Any defenders of this fraud?

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/2009_04_23_Fidelity_banks_on_Barney_Frank:_Honchos _host_fund-raiser_for_finance_panel_s_chief/format=comments&srvc=home&position=5

Nope. I think he's a bumbling fool and a corrupt idiot. Always felt that way, that's why I've never voted for him.

Wait, a business is donating money to a public official perhaps with the intent of gaining influence???

This is earth shattering news!

I wonder if it's ever happened before.

-spence

I think the arrogance of doing it in the middle of a banking crisis that he was instrumental in causing is a concern. I guess I'm just being cynicle.

While I think the story has the potential to lead to a conflict of interests down the road, you're blaming Frank for something that Fidelity has done without his approval.

Sure, he could deny the donations. But if they're legal I can't imagine any politician doing that. Then how could anyone take money from any group?

-spence

While I think the story has the potential to lead to a conflict of interests down the road, you're blaming Frank for something that Fidelity has done without his approval.

Sure, he could deny the donations. But if they're legal I can't imagine any politician doing that. Then how could anyone take money from any group?

-spence

Without his approval? Come on Spence, he's been excepting the money for months according to the article and I would bet years.
They shakedown these companies like organized crime,.... wait,... that's just what it is. The ultimate organized crime ring and now they are in full power.

Without his approval? Come on Spence, he's been excepting the money for months according to the article and I would bet years.
They shakedown these companies like organized crime,.... wait,... that's just what it is. The ultimate organized crime ring and now they are in full power.

Yea, but it's all transparent and regulated. The only reason the article exists in the first place is because Frank has to make the donations public.

Has Frank broken any law?

-spence

Without his approval? Come on Spence, he's been excepting the money for months according to the article and I would bet years.
They shakedown these companies like organized crime,.... wait,... that's just what it is. The ultimate organized crime ring and now they are in full power.

Shakedown? Fraud?

These donations are made public because of Congressional regulation.

It sounds like you're accusing Frank of breaking specific laws. Please name them...

-spence

he broke the buckman 'be a good politician in buckmans eyes' law

Shakedown? Fraud?

These donations are made public because of Congressional regulation.

It sounds like you're accusing Frank of breaking specific laws. Please name them...

-spence

That's what makes it so wrong. They set the regulations and then extort $$$ from the same companies they regulate. I guess if he's working within the laws, that he helped create, then its fine by you. I'm a little disturbed by it.

he broke the buckman 'be a good politician in buckmans eyes' law

And is he a good politician in your eyes?

That's what makes it so wrong. They set the regulations and then extort $$$ from the same companies they regulate. I guess if he's working within the laws, that he helped create, then its fine by you. I'm a little disturbed by it.

Extortion? I think you seem to be choosing words that are all a wee bit harsh. I don't think a bank perhaps trying to gain influence, like companies do to every Senator, member of the House and US President, necessarily qualifies as extortion.

Are you sure you're not one of those rabbid, hateful, seething Liberals you keep complaining about? Sure act like one...


-spence

Darn, hoping for a Zappa discussion.

Extortion? I think you seem to be choosing words that are all a wee bit harsh. I don't think a bank perhaps trying to gain influence, like companies do to every Senator, member of the House and US President, necessarily qualifies as extortion.

Are you sure you're not one of those rabbid, hateful, seething Liberals you keep complaining about? Sure act like one...


-spence

If they don't give Frank money then his support for them would not be the same. Them giving $$$ is an understood form of gaining influence. Cash for preferential treatment. What word would you like me to use?

I totally agree with buckman here.

Our goverment is the biggest mafia like orginization in the world.. Look at our quest to topple saddam. Trust me when i say that he was killed not because of a made up term like 'weapons of mass destruction'. He didnt play by our rules, so we whacked him.

Its disgusting.

If they don't give Frank money then his support for them would not be the same. Them giving $$$ is an understood form of gaining influence. Cash for preferential treatment. What word would you like me to use?

Based on your understanding of it...

A bribe.

Its not the first time employees or the company itself has donated money to Frank. This is the same thing as going to the doctor to get a booster shot for the hepatitus vacine. Another shot just gives the initial series of donations/shots, longer life.

Based on your understanding of it...

A bribe.

Maybe thats a better word for it.