Walmart Bribery Scandal Widens

To some extent, Walmart's bribes in Mexico resemble actions taken in the U.S. to obtain building permits, inspection lenience, and similar actions. Improper of course, but not uncommon. Its bribery may well have been more than that and illegal under the Foreign Corruption law.

The contrast with the U.S. is unsettling. Here, giving money to those who are candidates for office is perfectly legal and widespread. This open purchase of influence is an increasing threat to our democracy.

THE GAY MARRIAGE SOLUTION

All the discussion of President Obama's evolved position on gay marriage prompts me to re-post this one from about 10 years ago:

"The solution - take marriage off the table. Get the body politic out of the marriage business

Let marriage be the private commitment that it really is. Those who wish can choose marriage, and label it as such, in accordance with their faith, spiritual values, ethics, or other personal beliefs. It may or may not be church or religion-related; that depends of the tenets of the religion and the wishes of the couple.

On the other hand, the state should have nothing to do with the institution of marriage. Its concern should only be civil union and the regulation of the legalities of formation and dissolution, basic rights and obligations of the parties, and economic benefits attendant to the union. The state's role as protector of children remains unchanged.

So change the words, get the state completely out of the institution of 'marriage'."

2012 Presidential Campaign

Looks as though Vice President Joe Biden is this year's Harry Truman. Give 'em hell, Joe!