I believe it is time "We The People" stop playing their game. Go to a Bible reading and teaching church and find out for yourselves what God is saying to the church and do it. Be united once again.

Trixie and Rob from Washington you have it down pat. We are all pawns in their hands and they are laughing at us while they fabricate another crisis. The financial industry is based on credit, with the credit rating services exempted we will not achieve any meaningful reform. Those credit giving businesses will not give credit at a reasonable rate even they get credit from the government for practically nothing. Reform means REFORM not just another bureaucracy.

Lobbying said to clip consumer protection bill
Posted: Tuesday, October 13 2009 at 06:00 am CT by Bob Sullivan

The grand plan for a new federal agency that would fight for consumer rights in financial transactions has been given a hatchet job by industry groups, a consumer group charged on Monday.

The latest version of legislation (PDF) that would create the Consumer Financial Protection Agency carves out wide-ranging exceptions for the nation's credit reporting agencies, car dealerships, realtors, and tax preparation firms, among others, according to Consumer Watchdog, an advocacy group. Those industries would be largely exempt from the new regulator, according to the most recent draft of the legislation, sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., chairman of the House Financial Services committee. The committee will consider changes to the proposal at a formal markup session scheduled for Wednesday.

Carmen Balber, head of Consumer Watchdog's Washington, D.C., office, said the new agency won't be able to do its job unless it has oversight over firms like Experian, Equifax and Trans Union, which help determine consumer interest rates through credit scores, or car dealerships, which engage in complex loan transactions.

"A new consumer protection agency should be looking at any company that provides a loan or has impact on loans," she said. If consumers who feel they've been treated unfairly by these industries can't turn to the new agency, they won't know where to turn, she said, adding, "That's the kind of confusion over what's covered by what (agency) that this is legislation is supposed to fix."

Many members of Congress, and Frank in particular, have received political contributions from the credit bureaus. The three firms have given about $1.6 million to Congress since 2002, including $40,000 to Frank.

Balber sees a connection between the political donations and the new provision that benefits the credit reporting agencies.

"Companies that collect, analyze and sell our private financial information are off the hook in the current bill,” Balber said. “Campaign contributions to Congress should not buy the Big Three data collectors an exemption from oversight.”

But Steven Adamske, a spokesman from Frank, accused Consumer Watchdog of grandstanding.

“It only demonstrates the shallowness of their argument, that they are saying there’s some kind of cause and effect (between contributions and changes in the legislation),” he said. “If they spent more time talking to members of Congress and being a part of the process and less time writing press releases they would be more effective at helping consumers. … I don’t think anyone can call into question (Frank’s) dedication to protecting consumers.”

Adamske said the exemptions would be considered at Wednesday’s meeting.

“I’m sure members of the committee will try to change the bill in one direction or another,” he said. “It’s possible exemptions could be removed. … It’s possible the list could be expanded.”

Agency powers shrink
As the bill stands now, many industries would not face regulation by the new agency, including:

* Merchants, retailers, and sellers of non-financial services.

* Retirement plan providers and educational savings 529 plan providers.

* Accountants, tax preparers like H&R Block and attorneys.

* Real estate agents acting to buy, sell, or rent residential properties. Mortgage lenders would be covered.

* Auto dealers who lease or sell cars and market financing arrangements.

* Credit reporting agencies when they are "assembling or evaluating consumer credit information or other information on consumers for the purpose of furnishing consumer reports to third parties."

The current version of the law also includes an explicit statement that the agency would have "no authority ... to establish a usury limit applicable to an extension of credit."

None of those exceptions was in the initial version of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency proposed by the Obama administration.

Balber said corporate influence led to the changes.

"Every one of those exemptions is the result of intense lobbying efforts by those industries," Balber said. For example, she said, "The auto dealers say, 'We are struggling, you put these new rules on us.' But the problem is by carving out all these exemptions you are making the job harder to for the agency to look at the whole consumer credit transaction."

'Tripped up'
But Adamske said the new limits are designed to focus the new agency on the kinds of consumer credit transactions that led to the recent economic crisis, such as predatory loans. Credit card issuers and other direct lenders would still be covered by the new agency. Meanwhile, many of the exempted industries are regulated by other agencies, he said.

“Real estate agents are not regulated at the federal level,” he said.

