Cronyism is partiality to long-standing friends, especially by appointing them to positions of authority, regardless of their qualifications. Hence, cronyism is contrary in practice and principle to meritocracy.

Cronyism exists when the appointer and the beneficiary are in social contact; often, the appointer is inadequate to hold his or her own job or position of authority, and for this reason the appointer appoints individuals who will not try to weaken him or her, or express views contrary to those of the appointer. Politically, "cronyism" is derogatorily used.

The word "crony" first appeared in 18th century London, according to the Oxford English Dictionary to be derived from the Greek word χρόνιος (chronios), meaning "long-term".

All of the above mentioned; are alive and doing well both in Mexico and the United States. Just take a similar case to that of Elba Esther Gordillo's in Washington, DC during the year 2005: Washington Teacher's Union President Barbara A. Bullock was also detained and tried for brazenly embezzling from the Washington Teacher's Union. Although one can argue that Mexicans tend to be more ambitious, when it comes to acts of corruption, while Barbara A. Bullock stole 5 million only, Elba Esther Gordillo is alleged to have stolen 200 million and perhaps even more.

So again, why should we in the United States care about these incidents? – First, because they are increasingly becoming more common and happening with a higher degree of frequency at the local, regional and national level in both countries.

Second, because the intended victims happen to be working class and disadvantaged communities. The Cynicism and shamelessness of these criminal acts are astonishing even to seasoned journalists and fighters of corruption. In the case of Elba Esther Gordillo, if the readers understand Spanish just look up the entire interview between Mexican journalist Adela Micha and Elba Esther Gordillo on YouTube; and your jaws will drop with the brazen attitude that "La Maestra" exhibits throughout the interview session. Elba Esther Gordillo like many here in the United States like recent examples of corruption are Illinois Congressman Jackson, Illinois former Governor Blago, Washington, DC Councilmen Harry Thomas, Washington, DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown, locally California Congressman Randy Duke, the Inzunza Brothers, and former San Diego Mayor Maureen O'Connor who gambled a billion dollars and took 2 million from a foundation to cover her losses with Vegas are all reminders that citizens, tax payers and civil society must remain eternally vigilant and continue to expose with or without the support of the government, those who would betray the public trust and fill their pockets with the treasure of the people.

Editorial@sandiegored.com