Quote:
Originally Posted by Botnst
I'm not sure I understand the first paragraph, but I'll take a shot at it. Bribery of a federal official is illegal. Paying a member of congress to vote for a certain outcome is a bribe and it is illegal. Former Rep Cunningham (R-CA) is in jail for accepting a bribe for his vote. That's a fair example. I'm sure without much effort we could find more.
Petitioning congress is a protected right in the constitution. Professional lobbyists are protected by that right. They can petition but cannot bribe. I admit that there are many times when that line seems awfully fine.
2. Government is [has] a monopoly of force. True. That's by design and intent. At one time the states' armies were considered a balance against federal force. That issue was settled in 1865.
3. It is funded by theft and extortion. I partially disagree (leaving aside the point that it is constitutionally sanctioned). It is funded by extortion, not theft.
4. Currying favor directly through bribery is in essence racketeering. That's why it's illegal.
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So, basically, you don't think that in giving someone large sums of money, nor calling other companies to do the same, nor paying for vacations, and whatever else comes with any expectation whatsoever? Or that we're going to "play that game"? Because, I'm not.
If a radio show hosts a contest, family members can't even participate. But Congress gets a pass on basic conflict-of-interest laws because ________. And say those laws didn't exist, and those contests were continually won by family members and those close to the prize. They'd lose credibility quite quickly. Yet, Congress, in the same fashion, MUST continue to be taken seriously?
Tax is extortion, then theft. If you don't pay, they kidnap you, and take it anyway. It does both. Not to mention imminent domain and things of that nature.
And to all points Constitutional, it was signed by 38 guys. None of them were me.