Why worry about reputation, when you can by another?

I have been pondering what factors affect actions (and words), especially amongst those who seek and/or crave the trappings of power and influence over others.

Well, there are rules. Well, it seems these are made to be... if not broken... 'interpreted' in unique ways.

Then there is the law. But it seems this comes in a variety of forms; one for some, another for the rest of us.

But how about money? In all its forms (pay, pensions, perks, privilege) I think that has indeed been shown to be potent, especially as it seems it can often be bestowed, often to excess, without question, while the chances of withdrawal, or better yet, restitution, are near zero.

And, of course, security. Especially of the money flow. Again, this seems a near guarantee, save for running over a nun whilst giving a BNP hitchhiker a lift and swigging neat gin at the wheel (though some Lords might even get a pass here depending on which cards are played, that our police and legal systems don't feel like tackling).

Which really only leaves how things feel (to the protagonist) and/or how they look (to others whose feelings and views they may or may not care about). This can manifest itself in a variety of ways: ethics, morals, sense of shame... honour. And could it be a significant restraint.

Well, at least it used to. Now there is just the money.

Which is an interesting legacy from the last 12 years, and 'a job' some still appear to feel the current incumbents (of the House, though I do hold the current government mostly accountable, as that is a long time not to get anything right, and indeed to also mess up so much else) should be allowed to 'get on with'.

Sadly, I fear I must disagree. And it is hard to feel much but for contempt for any in this rotten system who have long since given up on worrying about reputations since realising, or perhaps arranging, that compromise in this area does not need to affect a very comfortable standard of living funded on the backs of others who have been so consummately screwed.