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spin

(17,493 posts)
24. I also dislike lobbyists ...
Sun Jul 22, 2012, 08:46 PM
Jul 2012

and the influence that the rich and the large corporations exert on our political system. It is my view that this is one of the most important issues that creates many of the problems our nation faces today.

But it is true that experts on issues can provide insight for members of Congress that might be valuable. Perhaps this link summarizes my view.

Is lobbying good or bad or both?

Lobbying
Lobbying has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it is designed to help special-interest groups (which may be a group of a certain religion, belief, industry, etc) get their voices heard by members of the law-making body. On the other hand, lobby groups with large amounts of money are able to support campaigns and sway opinions, and therefore limit the mobility of politicians by creating the sense they are owed.

Money contributions under any guise nullifies the original intent of lobbying . Instead
bribery is now the main effect of the efforts on the part of the lobbying organization. No one donates money or gifts funds without the promise of a return, swaying votes or in effect buying congressand thereby making the general electorate voiceless.

In general, Lobbying would be considered a bad thing by the middle class private sector due to their comparative lack of influence. In this day and age, Lobbying has become a way for corporations, religions, and other private and special interest groups to submit their influence over the legislature and essentially circumvent the standard law-making procedure. While all political parties and groups involved with politics have lobbyists, many Americans feel lobbying has gotten out of hand and should be outlawed, but this comes at a double standard because you have to lobby the outlawing of lobbying for it to take any effect. However the practice of lobbying is currently protected by the model of government we have and since corporations and other special interests are legally considered a singular entity, they are represented as such in Congress.

I advise you to do you own research on the practise of lobbying and how it affects us before you decide whether it is good to have around, should be reformed, or outlawed altogether.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_lobbying_good_or_bad_or_both
Or am I going to have to suck it up alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #1
I donate to the Second Amendment Foundation permatex Jul 2012 #18
So I was asking also for a friend… alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #33
You forget the insurance angle ProgressiveProfessor Jul 2012 #2
But someone like the NRA-ILA alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #4
Then don't ProgressiveProfessor Jul 2012 #6
I don't have to join. alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #8
ProgressiveProfessor is giving you some good advice ... spin Jul 2012 #23
My main issue... alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #28
There isn't one for a reason... Fredjust Jul 2012 #3
I don't think so gejohnston Jul 2012 #7
Let's not forget who invented "gun control" in the first place. alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #9
Thank you for making this sorely needed point. Daemonaquila Jul 2012 #26
The progressive community is much broader than you make it out to be ProgressiveProfessor Jul 2012 #10
And of course, your wrong again permatex Jul 2012 #19
There's really no reason to come here just to be a dick. PavePusher Jul 2012 #40
The Liberal Gun Club Tuesday Afternoon Jul 2012 #5
Thanks. alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #11
are you sure you belong here? You may have missed a turn. Tuesday Afternoon Jul 2012 #12
Yes, I belong here... alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #16
Do you seriously believe that the AWB was effective ... spin Jul 2012 #21
I agree that it was ineffective, stupid knee-jerk emotional law. However, I despise the system of Tuesday Afternoon Jul 2012 #22
I also dislike lobbyists ... spin Jul 2012 #24
I go with outlaw them. I think they are gross and disgusting Tuesday Afternoon Jul 2012 #25
They state on their website that they are not much of a lobbying/activist group. alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #13
I don't support Lobbyists, period. Sorry. imo, they are ONE of the biggest things wrong with our Tuesday Afternoon Jul 2012 #14
SAF gejohnston Jul 2012 #15
Thanks, I'll look into them. alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #17
I'd recommend staying away from the NRA permatex Jul 2012 #20
Thanks, been lurking for many years now. alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #29
Try the nearest gang of gang-bangers. They are pro gun and they don't have anything to do demosincebirth Jul 2012 #27
Try to say something relevant or please don't bother. alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #30
are the only one on this thread that I have to use the sarcasm dingy? demosincebirth Jul 2012 #31
Try a little harder alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #32
I see you're new here and people with thin skin either change or don't last long here. nt demosincebirth Jul 2012 #34
I'm new to posting but not to reading alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #35
Your're the one with the thin skin. demosincebirth Jul 2012 #36
you're the one who can't get over the fact that your "joke" was not funny. alabama_for_obama Jul 2012 #39
Am I missing something? CokeMachine Jul 2012 #37
Sorry, I didn't realize this was a day old. I'll try to keep current. nt CokeMachine Jul 2012 #38
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