EDITORIAL PERKS OF POWER.State lawmakers insist there are no Duke Cunninghams
Randall Harold Cunningham (born December 8 1941), usually known as Randy or Duke or Jack Abramoffs Jack Abramoff (born February 28, 1959) is a former American political lobbyist, a Republican political activist and businessman who was a central figure in a series of high-profile political scandals. in Sacramento. Lobbyists might buy off politicians in Washington, but not here in California. Or so they say. But all in all, corporations, trade groups and the like dropped nearly $1 million wining and dining the state's top pols last year. The gifts included rounds of golf, ski trips Ski Trip is an episode from That 70s Show. Jackie invites the gang on a ski trip then un-invites Kelso after learning he made out with another girl behind the gym. Plot summary January 13, 1977 Thursday afternoon. , hunting outings and tickets to events ranging from Rolling Stones Rolling Stones, English rock music group that rose to prominence in the mid-1960s and continues to exert great influence. Members have included singer Mick Jagger (Michael Phillip Jagger), 1943–; guitarists Brian Jones concerts to WrestleMania. Some goodies were bestowed in locations as remote as Hawaii and Ireland. Although California maintains some relatively stringent-sounding laws designed to prevent outright bribery, it's no secret that such laws are routinely circumvented and occasionally broken. Few politicians might be willing to sell their soul for a round of golf, but those few hours on the greens can buy a special interest special access that the average voters will never get. < At the end of the day, there might be no quid pro quo [Latin, What for what or Something for something.] The mutual consideration that passes between two parties to a contractual agreement, thereby rendering the agreement valid and binding. , but the donations - like campaign contributions - make a difference. If they didn't, the special interests wouldn't be quite so generous. One of these days, voters will wise up, get organized and bring the political system to heel, just like they did with Proposition 13 nearly 30 years ago. |
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