Connected

I'm developing my exciting new theory (which isn't really new or exciting) about why certain large firms (legal, law, consulting, pr, communications, lobbying, vampire squids), get a lot of business despite everybody knowing that they're basically completely shady. Tithing to the right firms is just part of the cost of doing business in certain circles. At lower levels, for example, you hear tales of permits being issued a bit faster if, say, a local business employs the right construction firm. And at upper levels, well, Lanny Davis is paid for what? A company whose business model is centered on screwing their customers out of their money even as they hand that money over willingly stays in business how?