Profiting from Public Squalor

Virtually every column I’ve read on New York City’s unfolding municipal corruption scandals seeks salvation in greater citizen vigilance and participation in public life. A prosecutor warns that only an aroused electorate can wrest reform from foot-dragging politicians. A senator insists that political party life must be made more rewarding, not less, if “serious people” are to give time to it. A public relations consultant wonders how we can inspire people “to c...