If he knows anything about US politics, then he wouldn't have made the above statement. Legislators at any level in US governments are elected. They don't have to kiss the ass of mayors or governors. Also, overt bribery in US is unusual. The US government has clear laws forbidding bribery. I was a federal employee (at NIH and later as an Army officer, major). Federal employees cannot take anything with a value of >$25 (I think this is the value when i was serving in the US government). This includes meals. I cannot accept a dinner worth more than $25. I have to pay the extra, if I want to go to such a dinner.
So, LZ, please do some research before you write anything.
If he knows anything about US politics, then he wouldn't have made the above statement. Legislators at any level in US governments are elected. They don't have to kiss the ass of mayors or governors. Also, overt bribery in US is unusual. The US government has clear laws forbidding bribery. I was a federal employee (at NIH and later as an Army officer, major). Federal employees cannot take anything with a value of >$25 (I think this is the value when i was serving in the US government). This includes meals. I cannot accept a dinner worth more than $25. I have to pay the extra, if I want to go to such a dinner.
So, LZ, please do some research before you write anything.
I have been in the states for four decades and I think I know American Politics no less than you do. You mentioned above bribery, and pointed out how severe punishment about bribery. But officical corruptions are much more than just bribery. Some tricky deals between officicals and merchants are very insidious. And just severe punishment is not enough if lacks of supervision. Let me tell you one event. In a city of the west coast, a construction company obtained a license from the city government to build a 35 storey high rise commercial building. Through years of works,the building was finally finished. But people found that building has 35 and 3/4 storeys. That extra 3/4 portion was built on the back of the top level, simply invisible by the public. After city councils, and the general prosecutor's investigation, the construction company finally admitted that the mayor knew the construction project through it was not written on the contract. The event caused hot discussions. I don't know what a result comes out, and if that is some kind of official-business collaborative corruption? You judge!