The term lobbying is defined as "the act of trying to directly shape of influence a government official understands and position on a public policy issue." The word bribe is defined as a pay or buy off, inducement payoff or to persuade to act improperly by a gift of money, etc. (Oxford, page88). .
It is from these definitions that we can determine the difference between lobbying and a bribe. We know from our experience if you want to bribe someone, you are persuading them with large gifts. This could be money, expensive cars etc. When a person is lobbying, they are supposed to be presenting facts and issues to persuade the other person. This is done a lot in politics. A bill needs to be passed, and companies and congress will hire a political lobbyist. These people are brought in to persuade other people to vote, or think a certain way.
2. The general public considers bribery to be immoral because we as the people see it as a huge payoff, where only one person or one company benefits. Bribery is a persons way of saying "hey, I will bow to the biggest spender," and to me that isn't right. This is unethical because it is going against everything people, and the United States stands for. For example, what if a police officer pulling over a speeder told this law breaker "If you give me $100.00 I will tear up this ticket." If this is the kind of attitude people have then everyone would speed, and make sure to carry $100.00 bills with them. It just doesn't work like that. .
3. The SLOC could say that the monies used were to increase the popularity of holding the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. The SLOC could also argue that the gifts of scholarship were given not to win over the minds (and wallets) of the committee members, but to further the education of their children by awarding them with the gift of continuous education. I personally think the only argument in the SLOC's favor is this educational scholarship.
