[EL] Bauer and Hasen on Appearances

[Robert Wechsler]

I think both Bob and Rick miss why appearances are so important. The 
reason is this. We cannot know the character or motivations of those who 
are supposed to be representing us, and we cannot know how much their 
obligations to others affect their actions and their decisions (the big 
ones as well as the little ones).

Therefore, we can only assume that, if they take large contributions or 
gifts from someone, and then do something that benefits that someone, 
they are doing it because of the relationship, and its mutual 
obligations, that derive from the contributions or gifts (or, if they 
are family members or business associates, from those relationships).

In short, we can judge government officials only by what we know (i.e., 
appearances). And we do not know their motivations.

Appearances, in a government ethics context, are not something vague and 
abstract. They are the facts of what an official does and what 
relationships an official has. Except when there is a sting operation, 
it is motivations that are vague/./ Without clear motivation, there is 
no /quid pro quo./ All we are left with is appearances.
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