Political Giving or Corruption? The Ethics of Big Money Donations

(Photos: YouTube Screenshots) - In the words of British historian Lord Acton: “[Money] tends to corrupt, and absolute [money] corrupts absolutely.”During my tenure as a Texas legislator, I witnessed a nearly theatrical display of Acton’s principle unfold on the state senate floor. Bo Pilgrim, a multimillionaire and magnate of the chicken-producing giant Pilgrim’s Pride, appeared at the Capitol to oppose legislation that would mandate fair workers’ compensation for his employees. Instead of engaging in debate, Pilgrim brazenly distributed $10,000 checks to willing senators.In today’s political arena, corporate financial influence doesn’t merely communicate; it dominates, effectively silencing dissent against the privileges peddled by these corrupt “donors.” Nowadays, a $10,000 contribution seems nearly quaint.Consider Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a far-right politician known for targeting vulnerable populations while reaping substantial donations from affluent interests he serves. This year, after propelling numerous corporate-friendly laws, he received four million-dollar contributions from a real estate mogul, a pipeline executive, a Trump-associated fund manager, and an operant member of Elon Musk’s team.Such actions exemplify a detrimental kakistocracy—governance influenced by society’s least virtuous individuals. It’s time to accurately label this: Bribery. Jim Hightower’s Lowdown is reader-supported. For new updates and to support my work, consider subscribing.