AntiWar.com
Grant F. Smith
“Saban and the Middle East � not Blagojevich and Illinois � are why this sudden and unexpected law enforcement intrusion into the quiet realm of pay-to-play matters. The hapless governor of Illinois enjoys neither Saban’s finesse nor prosecutorial immunity. But Blagojevich’s gambit does direct unwanted attention to larger pay-to-play forces in continuous operation behind the scenes in Washington. The scandal may take pressure off Obama to acquiesce to the subtle but omnipresent mandates of the Israel lobby. After all, Obama, with his decisive, grassroots-powered win, doesn’t appear to owe Saban or AIPAC’s team any political debts for past services rendered. ” More
Pay to Play is the Name of the Game
The Jerusalem Post
“It’s hardly an accident that AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby, requires its top lay leaders to also be big-time campaign contributors. AIPAC may not dole out money itself, but it understands how money opens the doors for its citizen lobbyists.
IF MONEY taints the system, sunshine is the best disinfectant, and full disclosure is essential. What we have today isn’t glatt kosher, but it is legal. It could be so much better. Until there is full public financing of campaigns, politicians will continue soliciting contributions in staggering sums. More