[DiogenesLamp]

I actually was present during a conversation with a real old time pol, now dead. He said that the new politican class were idiots. Things worked a lot better when you shared your sandwich, and the heavy brown bag that when with it on a park bench.

Sorta at a loss in understanding your point here. Are you suggesting that things were better when people saw each other as friends and neighbors, or are you suggesting that there was perhaps "money" in the bag, as in a bribery payment?

Not sure where you are going with this.

[Vermont Lt]

I am saying that the new politicans get paid off in ways other than the bags of money.

Back in the day it was simpler: You wanted access or a favor, you paid. In cash.

Now corruption is dressed up as legitimate business.