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Corruption Quote by John McCain

“We've got to start also holding people accountable, and we've got to reward people who succeed. But somehow in Washington today - and I'm afraid on Wall Street - greed is rewarded, excess is rewarded, and corruption - or certainly failure to carry out our responsibility is rewarded.” quote by John McCain
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“We've got to start also holding people accountable, and we've got to reward people who succeed. But somehow in Washington today - and I'm afraid on Wall Street - greed is rewarded, excess is rewarded, and corruption - or certainly failure to carry out our responsibility is rewarded.”

John McCain

About This Quote

Source Speech: 2008 Republican National Convention, John McCain, 2008

The speaker urges accountability and rewards for success, contrasting it with a system that often rewards greed, excess, and neglect of responsibility.

In simple terms: Call for accountability and reward for success, not greed.

Key Takeaway

Promote responsibility and recognize achievement.

Themes

accountability ethics leadership politics justice

Mood

concerned determined critical

Type

political call‑to‑action

When to use this quote

  • government oversight
  • business ethics
  • public administration
  • voter education

Key Concepts

public policy incentive structures corporate governance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we redesign incentives to favor responsibility?
  • What mechanisms ensure accountability in both public and private sectors?
A Different Perspective

Rewards for greed can undermine trust and long‑term stability.

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