Lobbying's Return on Investment »
Posted By Shana4Liberty 9 months, 2 weeks ago in NewsPerhaps institutions who have diligently positioned themselves as “too big to fail” could open up new hedge funds that would let sophisticated Americans invest in lobbying efforts for a direct claim on the funds received? Forget about even using those funds to run a business, let’s just set up alternative investments to see who can turn their lobbying prowess into cash as adroitly as possible. Come to think of it, perhaps that’s a better way to describe bondholders in these storied institutions.
In my opinion, however, lobbyists are not the problem. They’re simply following the money, and serving their clients. Our problems are Congress and the unaccountable bureaucracy of the Executive branch. Congress’ job is not to serve lobbyists. Congress must follow the Constitution, and hold the Executive branch in check by controlling spending.
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Shana4Liberty
I'm a stay-at-homeschooling mom of 4 living in central Alabama, but a native of south Texas. Feel free to friend me and send me ...
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Goppy9 months, 2 weeks ago
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Thank you for posting this story, Shana4Liberty.
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I truly believe that Lobbying is the nexus between so much of our nation's problems.
Have other nation's been successful in eliminating Lobbying?
Personally, I believe lobbyists are simply salespeople crawling all over DC ... like when you go to the doctor's office ... half the people in the waiting room are medical sales people.
It's like half the people in DC are seeking to influence the spending policies of Government ... and all the legislators are trying to make sure they get re-elected.
I'm very gratified that President Obama is addressing this issue. I think he is setting a good tone in his first few days.
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RedRiverJ9 months, 2 weeks ago
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Sorry Goppy but Obama has changed his mind.
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Story at CNN
Obama defense choices include lobbyist as deputy secretary
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/08/defense.app...
Looks like he's gone back on his own ethics rules.
But, it's just words.............. -
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hyperbola9 months, 2 weeks ago
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TheThe lobbying effort with the biggest return ever must be the $200 million in propagand purchased by 20 of the richest families in America to do away with inheritance tax. They made about $10 billion immediately.
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Of course for most Americans this brought nothing. Even the National Farmers Union was against it since it did disadvantaged family farmers compared to the previous system. However, a "big lie" repeated often enough sells well in America.
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DarkWizard9 months, 2 weeks ago
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I definitely distinguish between lobbyists who champion causes of public import v. professional corporate lobbyists whose interest lie beyond the public good. In my personal opinion, I believe that politicians need to abolish lobbying and have house and/or senate hearings into any requests public or private. Any contact with professional lobbyists during a representative's or senator's term would be seen as a conflict of interest and be an impeachable offense.
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This goes for representatives or senators soliciting money from corporations for pet projects, charities, or for any reason whatsoever. Impeachable! If charitable organizations want donations from corporations they cannot have a current member of Congress "lobbying" for them. Former Congress members can do whatever they want as long as it isn't professional lobbying as this should become an illegal activity.
Use the available legal, constitutional, and ethical channels of gaining tax-payer money for legitimate causes. While we're at it, make "pork" illegal also. This is political bribery and should be abolished too. -
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EDWARDIII9 months, 2 weeks ago
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One of the most important chapters in the history of lobbying came with the grangers and their attempt to get a voice in government. If not for lobbying they would have had no hope. Lobbying is as much a part of a free country as journalism and legal representation. That it can be dirty is not an issue. We live in a contentious world.
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We could think about some sort of regulations but we would have to challenge a lot of basic freedoms. Should we have some commission decide who could talk to a senator and who could not? Who can guarantee that such a commission would not be more corrupt than the lobyists?-
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CaptainLucid9 months, 2 weeks ago
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While I would never support a commission to decide who can talk to the official because that is even more corrupt because one of the biggest frauds in government is the "independent commission" I would love to lay down a load of laws to keep the money part separate from the meetings. Unfortunately almost none of the people involved in the fix both politicians or lobbyists have any motivation to stop stealing.
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CHAM9 months, 2 weeks ago
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All of you who think lobbying is just the American way, I beg to disagree. Lobbying in and of itself should not be considered evil. But the fact that previous elected leaders from Congress, the White House, appointed Agencies, or any person who would have an advantage because of past politics over say - me or you, makes the practice discriminatory.
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These people are not working for the good of America, they are working for the good of their clients, most often to the detriment of the American public.
Any deal between a Lobbyist and an elected or appointed leader that is not in the interest of the public should be prosecuted with stiff penalties awaiting those found guilty.
Lobbying in its present form is a form of thievery done to the average taxpaying citizen.
This is what sets most lobbying on the wrong side of the law. -
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SandmonsterComment removed: Hard Banned
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donaldscotland9 months, 2 weeks ago
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It doesn't matter which way you look at it. When money changes hands to support a particular industry or endeavor it is bribery. Bribery is illegal and no amount of word-smithing on the part of the bribers can alter that. Both sides are equally to blame - Congress for running with the lobbyist and the lobbyists for seducing Congress.
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mmrhe9 months, 2 weeks ago
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How about making all meetings between lobbyists and members of congress a matter of public record?
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In other words, the meetings would have to be taped or considered illegal.
It wouldn't be a cure in and of itself but would serve as a tool for keeping people honest. -
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Charlson9 months, 2 weeks ago
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Lobbyists lobby to get a position across to politicians. Lobbyists who have noble reasons are a necessity especially if they lobby for the poor and downtrodden. So, with that refrain, maybe lobbyists shouldn't be paid to lobby but should try to influence government with persussion and not money and do it for free. What am I talking about? Something for nothing? Quid pro quo? Nevermind, it'll never happen, the wheels of commerce must be greased.
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