If the CEO of Bob’s Store hired Senator John’s son then suddenly zoning issues disappear for his new space. The CEO of Bob’s even donates to several fundraisers for Senator John and makes donations to charities he knows John is a part of. John uses this information to inform his decision on who gets a cushy position position at the charity and if Bob’s competitor will be allowed to expand.

It wasn’t true. It was used to disguise crumbling profits as American shopping habits changed out of necessity.