Until the arrival of such concepts as civil rights, consumer rights and human rights after the Second World War, it was pretty much expected that the main function of public officials was to supervise the transfer of
public resources and assets into private hands and to enrich their constituents and supporters. Indeed, the notion that public officials are charged with promoting civil rights and the general welfare came as quite a shock and the adherents of the Republican party are still attached to the former practice.

So, John McCain's efforts to smooth a deal that will enrich his friends shouldn't be considered unusual. Nevertheless, his efforts are an example of what we now consider corruption. In part, that's because, as our public resources and assets have become debased and depleted, our concept of ethics has evolved to expect that public officials carry out the duties of good stewards and not as dispensers of favors to their riends.

It's not right to dole out the nation's natural inheritance in exchange for a mess of porridge.