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The problem with an outright ban on lobbying is that it would still happen, but would be driven underground -- people would stop registering as lobbyists and stop following the regulations that do exist now, but keep doing it.
Better to keep it over the table so we can track what is going on and regulate it to prevent the worst practices.
No. That would be a violation of the First Amendment.
Where in the 1st Ammendment does it protect the right to bribe congressmen?
Oh, I bet you are referring to that bit about petitioning the government?
Just to clear your confusion, the right to petition the government is to seek redress of grievances .. not to manipulate legislative agendas and laws to favor monied interests.
It is in the best interest of the people if those in Congress are not allowed to benefit financially based on how they vote. This should be illegal and they should be thrown in jail if violated.
We have a serious problem in that we allow Congress to set their own income and benefits? Since when is it in an employers interests to let the employee set their wages and benefits? We need this out of the hands of Congress. We need lobyist to not be able to reach, the members and all their contributions need to be pooled and used for the countries interest, not to influence.
To say this is protected is like saying you have a right to steal. nonsense!
One thing I've always found odd about politics is how lobbyists are an accepted part of it. I think lobbying goes against the very essence of democracy, giving a handful of people a disproportionate amount of influence. Should lobbying be banned?
No.
Lobbyists are experts in their field, and provide Congress with much needed information on many very complicated or technical issues.
What needs to be banned is money paid by lobbies and special interest groups. Congress should not be allowed to receive any non-monetary favors or gifts, either.
No one is taking away the right to petition the government. It's their "right" to influence politicians based on the amount of money and perks being given that should be banned. lobbyists are not petitioning the government to help any individual. They petition to help a corporation. http://wh.gov/lX1W4
It is a shame so many people DON'T know much about a subject, then make STATEMENTS ABOUT THE ISSUE.
EVERY major organization in America has a lobbyist group. The NEA, AMA, ABA, NRA, etc., etc., etc.
Maybe should get better informed so you can be a REAL INFORMED concerned American
Where in the 1st Ammendment does it protect the right to bribe congressmen?
Oh, I bet you are referring to that bit about petitioning the government?
Just to clear your confusion, the right to petition the government is to seek redress of grievances .. not to manipulate legislative agendas and laws to favor monied interests.
It takes 2 to tango. You CANNOT "bribe" someone who doesn't take the "bribe".
You thinking at another time in America it was different?
The corruption of congress during the civil war was stupefyingly huge dwarfing anything we have going on today.Absolutely not.
who decides to ban who?
You?
A committee appointed by democrats? Perhaps a committee appointed by republicans?
No it was not. Corporate influence and ownership in Washington is as complete and absolute now as it has ever been, they are just much better at hiding it.
Yes, corporate bribery of public officials needs to stop. The country needs to be returned to the control of the people.
No. That would be a violation of the First Amendment.
Corporations can say whatever they like, they just should not be able to bribe politicians as they do today.
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