Quote:
Originally Posted by aklim
OK. Now you have me confused. You seem to say it is immoral. Therefore, I extrapolate that you would consider it immoral that say my company helps certain congress people get elected and they show their gratitude by making my job easier for say an Alaska drilling project. Now, a few weeks ago, we were talking about using getting sherriffs elected and using that influence to advance certain causes but you seemed fine with that. If I am reading it right, you seemed to give the old "nod and a wink" to John Doe/Narwhal or whomever it is. So, that begs the question "Is it immoral to buy influence to advance a cause?"
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=1505462#post1505462
In particular posts 26 (Yours), 45 (JDs), 49 (yours) especially the last line.
In those posts, he practically brags about how he gets influence and uses it to advance his agendas. IMO, you seemed to be fine with it there. Now, PH probably gave Baca's campaign a few bucks for a donation and got him to spring her. Suddenly that is immoral? I don't follow. Either it is immoral for you, me or anyone to buy influence and use it to advance our agendas or it isn't. If it isn't, why complain about immorality? If it is, aren't we the pot and kettle here? |
Bribing a public official in order to obtain a benefit is illegal.
Bribery is generally defines as follows:
Bribery is a crime implying a sum or gift given alters the behavior of the person in ways not consistent with the duties of that person. It is defined by Black's Law Dictionary as the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions as an official or other person in discharge of a public or legal duty. The bribe is the gift bestowed to influence the receiver's conduct. It may be any money, good, right in action, property, preferment, privilege, emolument, object of value, advantage, or any promise or undertaking to induce or influence the action, vote, or influence of a person in an official or public capacity.
It is a form of political corruption and is generally considered unethical. In most jurisdictions it is illegal, or at least cause for sanctions from one's employer or professional organization.
Bribery is one of the approximately 35 (I can't remember the number righ toff the top of my head) that may result in an indictment pursuant to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
So clearly, bribery is illegal.
It is perfectly legal to donate to political campaigns. It is also perfectly legal to become active in the community (as JD and I suggested) in order to gain a degree of influence. It is called developing goodwill.
If a judge is more easily persuaded by my arguments because they are: (a) valid and (b) because as a leader in my community he respects my opinion, that's OK.
If the same judge were to rule in my client's favor solely because I contributed to the judge's campaign (or if the judge fixes my tickets for the same reason) then that is potentially bribery and may be prosecuted as such.
As to whether bribery and influence buying are also immoral I leave that up to your own personal judgment. Since your moral system seems to be quite different than mine, I doubt that we will ever see eye to eye on this (or most) other issues. Morality is a private issue. Laws are a public concern. That's where I draw the line.
I hope this clears any misunderstandings, misconceptions, rumors or other false impressions.