This study was reported back in December, but I just came across it and thought it was interesting — according to the story The Corruption Belt by the Institute for Southern Studies, Mississippi ranks as the second most corrupt state in the union based on per capita convictions. Perhaps that’s not all that surprising, but it’s interesting the context of some of the tea-parties complaints about “Illinois-style” politics — while it’s up there, it’s nowhere near as corrupt as Mississippi; which is nowhere near as corrupt as Louisiana which just keeps on keepin’ on. (Election of 1876, anyone?)
Here’s the graph: http://www.southernstudies.org/assets_c/2008/12/corruption-thumb-551×826.png
Previous Comments
Todd- know this has nothing do with corruption but I found this while poking around the site? Did you see this? “Domestic violence a ‘pre-existing condition’ for insurers in some states.” Yes in Mississippi. http://www.southernstudies.org/2009/09/domestic-violence-a-pre-existing-condition-for-insurers-in-some-states.html Is not that one of the stupidiest things there can be? Somebody needs kicking in the nether regions over this.
#151940 | Author: BubbaT | Date: Sep 15 2009
I can’t see us second. Behind Illinois and Louisiana maybe. I’m stunned California and Texas didn’t rank high.
#151941 | Author: Ironghost | Date: Sep 15 2009
I already knew that in Louisiana every officeholder served at least two terms – one in office and the other in jail. I didn’t know we were next. It’s hard to believe we beat Illinois. What else can be said of the tea party klan? Did y’all hear some nut or nuts printed up thousands of flyers and posted them all over non-residential areas of the District of Columbia urging big hate and even death to Obama? Some were allegedly even posted near the school his children attended. I just wonder why they aren’t going door to door and passing them out in the black neighborhoods? It’s certainly safe to do so as DC is one of the safest city in America.
#151945 | Author: Walt | Date: Sep 15 2009
I wonder if MS and LA are actually have more corruption or are just better at catching it.
#151955 | Author: Rico | Date: Sep 16 2009
I don’t think it is because we “are just better at catching it”, Rico. I think it is because our State has always depended on the “good ol’ boy” system to keep things under raps. Nothing is ever really hidden.
#151957 | Author: justjess | Date: Sep 16 2009
I think you have to take into account the sheer population disparity in places like Texas or California, Ironghost. Mississippi is considerably smaller, and even good ole boys can’t keep everything dirty under wraps forever. Jolly good then.
#152233 | Author: byewren | Date: Sep 23 2009
When you look at it, we’re not the second most corrupt. We’re second best at getting convictions on those who get caught, per 100k citizens.
#152236 | Author: Ironghost | Date: Sep 23 2009
