Wow!!! I think I'm onto something big! This phrase describes a very real moral dilemma and divide that we Americans face every day now. It's called Noble Cause Corruption [NCC].
The rules for NCC are understood by all yet for obvious reasons the rules remain unspoken. The motivation for NCC is to benefit others so it is often given the nod of approval or the blind eye.
But today NCC is a rampant, troubling and damaging has seeped into every aspect of American politics. It is ends justifies the means oriented corruption.
Cops face this temptation all the time and avoiding it is part of their training. As Americans we've been victims of it with the promotion of ACA. Perhaps were not aware of what we were dealing with until the Gruber tapes surfaced.
When NCC becomes woven into the very fabric of how things are done it becomes VERY DIVISIVE. Of course those in favor approve heartily and see only themselves getting their way. Those who are being violated feel the opposite. They want justice and cannot understand why the rule of law is not being followed.
TM suggests that in America, we are where we are today because too many Americans simply accept Noble Cause Corruption as a necessary evil.