If you think about it, many of the stories in the news today have a common denominator: the rule of law. Victor Davis Hanson in a recent column reminds us the barbarians at the gate are usually not the reason for the downfall of a civilization. Corruption within a country is what collapses a country.

Take Greece for example. He argues that: “All the German euros in the world will not save Greece if Greeks continue to dodge taxes, feather-bed government, and see corruption as a business model.” He even goes on to argue that obeying minor laws is important. “It is no coincidence that a country where drivers routinely flout traffic laws and throw trash out the window is also a country that cooks its books and lies to it creditors. Everything from littering to speeding seems negotiable in Athens in a way not true of Munich, Zurich or London.”

Of course we can apply this same principle to other countries in the world. If you have ever traveled to countries in Africa, the Middle East, or South America, you recognize the same disregard for the rule of law. If you want to get something done in these countries, you need to figure out which government official needs to be bribed. If you are involved in a business, a government inspector is usually looking for a kickback.

In many countries your advancement in business or government is determined not by your resume and not by any merit. Your economic class or your family connections or tribe determine your success. If you need a public service, your success is determined by who you know or your position on a family tree.

At this point you may be thinking how grateful you are to be living in America. We are blessed to have less corruption than many other countries, but we also appear to be heading down the same path.

We have a president that has been unwilling to enforce certain laws. Sanctuary cities ignore immigration laws. Politicians at the federal and state level have been charged with corruption. We desperately need to reinforce the belief in the rule of law before America looks like these other countries.