While designing the agency and consulting with industry groups, many complexities arose, Adamske said. For example, a dentist who allows patients to pay large bills over time might have been included had earlier language not been amended, he said.

“We got tripped up on a lot of issues like that,” he said. “We didn’t want to lose focus from the predatory lending that got us into this mess.”

But Balber said consumers won't appreciate the distinction and need one agency to look out for their interests.

"Whether you're denied a loan because of a bank, or because of a credit score determined by your credit report, at the end of the day you've been denied a loan. It's the same thing to you," she said. "So if those companies are excluded, then consumers aren't going to be protected."

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24 COMMENTS

Trixie, I guess you didn't realize that Barney Frank, the chairman of this committee is a Democrat. The same democrat that fought hard for a House for Everyone even if they cannot afford one.

John Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Oct 13, 2009 12:54:23 PM)

The ONLY POWER we have as citizens is to vote. Ignore the commercials, the papers, the polls, ignore it all. Lets all send a clear message to Washington and vote out EVERY incumbant. At the very least, the lobbists would have to start over with a new bunch of people. The preident has term limits why not Congress. They will NEVER create term limits for themself, so it is up to us to enforce a term limit on them with our vote.

Chuck, Ohio (Sent Oct 13, 2009 12:52:34 PM)

All I can say, is that everyone better be careful what we ask for, because we may get it. There is more at stake here than simply playing the turf protection game. The financial services industry has real concerns about how this agency could limit the types of products offered to U.S. consumers -- even some of the products that are legitimately needed and wanted.

A Bank Compliance Officer, St. Louis, MO (Sent Oct 13, 2009 12:42:32 PM)

We are run by the Mafia - no doubt. Let us fight back and throw all of the incumbents out of office. Only that will send a strong message that we, the public, is fed up! But we are still too stupid.

Viola Perry (Sent Oct 13, 2009 11:39:36 AM)

It seems that every day we read about another piece of legislation meant to aid and protect the public that gets watered down through the efforts of lobbyists. Our representatives in the house and senate have to be reminded, frequently it appears, whom they work for. Whether republican or democrat, they must be made to realize that there are consequences to deferring to the demands of lobbyists and the industries they represent when the result of doing so is detrimental to the well-being of their constituents. It’s infuriating and disheartening to witness the servile nature of our elected representatives when dealing with industry lobbyists. I anxiously await the 2010 elections.

Dan Parker, St.Paul, MN (Sent Oct 13, 2009 11:39:16 AM)

When will these shrill anti-anything-but-republican people realize that the problem is NOT the Democrats, it's the corporations and their lobbyists who have a stranglehold on American policy? Instead of fighting some strawman that the corporate politicos have created for you, you should instead be focusing on what is really causing the problems. The one Party that has been trying to curb the influence of all this corporate influence and cash, is the Democrats. While there are greedy Democrats in office, they are far outnumbered by your Republican reps who are doing the bidding for these corporations. The sad thing is that so many folks can't acknowledge it. The causes that you think you're fighting for are really just supporting the very system that is ruining your life. The whole "liberal" thing is a rouse.. meant to anger you into doing the bidding for those that continue to steal from you, and from all of us. But they count on you blindly accepting what you hear on CORPORATE tv and radio, as they get richer, and you fall further behind.

Trixie, Gig Harbor, WA (Sent Oct 13, 2009 11:36:28 AM)

It seems these latest shenanigans concerning this 'consumer protection' (I use this phrase lightly) bill is nothing more than 'same shi!, different bill' as it does nothing more to protect consumers than the 'credit card bill of rights' did.

It's my opinion that if these companies were doing anything to respect and protect the consumer they really wouldn't have the desire (or the financial wherewithal) to lobby congress in an attempt to continue raking in the kind of obscene profits that they are now.

Ideally, OUR members of congress would be doing whatever they can to protect and watch over their constituents, but it is obvious by this article that we truly do not matter.

Ann Lindenmuth/ Omaha, NE (Sent Oct 13, 2009 11:00:22 AM)

It is up to us to vote those people who cater to the big companies out of office

Ann, TX (Sent Oct 13, 2009 10:56:24 AM)

It is appalling that a Consumer Financial Protection legislation would include wide-ranging exceptions for the credit report agencies.

