjective measure presented like the Richter Scale but probably closer to the Mercalli Scale in methodology.
So in our simple way we arrive at something like:
Score Observable phenomenon
Less than 3.5 Generally not felt, seen or recorded
3.5 – 5.4 Occasionally felt but rarely taken seriously
Under 6 Can cause damage if tea service is refused
6.1 – 7.5 Is capable of occasional, short lived impact
Count your fingers after a handshake
7.5 – 8 A mover and shaker. Usually behind the scenes
8 – 9 A serious, upfront power. Carries a lot of weight
9 or greater Joe Stalin territory.
Of course the simplified scale needs to recognise elected and appointed public officers as variations on one theme. More difficult is incorporating the ‘backroom’ operators, the Abramoff’s, who undoubtedly wield enormous power in the system.
So while investigators and the courts grapple with the wealth of corruption revealed during 2005, we will entertain ourselves with this project. Of course ‘Casino’ Jack et al are supplying some first class case studies for developing the program.
Any assistance gratefully received.
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