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“The congressional Class of 2002, which has more than two-dozen millionaires, will face votes on issues that could affect their financial holdings.” – The Associated Press, Dec. 25.

The TeleRead take: Hey, the issue isn’t just conflict of interest. It’s also empathy. Will the typical millionaire really care as much about online public libraries as an ordinary mortal interested in self-improvement? Yes, wealth is hardly incompatible with a concern for the commonweal. But isn’t it fascinating that Bill Gates bought several copies of The Great Gatsby for the private library of his $50-million-plus mansion, yet failed to understand the importance of getting the book on the Net for free and legal access by his fellow Americans? No, he isn’t in Congress yet. But give it time–considering the bias of the U.S. political system in favor of the rich.

 
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