The monopoly held by Fair Isaac and the three reporting agencies allows little to no access without running an electronic gauntlet to secure information, and no recourse for consumers faced with errors, no matter how obvious.

There must be stricter guidelines and much more oversight of these agencies not less.

Banks withhold the credit reports they use for credit approvals of any sort, citing FCRA requirements -- and that they are not a credit reporting agency, the only proper place to get a copy.

How does one challenge error if you aren't allowed to see what's in your file? Further, how can we feel protected if one of the services has already decided it will no longer provide credit reports to individuals, but only to business?

ALEYNE LARNER, LOS ANGELES, CA (Sent Oct 13, 2009 10:51:50 AM)

Looks like John Adams was right.

"I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace, two useless men are called a law firm, and three or more become a Congress."

- John Adams

Eric, Gaithersburg, MD (Sent Oct 13, 2009 10:39:58 AM)

"Adamske said the new limits are designed to focus the new agency on the kinds of consumer credit transactions that led to the recent economic crisis, such as predatory loans." This simply means that we'll be protected from only the exact same circumstances we just faced and the next crisis will come from a different direction.

Laura Lee (Sent Oct 13, 2009 10:34:21 AM)

Till all the lobbyists buy all their exemptions, what will be the point of tax payers paying for an agency so limited. Another waste of our money!!

Ann Brown, Allentown, PA (Sent Oct 13, 2009 10:03:28 AM)

Credit rating agencies have more power over individual's finances than any other business. And they have certainly shown time and again that it's "profits first, people last" in their view. Try correcting an error they've made in your credit report - it just appears again and again and again. What's your recourse now? I can't believe Barney Frank would be bought off on this issue. We the people need to get mad and get our rights back from these corporations.

Julie, OR (Sent Oct 13, 2009 10:02:30 AM)

Same old crap, we continue to let the lobbiest control Washington. We try to pass legislation to help the little guy and the cronies just find some other way to screw us. Barney Frank is a joke and doesn't give a crap about the consumer.

Fed Up (Sent Oct 13, 2009 10:02:16 AM)

The greatest threat to American democracy and the middle class is predatory capitalism and bought and paid for politicians. That is why these lobbyists can water down any protection.

Rob, Renton, WA (Sent Oct 13, 2009 9:59:25 AM)

This is absolute Garabage and Mr. Adamske should remember who the HELL he is working for,and that is the American Citizen. Not the Credit B ureaus, not the banking industry. His officious and frankly, insulting remarks, if quoted correctly, show he is unsuited to be doing the public's business, and, should he be unable to divorce himself from the graft the credit insitutions have bribed his boss with, he should get out of public affairs.

Chris NYC (Sent Oct 13, 2009 9:54:47 AM)

Basically, with all the exemptions, we are going to pay billions more for extra beaurocracy that will not be able to perform it's original stated purpose for existance. Wow, big surprise there. Not!
"We have met the enemy, and he is us." Pogo Possum.

Rick F. Lee, Ma. (Sent Oct 13, 2009 9:39:26 AM)

A real pity that we consumers aren't being protected from the greedy white collar criminals that pervade on Wall Street. After all of these exceptions what's really being regulated? As usual too much corporate money ruins legislation meant to protect We the People. Time to limit how much money corporations can throw into politics.

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Oct 13, 2009 9:39:18 AM)

I saw a bumper sticker the other day that says it all--"Congress should dress like race car drivers. That way we'd know who their corporate sponsors are."

raremare olympia washington (Sent Oct 13, 2009 9:38:53 AM)

What really pisses me off is that Americans know that the Republicans hate the worker and you can never expect them to pass legislation to protect us; but is it worse that the Democrats pretend to want to protect us but eventually do no better than their Republican counterparts.

afmca Baltimore, Md (Sent Oct 13, 2009 9:27:23 AM)

If ALL businesses of any type are not covered by the proposed consumer protection legislation, then to heck with it. There's no sense in creating yet another government bureaucracy whose only function is to create jobs for lawyrs.

Kenneth A Gilmore, Anderson, South Carolina (Sent Oct 13, 2009 9:22:30 AM)

"According to Frank's spokesman Steven Adamske, contributions have no effect on legislation. Why then do industries contribute? Is Mr. Adamske implying we are idiots? Or that the industries composed of idiots? It would seem one or the other must be true."

