...selling something that does not exist is what the "futures market" is built on. They sell corn, wheat, and pigs that don't exist on a regular basis. Keeping attorneys on "retainer" is paying for a crime that ya haven't been caught for yet, and that box of chocolate or bottle of wine is doubtlessly payment for favors not yet received but eagerly anticipated.
Liberals are like a "Slinky". Totally useless, but somehow ya can't help but smile when you see one tumble down a flight of stairs!