How to fix lobbying

myp · Nov 15, 2012

Do you think this is a good idea or do you have a better solution? Or maybe you think it is fine as is?

http://docstocks.tumblr.com/post/35776916465/how-to-fix-lobbying

(basically it says make all lobbying happen publicly instead of behind closed doors)

tecoyah · Nov 15, 2012

I like the idea...shame people pretty much.

Personally, I propose allowing a single lobbyist at a time to speak before congress and the president.

Then, everyone we have elected knows the game...and each can hold the other accountable.

Perhaps the week after Thanksgiving would be a good time for the "Lobby Week"

=Zoomer= · Nov 15, 2012

I absolutely love it, and I can guarantee you Bernie Sanders would support it, along with just about every Progressive in the country. But the "Corporatocrisy" we enjoy today will never let it happen.

Wendy · Nov 15, 2012

=Zoomer= said:
I absolutely love it, and I can guarantee you Bernie Sanders would support it, along with just about every Progressive in the country. But the "Corporatocrisy" we enjoy today will never let it happen.

You believe that Bernie Sanders & "just about every progressive" is/are progressive? The original kind of progressives or todays progressives?

The constitution gives us the right to petition our gov't, but I don't believe that the founders thought about all the $$ that lobbyists would bring with them to buy our gov't.
Why can't we as individuals petition our gov't? When enough people call, e-mail, or write to our represenatives, they listen. The problem is, not enough people give two figs so long as their representative brings home the bacon that the lobbyists have provided, with an extra serving for the politicians coffers/campaing fund.
How many politicians, especially those running for POTUS have promised to "get rid of the lobbyists"? Once in office & the $$$ start rolling in....
Lobbyists are here to stay until "we the people" kick them out.

myp · Nov 15, 2012

Wendy said:
You believe that Bernie Sanders & "just about every progressive" is/are progressive? The original kind of progressives or todays progressives?

The constitution gives us the right to petition our gov't, but I don't believe that the founders thought about all the $$ that lobbyists would bring with them to buy our gov't.
Why can't we as individuals petition our gov't? When enough people call, e-mail, or write to our represenatives, they listen. The problem is, not enough people give two figs so long as their representative brings home the bacon that the lobbyists have provided, with an extra serving for the politicians coffers/campaing fund.
How many politicians, especially those running for POTUS have promised to "get rid of the lobbyists"? Once in office & the $$$ start rolling in....
Lobbyists are here to stay until "we the people" kick them out.

I know what you are trying to say, but technically you are a lobbyist when you call, email, etc. too. Lobbying isn't the issue- we should have a say in how our representatives act- the issue is in how lobbying is conducted.

clax · Nov 15, 2012

myp said:
Do you think this is a good idea or do you have a better solution? Or maybe you think it is fine as is?

http://docstocks.tumblr.com/post/35776916465/how-to-fix-lobbying

(basically it says make all lobbying happen publicly instead of behind closed doors)

I think that is a brilliant idea, it would force things to be legit. I like the idea, but it will never happen aside from petitioning, you would be asking politions to police themselves.

Wendy · Nov 16, 2012

myp said:
I know what you are trying to say, but technically you are a lobbyist when you call, email, etc. too. Lobbying isn't the issue- we should have a say in how our representatives act- the issue is in how lobbying is conducted.

& as individuals we have the right to lobby but we, as individuals (most of us) can't go to congress with promises of jobs in your (representative) district or millions of $$ in your, (representative) coffers/campaign.
Lobbying the way it's evolved is an issue, at least for me. It's secretive, a nice word for hiding what & who these lobbyists are & what they promise.

Nemo · Nov 16, 2012

The Lobbyist.

He haunts the halls of Congress where he is a figure more familiar even than most of its honorable members. He is a commanding presence. He is clean-shaven, his hair carefully combed, his manicure impeccable. He is distinguished by his hand-tailored suit, his highly polished shoes, and his heavy briefcase. He greets all with the broad smile and firm handshake that bespeaks solid backing. He is a mover and a shaker. He knows it costs money to peddle influence, and he knows how to spread it around. He counsels in the circles of power; and when he speaks, senators and congressmen listen. He is an institution.

How to fix lobbying

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