This quote cuts right to the heart of it all. We are idiots. We ALLOW this to happen when we go to the booth and pull the lever. But, we also encourage it to happen by buying products/services from those who do the donating.

I'd like to see an "opt out" for the credit bureaus, and an end to the use of FICO for anything. It is a pervasive source of fear and this single number is the sum total of your credibility.

"Many members of Congress, and Frank in particular, have received political contributions from the credit bureaus. The three firms have given about $1.6 million to Congress since 2002, including $40,000 to Frank."

So who got the rest of it??

I'm making a list. If they got a "donation" - they don't get a check mark.

Past that- I think it is about high time to get these high-priced whores called lobbyists out of OUR government. Time and again, WE pay the price for their influence because (A) they ain't working for free (their salary and contributions go back into the cost of goods), (B) their only interest is in those areas that either makes them money or prevents them from making money. But no matter how you want to slice it, twist it, or deliver it up - they are paying to influence legislation (aka the law). That is corruption two fold - from the giver to the taker.

Do us consumers a real favor and NAME all these companies that employ lobbyists so WE THE PEOPLE can decide whether or not to even do business with them. Anyone that spends the best part of their day trying to find new ways to screw Americans needs to be brought front and center, to get the public flogging they so deserve. They are the downfall of our country, and should be treated as treasonous financial terrorists. Are you kidding me? Hello! All the smart people in this country and this sort of thing goes unabated? Shame shame shame!

Our elected officials are supposed to be immune to lobbying, but this administration has more lobbyists in it than any in the past. For Barney Frank to have anything to do with our money is a scary thing Trixie. You rant on the Republicans...you know they want things to make business grow. No matter what. Business grows, my wallet grows. The Democrats on the other hand state they want all manner of all things for everyone, and that business will be charged for it, along with the rich, which is the same thing. The normal everyday person eventually will pay for it, so the Democrats are self serving. Go back to Johnson and the Democratic legislature taking the Social Security money, changing the laws to now make that money part of the general revenue fund. Just so they could pay for the massive social welfare programs. Well, all they did was screw everyone who ever wanted to get their Social Security. Now it is loans that are supposed to back the checks they send out. So, nothing has changed. A Republican will do something to make business happy, which makes the economy happy. A Democrat will do what they want for their own interests, or for the interests of the downtrodden, that sort of thing. All that means is that someone, not them, will have to pay for it. Barney Frank and his ilk shouldn't be allowed around anyone's money. They can give it to Rangel and other Democrats who won't pay taxes on it.

Someone should check these large corporate credit card companies, particularly American Express. The fact that they are now mearly required to report to it's customers that miss a payment that they are going to be dealing with unchecked outrageously high interest rates at a certain time is bad enough... but they are also threatening those customers that if they chose not to accept their rates and close the account then all of their cards with that company, i.e. American Express, and all of the points and membership benefits that they have built up and PAID for will no longer be applicable is appalling. They are bullying their customers now! We need to speak out right away about what they are doing in reaction to the new regulations.

banks and the credit system are more of the same feudal system and indentured servitude perpetuated through-out history. The US congress is not subjected to the same healthcare system, or credit rating system as regular people (they are singled out by the credit bureaus for priviledged ratings and have health care provided by the us citizens).vote out all incumbents and support term limits. demand regulations of corporate lobbists or face the fate of former empires fallen

I have a question. I know the Constitution set a lower limit on how many people could be represented by a Congressman and that there is no upper limit, but when did our congress get stuck at 435 people? If the number of people in congress were to be increased perhaps the lobbyists wouldn't be able to afford to buy the whole thing anymore and we could go back to having congress represent the people instead of corporations and their lobbying groups.

"All I can say, is that everyone better be careful what we ask for, because we may get it. There is more at stake here than simply playing the turf protection game. The financial services industry has real concerns about how this agency could limit the types of products offered to U.S. consumers -- even some of the products that are legitimately needed and wanted."

Please continue..............or it still a secret?
You would really tell us?

But Steven Adamske, a spokesman from Frank, accused Consumer Watchdog of grandstanding.

“It only demonstrates the shallowness of their argument, that they are saying there’s some kind of cause and effect (between contributions and changes in the legislation),” he said.

Does this guy write for Comedy Central on the side?

