The scale of corruption as well as the wealth that the corrupt in the country and elsewhere command seem to have sullied the image of money, the term believed to originate from a temple on one of Rome’s seven hills, where the mint of ancient Rome was located. It is said of water that not only it flows from a higher level to a lower level but also finds its own level, it is elementary knowledge about the path that money takes. The classic definition of money that “Money is what money does” leaves one wondering what it cannot do. If there was no money (in any form in use), the world would not have witnessed the emergence of the corrupt. Scholars are of the view that the first stamped coins were minted around 650-600 BC (that is more than 2,600 years ago). Paper money, thought to have been first used in China dates back to 7th century. A more inclusive term that conveys inexhaustible meaning of money, according to experts is financial capital, which in turn clearly portrays the money power of an individual, including the corrupt amidst us.

Hypothetically, if the society was an inclusive one money-wise, it is hard to imagine people indulging in corrupt practices in pursuit of amassing wealth. Further, the famous law of diminishing marginal satiety (satisfaction or delight) doesn’t apply at all when it comes to acquiring large amounts of money, by mostly foul means.

In an open display of unbounded gullibility many lay people are asking the question: How are the netas siphoning public funds in crores of rupees as reported in the media nowadays? Where is all their wealth in cash and real estate stashed? Those who claim to be knowledgeable about the personal side to the life of netas may be knowing the answer to such questions, but most of them prefer to be tight-lipped leaving the aam aadmi feeling utterly helpless. One of the conduits in which money flows to the pocket of the corrupt like the river water as it were suggests itself. Hatch big money projects in the name of development, get it approved by the Cabinet of the Government, award the contract for executing the civil works to one or the other henchmen of the top brass in the administration, pass the inflated bill submitted by the contractor and grab the cuts, the entire exercise seeming to be smooth and free from suspicion.

Making full-throated statements glorifying the farmers and expressing concern for the poor is the fail-safe smoke screen for the netas to carry on unhindered in the conduit of the corrupt like an automobile on the highway, as the lay people watch helplessly.