Unthinkable largess bestowed upon Republicans and Democrats alike in exchange for policies that are screwing just about everyone who doesn't happen to have a well-heeled lobbyist or Super PAC.
Had it become law, a family like the Gibbses would have ended up spending less on their health insurance premiums, most likely, in exchange for a policy that would have covered less.
The "peace process" has consisted of indulging Israeli intransigence over Palestine in exchange for foreign-policy goals unrelated to the advancement of peace and Palestinian freedom.
Two things have happened in the past week: Wilders has become part of a new center-right Dutch coalition, giving backbench support to the Christian Democrats and Liberals in exchange for tougher policies on immigrants, and he's gone on trial for inciting hatred of Muslims.
The think-tank Policy Exchange has argued for policy changes to level the playing-field for private operators.
You'll also see state and local NAACP and Urban League chapters repeating the same industry talking points, deployed by and fed language by DC advocacy firms that specialize in the quid pro quo exchange of money for policy support.
It comes to the rescue usually only after a country is deeply in crisis, offering loans in exchange for painstakingly negotiated policy reforms.
A Tory party treasurer had boasted that donors could buy dinner with him at Downing Street, in exchange for influence on policy.
