Left and right, we've been let down?

Steady on, that's the rally call of the bleeding Lib Dems!

Dave has it right. Power corrupts and absolute etc. Many of the MPs creaming off the expenses and accepting back handers over the years have not been silver spoon merchants but the likes of you and I originally, and were corrupted. I have seen genuine, want to help society people become elected members on their councils and a few years later get a shared cell for feeding from the trough.

In support of your position, I would say that these types are not as clever as those who seem to get away with things, and on balance, those you would deem "posh" are far better at covering their tracks. Mind you, that is a sweeping generalisation. Although this thread called for such comment I suppose..

Something I have always thought by the way, involves Al's comment about having floors full of lawyers. Don't blame the puppy for shitting on the carpet. If governments made tight legislation in the first place, loopholes wouldn't exist. On the other hand, loopholes work two ways and many would be appalling decisions have been overturned when the army of lawyers have been on the side you might agree with.

Interpretation of law rather than letter might serve Murdoch, but it can also serve the people. Judicial reviews can prevent the government from being autocratic and help conserve a free (ish) society. The downside is he who has the largest legal budget might just win. Hence eating McDonalds doesn't fur up your arteries and shorten your life expectancy. It was proved in court, as opposed to successive coroner's inquests.

All relative really.