Do you believe that many, if not most, American politicians accept bribes and other favors?

Question

Do you believe that our Republic cannot stand if this practice is not brought under control?

I ran for a post on my local city council, and was offered a $25,000 bribe (cash in a suitcase) during the campaign. A union organizer wanted me to be their boy on the council and vote the way they wanted. I refused his offer and also lost the election.

In my state, one of our governors was elected to the U.S. Senate and became a very powerful senator who served on the Watergate committee, which led to Richard Nixon's resignation from the presidency. Ironically, this senator was found guilty of accepting bribes and was driven from office. He kept the money in an overcoat, which became as famous as he was.

Answer 1

Yup

Answer 2

If you define "bribe" simply as a cash payment; then no.

But certainly ALL politicians accept payment of favors and, indeed, pay favors. Simply listening to a single constituent and considering his advice or concern is a "favor."

Every time a bill is entered for legislation, it is a favor to someone or some group.

I think that most politicians are generally honest in-so-far as the system is designed to allow.

We just have a lot more and better communications these days, so the truly unscrupulous ones are exposed to the public.

Probably during the 1800's and early 20th century most politicians were genuinely on the take and the problem was a lot worse.

Answer 3

No, not bribery. There are laws against it and too much at stake if they're caught.

Then again, it depends on how vague those "other favors" are. I was in Washington once and decided to visit a classmate who is now a congressman. He invited me to dinner. He didn't PERSONALLY take me to dinner; it was a dinner sponsored by a specific political group specifically for talking about some issues they were concerned with. And it was the finest dinner I've ever eaten - VERY high class, open bar, 5-courses of outstanding food. There were maybe 10 or 12 congressmen and women there. Most of the conversation was light - all over the map, "how's the kids" kind of stuff. But there was also maybe 5 minutes of discussion of issues of importance to this particular group.

I asked John (my friend) about it, and he said that if he wanted to he could eat at a sponsored lunch or dinner every day of the year.

So is that a bribe? I don't think so. A favor. Yes. Did it put our Republic at jeopardy? Not at all. If you are a congressman, there are two ways to find out details about issues you care about. Pay someone to research it, or have someone who cares about it come talk to you. Some of that talking happens in testimony in committee, but some happens in town halls across the US, and some happens at nice dinners. I don't see that this put anything at stake. Shoot, some wealthy Virginia landowners probably invited Washington, Adams, and Jefferson over to their estates to talk business every now and then - and our republic has survived just fine.

Answer 4

Yes, it's a giant conspiracy between France and the USA to undermine our infrastructure and bring us to our knees and then in 20 years we'll ALL be speaking french and wearing berets.

You stupid moron, is everyone in your family as dumb as you? I am completely offended by your comments about bribes and political office.
I bet you're not even registered to vote, right? Crybaby. You try going door to door to get a petition to run for office signed, loser!
Talk about rejection!! Remember when you asked the cute girl (or guy, but that's another story) to the prom and she laughed in your face? Well multiply that by INFINITE--that's what it feels like on election night when you've lost by 1% of the vote.
NOW LEAVE US ALONE!

Answer 5

It's illegal to take bribes, but there are many ways to skin a cat. We're the experts on this topic in New Jersey lol.

Of course the republic can stand. All you have to do is legalize the bribes and call it "lobbying". Easy peasy.

Answer 6

Well we raised their salaries so they wouldn't have to make money ar speaking engagements, and I don't know if they get"bribes" as such, though that is what they turn out to be! We've heard a lot of talk about campaign reform but little action! I don't know if they will ever "Get It"! Just have to keep voting them out of office!

Answer 7

oh of course bribes go out, it's just the way the republic is run. how do you think there are ANY scientists out there that actually say that global warming doesn't exist?

Answer 8

Yes. Been going on for ever. Not only American. No.

Answer 9

I believe redumblicans take money from big oil

Answer 10

yes