And no, this is hardly limited to one party or one branch of the federal government. You scratch my back, I scratch yours is how business is done from municipal on up

...most people want elected officials to represent the people who voted instead of corporations and big money lobbyists. Unfortunately I don't believe any real reform will ever take place in the current system. It will take a violent revolt, which could lead to something even worse than what we have now.

Robert Reich: Corporate Collusion Is Rampant and We All Pay the Steep Price

By Robert Reich / Robert Reich's Blog May 25, 2015


Last week’s settlement between the Justice Department and five giant banks reveals the appalling weakness of modern antitrust.

The banks had engaged in the biggest price-fixing conspiracy in modern history. Their self-described “cartel” used an exclusive electronic chat room and coded language to manipulate the $5.3 trillion-a-day currency exchange market. It was a “brazen display of collusion” that went on for years, said Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

But there will be no trial, no executive will go to jail, the banks can continue to gamble in the same currency markets, and the fines – although large – are a fraction of the banks’ potential gains and will be treated by the banks as costs of doing business.

America used to have antitrust laws that permanently stopped corporations from monopolizing markets, and often broke up the biggest culprits.

No longer. Now, giant corporations are taking over the economy – and they’re busily weakening antitrust enforcement. ..

http://www.alternet.org/economy/robert-reich-corporate-collusion-rampant-and-we-all-pay-steep-price

Every so often, somebody gets caught stealing spare parts and selling them, making sure their uncle gets a fat contract, hiring a son or daughter at a nice salary, etc. But the real "government corruption" is perfectly legal, and we cannot prosecute it. Members of Congress and the president give extra time and attention to those who make big campaign donations, and they ignore those who don't give. Reagan had it down to a science, with the infamous "K Street Shakedown." His operatives would visit K Street lobbying firms and demand money for the RNC. It was so blatant that a few businesses got upset and quit supporting Republicans.

seeing as how Trump can at least claim to not be corrupt whereas Hillary...well...

Money doesn't influence her. That is why large corporations spend so much on her.

They must be in a coma.

sorry

That was cute.

Thanks for the heads up on my incorrect spelling.

Thanks for doing it in a funny way, instead of an insulting way.

just wanted you to know i was playing

^see i don't even capitalize my i if the device doesn't do it automagically for me

I believe it is a big factor in the popularity of Trump and to a lesser extent Cruz on the Republican side.

Clinton sees the writing on the wall as well, and has re-pivoted on that issue. The speeches and SuperPacs kind of blow holes in her credibility on that subject though.

Not to mention the fundraising with big business interests during her campaign.

http://www.ibtimes.com/political-capital/hillary-clinton-plans-raise-money-industries-interests-next-president-2302757