You all would probably like this story - some 30 years ago, a friend of 
mine - now a CPA - was newly arrived from Hong Kong and worked as a waiter 
at Frank Fats, a well known Chinese restaurant in downtown Sacramento 
(Capitol of Calif for those of you out of the country).

In addition to being a premier Chinese restaurant, it has been a gathering 
place for our state politicians for decades.

As a waiter, Albert was there but "invisible" and he has some stories - 
about who tipped well (Reagan) and who didn't (Jerry Brown) -

Around 5:00 the policians would start dropping in and there were lobbyists 
waiting for them. They would always offer to pay for every meal and drink, 
which almost all took. A Senator or Assemblyman never needed his wallet 
there.

 He said one guy would run a nightly $300 bill which was always paid by a 
lobbyist. Guess that's a few drinks too.

He remembered one Senator complaining about a speeding ticket and the CHP 
lobbyist said "don't worry - I'll take care of it".

The only politician who wouldn't allow them to pay was - Jerry Brown. He was 
at the time Secretary of State.

And Reagan, when Governor, always took the upstairs private room with his 
entourage and they paid their own bills.

But it is a small wonder that given this environment it is easy to become 
corrupt.

Bill 

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