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From: Paul S Person <psperson@old.netcom.invalid>
Newsgroups: rec.arts.sf.written
Subject: Re: The insane corruption nobody is talking about
Date: Wed, 03 Jul 2024 08:41:52 -0700
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On Wed, 3 Jul 2024 17:04:03 +1200, Titus G <noone@nowhere.com> wrote:

>On 29/06/24 03:38, James Nicoll wrote:
>(Subject The insane progress nobody is talking about)
>> In article <nult7jlrj1697gnkmo2dmhhd8tmr2utfra@4ax.com>,
>> Paul S Person  <psperson@old.netcom.invalid> wrote:
>snip
>
>>> Perhaps a thorough audit focused on where the money is going (ie, how
>>> many brothers-in-law of various officials are getting the contracts)
>>> would help.
>>>
>>> This is /exactly/ the sort of task a sane Republican would seem to be
>>> ideal for.
>
>> There are no sane Republicans, nor uncorrupt.=20
>
>Corruption is now legal in the US after the ruling authored by Kavanaugh
>in Snyder v United States last week.
>(  https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-108_8n5a.pdf )
>
>In summary a bribe is organised and paid prior to some desired behaviour
>so the court determined that any post-facto payments are simply
>gratuities and therefore not illegal.

Well, a bribe /is/ something that is paid (or at least promised)
first.=20

>A small town mayor, Snyder, asked for $13,000 from a company AFTER it
>was awarded a town contract, was convicted but now absolved by the
>Supreme Court of which some members have received substantial benefits
>from billionaire friends whose interests they protect and assist being
>similar to their own.

This sounds more like extortion. Or a kick-back.

Perhaps the prosecutor should have paid more attention to what a
"bribe" is in the context of our legal tradition. And found a charge
that actually fit the case. And, if appropriate, instructed the Grand
Jury properly. Sloppiness really isn't a positive character trait.

I am taking it for granted here that no agreement reached prior to the
award of the contract.=20

As to the dubious morals of some Supreme Court members:=20

if the Supremes can do it, the Mayor can do it.=20

Corruption starts from the top.
--=20
"Here lies the Tuscan poet Aretino,
Who evil spoke of everyone but God,
Giving as his excuse, 'I never knew him.'"