[homunculus]

It's the way business is done everywhere. My perception is that in the US the 'bribes' aren't paid at the bureaucratic level but at the campaign 'contribution' level. That way the 'regulation' is hobbled before the legislation is passed. And if big business somehow gets hung up in a regulatory/legal issue, a la the banking industry or the oil industry, they pay their fines and it's back to business as usual.

[dnautics]

I've started a small business without bribing anyone. Well, I did have to pay a remittance to the IRS to get nonprofit status. Which, is still being processed.