Robert Walpole, British chancellor, speaking of his fellow parliamentarians way back in the 18th century, said: "All those men have their price".

So what's new! Admittedly my price would be fairly low, but why would millionaire property developers or international arms dealers make me extremely large "unsolicited loans or gifts" when there are so many influential, charming, totally honest and, ah yes, helpful, senior politicians about, who just happen to wield considerable public patrimony?

That a large section of the population might consider these gifts and loans to be bribes must come as a terrible shock to these politicos. They seem to consider unearned emoluments to be an acceptable tax-free perk and all part of the job. Leadership skills, intelligence and integrity apart, these gentlemen often display a singular naivety and lack of discernment in choosing their friends, generous though they may be. Unfortunately many of them have featured prominently in the media, leaving large question marks as to their integrity.

While I'm prepared to accept people at face value, I don't believe in putting temptation in anyone's way and to obviate any misunderstanding of what could constitute bribery and corruption in the public and political sectors I feel that all public servants should be precluded from accepting "gifts" or "private loans" other than those registered through a bank or bona fide financial institution. So simple a solution must be obvious to all, but acceptable to how many?

I'm sure the public must be tired of hearing all those nauseating "allegations" against, and indignantly denied by, high profile officials who, in spite of their professed innocence, have a singular reluctance to prove it. They take refuge in the technicality of not being guilty until tried and convicted in a court of law. This can be extremely difficult considering the red herrings and selective amnesia so often displayed by the accused.

With acknowledgements to IR Epton and the Cape Times.