P. J. O’Rourke: Buying Influence & Politicians

Posted by admin on Monday, July 26, 2010

P. J. O’Rourke Money Quote comments on buying politicians and selling legislation while we all pretend it doesn’t happen – we all know that it is routine.
 

 

“When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators” — P. J. O’Rourke

 

 

This quote from P.J. O’Rourke suggests that when the power to regulate economic activity is concentrated in the hands of politicians and legislators, it inevitably leads to corruption.

The quote implies that large businesses and other special interests will seek to “buy” influence over lawmakers by funding their campaigns or after careers in exchange for favorable legislation.

O’Rourke appears to be warning that extensive government control over commerce opens the door for moneyed interests to essentially “purchase” legislators and bend rules and policies to their preferred outcomes through lobbying and other influence activities.

The quote presents a skeptical view of heavy-handed economic regulation as paving the way for a “pay to play” political system dominated by the highest spending backers and bidders.