Cover Story THE MOTHER JONES 400 America's political contributors work in the shadows. Here we cast some light.

As we know from Forrest Gump, shrimp have become a democratic luxury. But shrimp raised in ponds all over Asia and Latin America have caused environmental and political problems so virulent that people have killed one another. -- Rainforest Shrimp

FEATURES

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
Interview by David Corn
He's still drawn to the darkness on the edge of town, still seeking a son's revenge.

RAINFOREST SHRIMP
by Will Nixon
What does a shrimp dish in Manhattan have to do with mangrove tree in Ecuador?

WHO WE KILL
Gun stats show that you're more likely to shoot yourself than an attacker.

THE MOTHER JONES 400
America's political contributors work in the shadows. Here we cast some light.

FRED WHO?
By Ted Gup
He's a secretive Ohio billionaire--and the nation's number one influence buyer.

WHO ARE THESE GUYS?
The new power elite have different motives and methods for getting what they want.

TIGHTENING THE BELTWAY
Citizen movements have real reform plans to restore government for the people.

TWO FISTED TEXANS
The former governor and her daughter: on fighting the right and what to do with Newt.

DEPARTMENTS

EDITOR'S NOTE
Shall the elite inherit the earth?

BACKTALK
Reflections on turning 20; the Golden Ruler; your political jokes.

OUTFRONT
Dave Marsh's top 20 political songs
A Bridge Too Far
An honest Republican
MoJo's April Hellraiser!
Nicole Hollander on engendering change
A case of bad nerves

MOJO CLASSIC UPDATE
Where there's smoke, there's a tobacco company. With friends like these...

HOT!MEDIA
Resources for advanced hellraising.

PAULA POUNDSTONE
Sometimes a cigar is just a bad habit.
PLUS: Letters to Paula

Image: Daniel Lee, based on photos by Andy Freeberg, Gifford/Gamma Liaison, Jim Levitt, and Rick Reinhard/Impact Visuals