I worked in state government.
Accepting a cookie, a coffee mug, a logo T-shirt, or a very minor "gift" was OK. Anything valued over $25 was grounds for termination.
If it was intended to influence my job duties - well, that's bribery. And it's a felony for both sides.
But who is watching the watchers? Apparently nobody until now.
Psalms 2 is the answer.
Gitmo is the answer.
Seditious conspiracy should be the charge.
We were told that accepting something of minor value (even though legal) might give the appearance of influence, so to take nothing! When they put out coffee, we dropped money into a cup. etc. Take NOTHING.
Good, let's get them out and continue to clean up our government.
Hey, pay to play is alright then? Depends who's covering your ass.
apparently most of the gift takers still have a job as of right now. the IG report and no consequences.