Why is it Okay for Politicians to Accept Gifts?

I am not sure when or how any of the "gratuities" we hear of Politicians receiving from some of their wealthier "constituents" (big business, etc.) ever began in our political system, but I believe that NONE of it has any place in our Government.

I worked for nearly 40 years in Corporate America, and each year I was required to sign a "code of ethics" agreement, stating that I would not accept any gifts or gratuities from vendors, contractors, suppliers with whom I may do business on behalf of the Company...due to possible "conflicts of interest". Of course, I obediently complied with this requirement, simply to hold onto my position and my paycheck!

I cannot understand why our politicians are not under similar rules, when it comes to defining "possible conflicts of interest". How can "Joe or Jane Public" compete with "Corporate America" in the gift-giving scenario? How can "Joe or Jane Public" even be HEARD in the same venue and given the same level of respect afforded to Corporate America? The sad truth is, he cannot...unless there are real "photo-ops" available.

Unfortunately, money speaks much louder than anything else in Government, or so it seems.
"Truth" doesn't seem to matter very much; nor do honor, honesty, integrity, humility, fairness, equity, nor so many other similar qualities...indeed, qualifications...of good Representatives of The People. It's all about Party-lines and Campaign Funding and photo-opportunities and Election-year trickery. No wonder things move so slowly in Government!

As the Information Age progresses, it is becoming all too clear that average citizens are being swindled continuously by many of those entrusted with leadership of our nation. Recently, I heard a news story that told of previously secret documents being released after fifteen years of waiting from the time the request was made. That seems a very long time to wait for "truth"...and the "truth" in those documents was certainly not the kind of information which fosters a warm & fuzzy feeling toward some of our Government's practices. See http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN26362552 20070626

I know there are many people in Government who are there to truly make a difference, if they can. Lots of good things do get done, and lots of people work very hard to do them. But, unfortunately, as is always the case...a few bad apples make it very hard to trust.

We've seen it over and over again; seems like every month another politician is called on the carpet for something 'unsavory'.

I believe the only way to guarantee unbiased, objective honest representation by elected officials is for them to be disallowed any gifts which would represent a potential conflict of interest.