DEATH IS EARLYNothing exemplifies more the rotten changes which have crept over the so called movers and shakers of our society than the man who came close to leading the Lib Dems admitting perverting the course of justice. That he prevaricated for so long makes his admission all the more contemptible. But the fact is he is just another of an increasing number of public figures, people in whom public trust has been bestowed, who have been corrupted by money and/or power. M.P.s` expenses scandal was just a rare glimpse into the murky world which a generation or two ago would have been considered fit for South American republics. Senior police officers, managers and regulators of agencies invented in the last twenty years in an attempt to keep government manipulation at arm`s length, have been found guilty in deed if not in law. Those people in whom the public expect their rights to be protected eg at Staffordshire hospitals, have not merely failed; we can all fail, they have covered up or attempted to cover up the wrong doings they were paid to investigate. Those who were charged with regulating errant bankers are almost as liable as the robber barons themselves. It is no surprise that coincident with the machinations of such people being exposed all around that government is becoming increasingly authoritarian. I fear that the worst is still to come.