This article has a really good point - the discussion should shift from SOPA to how fucked-up and rotten these industries have become, on how they are destroying jobs, on how they are stifling creativity and ripping-off authors, on how they've abused the DMCA and on how they are bribing politicians.
Well, you can discus the morality of donations, but when you make public statements such as [1]:
Candidly, those who count on quote ‘Hollywood’
for support need to understand that this industry
is watching very carefully who’s going to stand up
for them when their job is at stake.
How is that any different from a private citizen saying, "Those who count on the elderly for support need to understand we'll be watching very carefully who's going to stand up for MedicAid when their jobs are at stake"?
Bribery is, "Hey congressperson, I've got twenty thousand dollars that are yours if you change ordinance code to allow alcohol to be served at local gas stations."
Usually the FBI is very keen to find corrupt politicians, so if there is a whiff, and for all we know, there might be in this case, but we don't know yet, they'll pursue it. Here's a partial list: http://www.topix.com/forum/world/russia/TTEIUECQCP1EGDHCL
It's not always clear-cut, but my understanding is that there needs to be an implication of a promise of direct action as a result of exchange of goods, money, services, etc.
I view donations this way ... I like you, I hope you succeed, here's some money to go forth and kick-ass.
I view donations-related bribery this way ... my interests are important, here's some money to let you know how important they are ... you do know that I sell alcohol at local gas stations, right? Also, did I mention how I only sponsor politicians that serve my interests?.
Yes, that's not explicit by itself. $500,000 ending up in some bank account is the explicit part. The government's purpose is to serve the interests of all the country's citizens, instead of listening to the highest bidder. How can that still be framed as free speech beats me.
A little naive to think that's the only form of bribery.
Campaign contributions are probably one of the biggest forms of bribery in the US. Regardless of whether you "ask for direct action" it is implicit that if the Tobacco industry gives you money, you don't go shitting all over the Tobacco industry, unless you don't want/need that money any more.
It's still a bribe/corruption, but it seems it has become 'acceptable' in the US.
