The Buying of a Presidency

The U.S. has a funny way of promoting democracy around the world: it pays for it. Secretary of State John Kerry has just offered the Congo $30 million in "aid", if the current President agrees not to run again. Granted that the guy is a bit of a scoundrel, intent on staying in power --he's been in office since 2001 -- indefinitely, but buying him off is hardly a lesson in democratic values.

But, it's the American way. When faced with a problem, throw money at it. Mostly away.

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