Corruption grows slowly 121210
When iron is exposed to moist conditions where air is available it begins to rust. The process is so slow that it is difficult to notice at first. Sometimes this happens in a hidden place such that the deterioration of the metal becomes invisible. The invisibility of the corrosion, however, does not mean that it is not happening. It is only a matter of time before it becomes evident to all.
Most metal structures have to be coated with a layer of paint or other non-reactive metals in order to make sure they do not corrode in this way. This is temporary sometimes, in that as soon as the layer preventing rusting is removed for some reason, the rusting begins. The moment the metal is exposed to the elements it automatically starts deteriorating. This is because on their own, these metals are unable to stop the reactions that take place when they are exposed to air and water. These reactions are natural, such that they occur involuntarily. The only way to make sure that there is no rusting is to make sure that the conditions that encourage the process are eliminated all the time.
A metal that has rusted does not look attractive at all. If anything, it is very repelling. Those who see a rusted piece of metal are tempted to think that the process happened overnight. This process, however, goes on so slowly that it may go undetected for some time. Once it in noticed, however, there is need to make sure that the conditions encouraging the process are eliminated as fast as possible if there is going to be a chance of saving the metal.
There are some pieces of metal that are lying around aimlessly. These ones can rust at will and no one will be bothered. There are other metals, however, that are a pillar supporting whole structures. If these ones are allowed to rust, they do not fall down alone when rust has done its part, but they bring the whole structure down with them. It is these structures that should not be allowed to rust. Every time, there is need to keep checking that these pillars are not exposed to the elements that cause rusting. If there are signs of exposure, these structures need to have another layer of paint applied to make sure air and water is kept at bay.
All the corruption we see and frown upon today did not happen overnight. The most corrupt individual you know once had a conscience and did not feel comfortable when corruption options were laid down before them. As time went on, a stage was reached where the elements that cause corruption were allowed to come in. Because it takes time before the real effects of corruption can be fully felt, the individuals felt ‘the coolness of having water around’, as it were, as something welcome.. This must be the feeling that iron has when it eventually has some water around it. It usually envies stainless steel when it ‘sees’ it interacting with even acids without being destroyed and feeling deprived of the opportunity. When the paint wears off and water gets to it, it feels privileged too to have the opportunity to enjoy water, like other metals. But before long the effects set in. The iron feels the pain as layer after layer of some ugly looking stuff peels off its face. This is the result if the ‘privilege’ of having access to water, like other metals.
Even in individuals, a time comes when the effects set in. By that time, the exposure to corruption will be so great that withdrawing will be impossible. Even in the life of iron, after some time of rusting a stage is reached where a coat of paint does not save the metal. The way to go may be to dip it into acid to remove all the rust and a small layer of metal before applying the protective layer of paint. If this is done the metal will become useful again but it will have to be content doing less important jobs since it will be much smaller in size as a result of layer upon layer being eaten away from the surface as rusting occurs.
There is hope for the most corrupt individual if he/she wants to stop the rotting process, but there are very few people who can trust them for some time after changing their ways. This in some way reduces their capacity.
The best way to view corruption is to appreciate that it leaves those who practice it worse off and must be avoided at all costs. Where possible it must be denied a chance to set in because once the process begins it is difficult to stop it. As much insulation against elements of corruption should be applied in individual lives to make sure that there is no chance of it setting in. As soon as there are conditions that encourage corruption the individual involved should try and eliminate them as fast as possible. Tasting the rewards of corruption may lead to greater exposure, which may bring more rewards before the ill effects are felt. And these bad effects are not pleasant at all. As much as possible, work hard to make sure corruption does not take effect in you. You will not regret it.
