International Law

Amway Funds for Favors?

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One of the important points that Robert Fitzpatrick raises is the level of influence that MLM supporters have purchased in the United States government.

"Most assume that MLM is generally a viable business.

One probable reason for this is the seven-year silence that has prevailed in law enforcement on multi-level marketing, giving the business a new aura of legitimacy.

Few people are aware of the powerful political influence of the MLM industry, which might provide this recent immunity. MLM's top priority is not just to curry favoritism and receive income at the public trough, but to literally protect its very existence. Only the tobacco industry has as much at stake in its political lobbying and its public marketing campaign.

Recently, the political influence of the Amway Corporation, the oldest, largest and most politically connected MLM, has gained notoriety.

Read this rest of Robert's story about Amway and buying political influence here.

So it is not surprising to learn that Amway is trying to buy influence in other countries.

We learn that in in Japan, Amway is also trying to influence the government.

Seiko Noda, the state minister in charge of consumer affairs, said Friday that networking marketer Amway Japan Ltd. bought eight tickets for her fundraising party for ¥160,000 from 2002 to April this year.

Noda, however, ruled out stepping down over the issue, telling reporters that Amway's financial contribution to her had nothing to do with comments she made 12 years ago in favor of the industry.

Noda, a lawmaker of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said she will return the money to the company.

Hmm, why not just say "No" to MLM money?

Full post as published by Misleading Advertising Law on October 21, 2008 (boomark / email).