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Politikal => Welcome to Bizarro Amerika! => Topic started by: 44nutman on May 27, 2011, 01:04:53 pm



Title: Top lobbying banks got the biggest bailouts
Post by: 44nutman on May 27, 2011, 01:04:53 pm
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/sns-rt-us-lobbying-imfrepotre74p7af-20110526,0,4638186.story

Will file this under the no duh category.

I know there are some smart individuals on this board. Can someone explain the difference between lobbying and bribery? The only one I can think of is one is legal and the other isn't but for the life of me can not come up with another difference.


Title: Re: Top lobbying banks got the biggest bailouts
Post by: ekg on May 27, 2011, 03:09:34 pm
oh that's easy..

Bribery is where you give goods/money to someone and expect them to do something for you..

Lobbying is where you give goods/money to someone and hope they do something for you..

hope that helps.. ;D


Title: Re: Top lobbying banks got the biggest bailouts
Post by: uselesslegs on May 27, 2011, 03:12:57 pm
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/sns-rt-us-lobbying-imfrepotre74p7af-20110526,0,4638186.story

Will file this under the no duh category.

I know there are some smart individuals on this board. Can someone explain the difference between lobbying and bribery? The only one I can think of is one is legal and the other isn't but for the life of me can not come up with another difference.

v. lob·bied, lob·by·ing, lob·bies
v.intr.
To try to influence the thinking of legislators or other public officials for or against a specific cause: lobbying for stronger environmental safeguards; lobbied against the proliferation of nuclear arms.

v.tr.
1. To try to influence public officials on behalf of or against (proposed legislation, for example): lobbied the bill through Congress; lobbied the bill to a negative vote.

2. To try to influence (an official) to take a desired action.


Bribery, a form of corruption, is an act implying money or gift given that alters the behavior of the recipient. Bribery constitutes a crime and is defined by Black's Law Dictionary as the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal duty.



No where in the above definition of Lobbying did I see "money" as part of the explanation.  But then one assumes,  methods and means employed to "persuade" or "influence" the individuals in question must extend beyond reasoning and discourse...especially in a capitalistic society.

The current incarnation of Lobbying IS Bribery, IMO.  I see no distinction between the majority of the two in our present politics.