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[pyrephox]

Congressman Pleads Guilty to Taking Bribes

See, here's the thing I don't get. I've never really understood taking bribes. I mean, yes, if you're being paid crap, it would be tempting. But this is obviously a wealthy man, who likely hasn't wanted for just about anything of neccessity for decades. He has power and influence, and can buy his own damn vacations and antiques. So why on earth would you take a bribe? Even if someone offered you ten million dollars, for instance, if you had a million in the bank...where would be the appeal? You'd actually have to work to spend what you already have...why break the law in order to get more?

I don't get it. Why take that kind of risk for wealth you don't need?

Comments

[pyrephox.livejournal.com]

See, I can lay out the kinds of things that I'd like to spend money on, and if I had...hmm, probably about 60,000 dollars a year, I could do them all, and make my bills, and have a bit to put towards retirement each year. Past that, about the only things I could even imagine spending huge amounts of money on are...I'd probably do the Russian space tourism thing, or build the Geek Refuge of my dreams.

While a lot of money is a great thing...I mean, I wouldn't say no to never having to think about the state of my finances before ordering out to eat...I can't imagine breaking the law in order to achieve more than what keeps me fed, clothed, and sheltered. (Now, if I couldn't meet those needs, I would be severely tempted, I admit. But that's survival.) It just feels incredibly dumb.