Perhaps. Cynicism is highly valuable -- a smell test. But cynicism is not conclusory. Others have responded noting examples and rationales as to why paid speech

Perhaps. Cynicism is highly valuable -- a smell test. But cynicism is not conclusory. Others have responded noting examples and rationales as to why paid speeches are not necessarily bribes. I'll also note that you include a citation about the Clinton's speaking fees, you don't cite anything to support or argue that Clinton speeches led to the repeal of Glass-Steagall, despite your implicit connection there. I write this as no Clinton fan BTW, in part for this repeal. It's easy to get angry over the nebulous concept of creeping corruption in our political systems. This is because getting into the nitty-gritty details and actually determining which particular speech is a bribe and which is not is difficult and boring. In the long term, I suggest that this sort of anger can lead to a political apathy which is damaging to a functioning democracy. Now, with all that said, Yellen should probably recuse herself given the recency and amount of these talks. Independent of whether or not she was actually corrupt, it's a bad look.