A previous comment acknowledged that Barney Frank was one of those cretins that created the housing mess by demanding Lending Reform (ARM)in the 90's. Pelosi and Todd were the other two in this game that almost bankrupted our financial system. Somebody paid for those votes (Soros)? Now he's in the middle of a plan to require NO Qualifications on CONDO loans. Those are the first residences to crash if there are hard times. This artical shows yet another sellout by the eloquent Barney.....to the financial Lobby again!!!

If you are tired of congress voting for their own interest,vote american instead of party line.Untill the people of this country vote all of the crooks out of office ,they will continue to line their pockets with the lobbyist money and waste our tax dollars,unless the people get rid of them.

We can threaten all we want to vote our represnetatives out of office, but when/if we do, the ones we elect will again be tempted by the smell of money and continue to represent the lobbyists. The real problem is that it takes a lot of money to run for congress, and until we get money out of that equation, nothing will change, because the big corporations will always have more than us.

Credit reporting bureaus have acted like they're a law unto themselves for too long. They're far too central to other players in this to deserve an exemption. It's also important that non-bank companies like PAYPAL be brought into this.

It,s almost time to bring out the tar and feather,s isn,t it?

This should be no surprise. We long ago became a country of the corporation, by the corporation and for the corporation. The people have very little say in anything anymore. Situation Normal - All Fouled Up !

It seems to me that every one out there complains about republicans and democrats, but continues putting crooks back in office.everyone needs to throw the partys to the dogs and use thier god given brain and think american when thet go to the polls to vote. lobbyist are nothing more than a means for large corporations to buy legislation that is not good for americans and puts millions in thier pockets. it amazes me that the people of this counry kepp putting the crooks back in office.it is time for us to let the politicians know who they work for.wake up america

Politicians (both parties) long ago forgot what reality really is. Living an 'insulted' life, far away from the problem(s)being seen or faced by real working clase people, they tend to fend for themselves by diluting the truth, doing everything possible NOT to do the right thing, and then proclaiming they see no problem and all is well.

Trixie, I guess you didn't realize that Barney Frank, the chairman of this committee is a Democrat. The same democrat that fought hard for a House for Everyone even if they cannot afford one.

The ONLY POWER we have as citizens is to vote. Ignore the commercials, the papers, the polls, ignore it all. Lets all send a clear message to Washington and vote out EVERY incumbant. At the very least, the lobbists would have to start over with a new bunch of people. The preident has term limits why not Congress. They will NEVER create term limits for themself, so it is up to us to enforce a term limit on them with our vote.

All I can say, is that everyone better be careful what we ask for, because we may get it. There is more at stake here than simply playing the turf protection game. The financial services industry has real concerns about how this agency could limit the types of products offered to U.S. consumers -- even some of the products that are legitimately needed and wanted.

We are run by the Mafia - no doubt. Let us fight back and throw all of the incumbents out of office. Only that will send a strong message that we, the public, is fed up! But we are still too stupid.

It seems that every day we read about another piece of legislation meant to aid and protect the public that gets watered down through the efforts of lobbyists. Our representatives in the house and senate have to be reminded, frequently it appears, whom they work for. Whether republican or democrat, they must be made to realize that there are consequences to deferring to the demands of lobbyists and the industries they represent when the result of doing so is detrimental to the well-being of their constituents. It’s infuriating and disheartening to witness the servile nature of our elected representatives when dealing with industry lobbyists. I anxiously await the 2010 elections.

When will these shrill anti-anything-but-republican people realize that the problem is NOT the Democrats, it's the corporations and their lobbyists who have a stranglehold on American policy? Instead of fighting some strawman that the corporate politicos have created for you, you should instead be focusing on what is really causing the problems. The one Party that has been trying to curb the influence of all this corporate influence and cash, is the Democrats. While there are greedy Democrats in office, they are far outnumbered by your Republican reps who are doing the bidding for these corporations. The sad thing is that so many folks can't acknowledge it. The causes that you think you're fighting for are really just supporting the very system that is ruining your life. The whole "liberal" thing is a rouse.. meant to anger you into doing the bidding for those that continue to steal from you, and from all of us. But they count on you blindly accepting what you hear on CORPORATE tv and radio, as they get richer, and you fall further behind.

It seems these latest shenanigans concerning this 'consumer protection' (I use this phrase lightly) bill is nothing more than 'same shi!, different bill' as it does nothing more to protect consumers than the 'credit card bill of rights' did.

