Access to your president is for sale. Do you care?

Fat cats can now contribute $500,000 to an outfit the President has approved. For that half-a-million the donors get to meet with the President four times a year. Do you care?

Most of the mainstream media do not seem to care. They have yawned at this revelation. The public has not raised any hue and cry.

Now, some folks say this has gone on with previous presidents. True, Bill Clinton sold overnights in the Lincoln Bedroom. But then, he would sell most anything. And a lot of his selling involved various bedrooms.

I don’t believe it went on with the Bush’s. If it had, you can bet the media would have jumped on it. And if the last Bush had done it, President Obama would have blamed him for sure. Still, it is no secret that if you lay down enough money in Washington you can get the president’s ear. Any president.

Some folks say contributions like these don’t really buy any influence. They are mostly for bragging rights. “Well, last week, when I had breakfast with the President…” That does not make a lot of sense. You can get your picture taken with the President and brag about talking with him for a lot smaller contribution than half-a-million.

Common sense ought to tell us that fat cats did not get fat wasting their money. They contribute $500,000 in order to buy some influence. They therefore expect to receive the influence they paid for. Their boards of directors don’t approve such outlays unless the companies are buying influence. And getting a return on the investment.

Now, the President doesn’t stuff the check in his pocket and say “Thanks for the money, Mr. Fat Cat. How can I help you?” But one of his aides will be in contact, for sure. He’ll be in contact to make sure the next $500,000 will be coming. And he’ll answer the phone and listen when the fat cat wants something. And he will do his best to deliver.

Sure this is corruption. Sure, this country is rife with such. From various mayors to congressguys to the White House. Nixon’s vice-president, Spiro Agnew, accepted envelopes stuffed with cash.