Checks and balances, not double standard:

Tax issues due to mistakes or inattention? Hefty penalty to pay. Back taxes PLUS penalty plus future audit attention.

Deliberate intent to defraud via lack of tax payment? Back taxes plus penalty plus criminal charges plus court costs plus future press attention plus future audit attention.

Get a rep for bad dealings? All of the above, plus lose elections or go Spitzer/Blago-boy's way.

Get a rep for "networking" bad dealings? All of the above plus lose the House, the Senate, and/or the White House.

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This IS the system in the US. Just like they say about 12-step programs: It works if you work it. Unwieldy system? Sure, when you conglomerate 50 states covering the territory our Constitution covers.

~Susan