You'll never eat lunch in this town again

Mother Jones, March-April, 2008 by David Cay Johnston

Nick Baumann's review praises my book Free Lunch for exposing hidden giveaways to the rich, but then goes off track with a factual error. I didn't write that CEOs worry about sullying their reputations. The line is about think tanks like Cato and Heritage that spout about the horrors of government spending while relying on donors who gorge at hidden troughs of government largesse. Baumann also dismisses the fundamental reform I propose to free Congress from the political-donor-class' grip. Corporate jet trips, meals, and other favors give corporations and the superrich access to pitch more laws favoring them. This costly free lunch is unhealthy for the vast majority. Free Lunch suggests that we pay all the costs of Congress, require detailed disclosure--and in return impose prison terms on those who take any gift, even a shot of free whiskey. Call it zero tolerance for legalized bribery. I hope Mother Jones will stimulate debate on this crucial issue.

DAVID CAY JOHNSTON

Rochester, New York