HEH: So, did you hear the one about U.S. politicians lecturing Afghans on corruption? “This is the upside-down red-blooded American political institution where folks have stored $90,000 in cash in their food freezers. Doesn’t everyone? Where phone calls from substantial political donors get passed right on through to the elected member while ordinary citizens can leave a message. Where members on banking committees can acquire below-market mortgage rates from private companies and successfully claim ignorance of the going rates. Where members live rent-free for years in apartments owned by advisers to giant corporations allegedly regulated by the federal government. Where members vote themselves automatic pay raises years in advance to avoid publicly discussing such awkward details so often. Where a so-called ethics committee takes how many years to figure out if not reporting all of your income is cause for member discipline.”