RI DAILY

Manhattan's little, quieter island and beyond

Stories that matter, from the heart of the East River.

RI DAILY

Manhattan's little, quieter island and beyond

Reporting Roosevelt Island since sunrise.

Corruption… It’s Something We Know About Here in New York, But…

Is it so endemic in America that you’re better off learning to live with it than fighting it?? by David Stone The Roosevelt Island Daily News Absolutely not! Here’s why fighting corruption is like slaying a dragon (metaphorically, of course):Roosevelt...

Assorted Ideas New York News
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Is it so endemic in America that you’re better off learning to live with it than fighting it??

by David Stone

The Roosevelt Island Daily News

Absolutely not! Here’s why fighting corruption is like slaying a dragon (metaphorically, of course):

  • Corruption weakens everyone: It’s like a bully in the schoolyard. It might seem all-powerful, but it hurts everyone in the long run. Fairness and trust are key to a healthy society, and corruption eats those away.
  • The good guys can win!: History is full of people who fought for change. Think investigative journalists like Woodward and Bernstein exposing scandals or everyday citizens protesting for reform. Even small acts of courage can inspire others.
  • There are weapons! Transparency laws, strong ethics regulations, and an empowered justice system are all like a knight’s armor in the fight against corruption.

Sure, corruption can be stubborn, but refusing to fight it is like letting the dragon win without a struggle. There are ways to make government and business more accountable. Here are some ideas:

  • Get involved! Support organizations fighting corruption or attend town hall meetings to hold your representatives accountable.
  • Educate yourself! Learn how to spot the signs of bad government and how the system works.
  • Speak up! If you see something wrong, report it. Your voice matters.

Fighting corruption is a continuous quest, but the alternative is a society where everyone loses. So, grab your metaphorical sword and join the fight for a better future!

Unequal Bargains

Unequal Bargains

The Screen We Could Not See

On June 18, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s Real Estate Development Advisory Committee gathered to discuss ground leases, the master retail lease, and the ten additional years being offered under the Island’s master lease. Howard L. Polivy, the committee’s chair, opened the meeting as a longtime host shows guests through a familiar house, pointing out the furniture as if it had never moved an inch.