....and counterpoint

Jack Abramoff | Abramoff exaggerates Congress's corruption | The Daily Caller: The problems that got Jack and I in trouble involved long-term, corrupt relationships — not the simple purchase of some face time to talk about an issue or a campaign contribution for a helpful elected official. In the case of Jack, Bob and I, buying results meant establishing a years-long corrupt relationship where we all agreed to a de facto bribery scheme, in which free trips, meals and a better lifestyle were exchanged for public actions. I am deeply ashamed of my role in that conspiracy. That said, I do not want to compound those mistakes by comparing what we did to the everyday process of buying political access and spending money to advance important causes.