Lobbying and Bribery

Most people would argue that there isn't a difference between lobbying and bribery and although they are similar, they are different. We define lobbying as attempting to change a government official's position on a public policy issue. Bribery is something, such as money or a favor, offered or given to a person in a position of trust to influence that person's views or conduct. (The Free Dictionary, 2010) The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) states that it is illegal to pay bribes regardless of location. The U.S. has yet to outlaw lobbying. Bribery is considered unethical because it doesn't allow for fair business practices. Everyone should get an equal chance for transactions. Some might argue that it's wrong to bribe a person in to taking a certain action.

Punishment for violation of ethical and legal principles is going to need to be distributed equally across the board; if they do the crime then they will pay with time. Even if it's the smallest crime, it should be addressed. It should be handled just as if someone were caught stealing because in a way it is stealing. We need to start instilling fear into people so that they learn to do the right thing

When it comes to the remedies of expulsion, I think that the community should be held responsible for not appointing someone who is honest to oversee that the process is going a anticipated. We can throw the blame to everyone else but ultimately we are the ones that choose.

In conclusion, although similar, one is illegal and the other isn't. We can argue that they should both be illegal but they are not which allows for lobbyists to sometimes cross the line. Like everything, it can only be solved by our choice, we make the call.