[hnruss]

Is that form of corruption a systemic problem here in the U.S.? I don’t think that it is.

On the other hand, campaign contributions are common, legal, and involve large sums of money (especially to PACs).

Systemic corruption of elected officials, resulting in de-regulation in order to benefit wealthy shareholders at the expense of the public, is more concerning to me than the possibility of low-level officials seeking bribes.

[refurb]

Your logic only makes sense if you equate legal fundraising to back room, illegal corruption.

To me, someone funding raising through a legal, transparent PAC might not be desirable, but it’s far less insidious than backroom dealings that pervert the rule of law.

[hnruss]

I’m suspicious of any large transfer of wealth from an individual or organization to a politician, whether that’s through campaign donations or some other means.

It seems strange not to take the next logical step and conclude that there were some backroom dealings, especially if the politician later takes an action that is favorable to the donor.