Why is anyone making a big deal out of buying access? That isn't the problem. The problem would be quid pro quo. What does the purchaser get in exchange for face time? What policy is affected?

If nothing changed then why would people pay millions of dollars for it?

A politician takes bribes and you don't know with precision what the bribes for or if the politician did her side, it does not matter, it is still bribes.

Cash for questions asked in the house, and more recently, for access to politicians, have been major scandals here in the UK. I guess this proves you get the same old s__t all over the world.

There was a scifi show years ago in the states called "The Twilight Zone" and Rod Serling was its creator. There was an episode entitled "People are the same all over" and that pertained to the entire universe and other worlds. Truer words were never spoken sadly. Thank you for your reply HarryD and Happy Wednesday to thee!  :)

What's buying access?

quid pro quo can mean exchange so why is exchange wrong in our capitalism?

Because it benefits the 'rich and powerful' often to the determent of the 'poor and powerless.' "Buying access" promotes the idea that some people are more equal than others.

Hello Rosie:

The effect of money on politics is insidious.  You don't need proof to know that a spender of money is BUYING something..  Which is fine with me..  I just don't wanna SUBSIDIZE it, by giving the spender a tax deduction, which is what we do..  It simply AIN'T right.

excon

Me too neither . Buying access doesn't mean the person you access does anything for you but listen. It isn't always or even often quid pro quo though it doesn't look good either but that is what ALL WEALTHY PEOPLE DO! BUY ACCESS with their attending of  $100,000 a plate meet-and-greets. The wealthy always get access. We the people? Not so much. Sigh. Thank you for your reply excon.

Well if you give a huge contribution to a  politician in return for which he votes on legislation that will benefit your company that is frowned upon. That is the kind of quid pro quo that is a no no no. Just because you  buy access does not mean that the person whom you meet and greet will do anything to benefit you. It just buys you face time. If it can be proven that Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State did favors for those who contributed to the Clinton Foundation she will be in a lot of trouble. That is unethical. Did I answer your question m'dear? Thank you for your reply D and D and Happy First Day of Autumn 2016 Thursday to thee! :)