When people talk about the corrosive power of money in politics, they often don't think about it in these terms. But a *lot* of money in politics works exactly like this, less as bribe than protection money. And it's why politics so often favors status quo old guard bullies. - ThreadSky

davidoatkins.bsky.social • 17 hours ago

When people talk about the corrosive power of money in politics, they often don't think about it in these terms.

But a *lot* of money in politics works exactly like this, less as bribe than protection money.

And it's why politics so often favors status quo old guard bullies.

Reposted from Teddy Schleifer

Here's a fun thing that a top donor to Andrew Cuomo's super PAC just told me.

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lovewinzalways.bsky.social•15 hours ago

Here is a Paramount quasi-insider discussing how Paramount could become Trump-owned media—on paper—in exactly the same way (thread):
https://bsky.app/profile/garysnyder.bsky.social/post/3lsiivaotuc2l

mac1934.bsky.social•8 hours ago

rich guys, be the change

beezkneaz.bsky.social•6 hours ago

I ALWAYS.spend $1/4 million on things I'm unenthusiastic about.

If I don't before breakfast, it's going to be a good day.

ivy.law•9 hours ago

That's an interesting distinction... But I'd disagree. What Mark Gorton and you are describing is just bribery. It's not a special legal other thing; giving an official (or expected to be official) $250,000 in exchange for things, is an illegal-go-to-jail bribe.

davidoatkins.bsky.social•6 hours ago

A standard bribe and a protection payment are both bribes. But we commonly understand the motivation, source of the corruption and its effects to be quite different.

ivy.law•6 hours ago

I just find it striking that guy is admitting to a crime, because that's how unlikely it is for him to be prosecuted for it, that he doesn't even know that he could be.

phillyinsomniac.bsky.social•6 hours ago

I don't even disagree, but I think this does overlook how, in systems where bribery is normal and institutionalized, it does become part of the cost of doing business.

Not saying "won't someone think of the billionaires" but it's a critical part of how money in politics shapes the process

ivy.law•6 hours ago

I think stealing bread should be decriminalized and people who pay bribes should have their heads chopped off on national television.

phillyinsomniac.bsky.social•3 hours ago

maybe a bit strong, but I'm into it

minorheretic.bsky.social•7 hours ago

This is why political donations to campaigns, parties, and PACs should be limited to a day's wages at the federal minimum; $58 right now. That way Jeff Bezos and an Amazon warehouse worker have equal clout. Nobody can pay protection money. Candidates would need volunteers, not war chests.

swedener.bsky.social•5 hours ago

i have been an adult a long time. and a kid before that.

and there has never been an election that proposed "raising taxes" - every election is "cutting taxes" or "paying their fair share" (and then its still not raising taxes and only on a handful of folk).

how are there any taxes left to cut?

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