[berntb]

Is the real problem that lots of party functionaries without much money has power and little oversight? So they can press money out of the local rich, without repercussions?

Or is political uncertainty the real problem -- the political climate next month can be halfway back to the cultural revolution?

Or a third alternative?

Edit: Word choice, for clarity.

[nobody3141592]

Welcome to a land where the local rich can press money out of party functionaries!

[chaostheory]

I'm not so sure about that. If that were true, I don't think the local rich would be so eager to join the party membership.

[nobody3141592]

You don't have to join the party here - just throw a few $1000 at a fundraising dinner to get the guy offering the biggest tax breaks elected.

[chaostheory]

> just throw a few $1000 at a fundraising dinner to get the guy offering the biggest tax breaks elected.

I'm confused. Are we talking about China or Taiwan?

[nobody3141592]

The USA