It's my opinion that if these companies were doing anything to respect and protect the consumer they really wouldn't have the desire (or the financial wherewithal) to lobby congress in an attempt to continue raking in the kind of obscene profits that they are now.

Ideally, OUR members of congress would be doing whatever they can to protect and watch over their constituents, but it is obvious by this article that we truly do not matter.

It is up to us to vote those people who cater to the big companies out of office

It is appalling that a Consumer Financial Protection legislation would include wide-ranging exceptions for the credit report agencies.

The monopoly held by Fair Isaac and the three reporting agencies allows little to no access without running an electronic gauntlet to secure information, and no recourse for consumers faced with errors, no matter how obvious.

There must be stricter guidelines and much more oversight of these agencies not less.

Banks withhold the credit reports they use for credit approvals of any sort, citing FCRA requirements -- and that they are not a credit reporting agency, the only proper place to get a copy.

How does one challenge error if you aren't allowed to see what's in your file? Further, how can we feel protected if one of the services has already decided it will no longer provide credit reports to individuals, but only to business?

Looks like John Adams was right.

"I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace, two useless men are called a law firm, and three or more become a Congress."

- John Adams

"Adamske said the new limits are designed to focus the new agency on the kinds of consumer credit transactions that led to the recent economic crisis, such as predatory loans." This simply means that we'll be protected from only the exact same circumstances we just faced and the next crisis will come from a different direction.

Till all the lobbyists buy all their exemptions, what will be the point of tax payers paying for an agency so limited. Another waste of our money!!

Credit rating agencies have more power over individual's finances than any other business. And they have certainly shown time and again that it's "profits first, people last" in their view. Try correcting an error they've made in your credit report - it just appears again and again and again. What's your recourse now? I can't believe Barney Frank would be bought off on this issue. We the people need to get mad and get our rights back from these corporations.

Same old crap, we continue to let the lobbiest control Washington. We try to pass legislation to help the little guy and the cronies just find some other way to screw us. Barney Frank is a joke and doesn't give a crap about the consumer.

The greatest threat to American democracy and the middle class is predatory capitalism and bought and paid for politicians. That is why these lobbyists can water down any protection.

This is absolute Garabage and Mr. Adamske should remember who the HELL he is working for,and that is the American Citizen. Not the Credit B ureaus, not the banking industry. His officious and frankly, insulting remarks, if quoted correctly, show he is unsuited to be doing the public's business, and, should he be unable to divorce himself from the graft the credit insitutions have bribed his boss with, he should get out of public affairs.

Basically, with all the exemptions, we are going to pay billions more for extra beaurocracy that will not be able to perform it's original stated purpose for existance. Wow, big surprise there. Not!
"We have met the enemy, and he is us." Pogo Possum.

A real pity that we consumers aren't being protected from the greedy white collar criminals that pervade on Wall Street. After all of these exceptions what's really being regulated? As usual too much corporate money ruins legislation meant to protect We the People. Time to limit how much money corporations can throw into politics.

I saw a bumper sticker the other day that says it all--"Congress should dress like race car drivers. That way we'd know who their corporate sponsors are."

What really pisses me off is that Americans know that the Republicans hate the worker and you can never expect them to pass legislation to protect us; but is it worse that the Democrats pretend to want to protect us but eventually do no better than their Republican counterparts.

If ALL businesses of any type are not covered by the proposed consumer protection legislation, then to heck with it. There's no sense in creating yet another government bureaucracy whose only function is to create jobs for lawyrs.

According to Frank's spokesman Steven Adamske, contributions have no effect on legislation. Why then do industries contribute? Is Mr. Adamske implying we are idiots? Or that the industries composed of idiots? It would seem one or the other must be true.

Credit reporting agencies should DEFINITELY be included. Currently, we as consumers have NO recourse over the heavy-handed tactics of the big three credit reporting agencies.

Also, a usury limit should be an option ... enen exercised. Unchecked interest rates is not only horrible .. it's a sin. Let's legislate against this one.

Back in the day when persons gave large sums of money
to get personal favorites from or elected officials it was just plain old corruption,which it is to day.
Now in this country it is the norm.This shows you how far we have fallen.
We have lost the moral high ground.