Every night we all hear it on the news. This lobby group pressured this Senator or that lobby group wants this to pass the Congress.

Don't we elect our Senators, Congressmen and women, and state and local officials because they reflect what we want as a society.

There are many lobby groups out there for myriad of movements. From far right to far left ideals.

You may have noticed, if you have read any of my posts, that I lean to the right. But to be honest with all of you I don't care for the Gun lobby or the Tobacco lobby.

I think all lobby groups are bad for this country. Somebody's pockets are getting lined somewhere for a decision that will effect a lot of us, and it is being done for personal gain in most instances.

Do a little research and you can cite 100's of examples on both sides of the political fence. From Bush and his oil buddies to Daschel and the Airline industry(his wife is a major lobby for the Airline industry).


Take away the lobby groups and I bet you get rid of a lot of the corruption and greed in politics.


Sleeper

Let me play devil's advocate here (Oy).......

Lobbyists certainly do bring money to the table of politics, but they also bring information and representation. That information can come in the form of how a particular industry works, how it would be affected - both positively and negatively - by proposed legislation.

For instance - Suppose Congress were considering legislation that would import huge amounts of grain from South America during the winter time, assuming that in the winter we can't grow grain, while South America can. Seems to make sense on the surface.

But along comes the USA grain lobby that says "Hey wait a minute Mr. Congressman - we DO grown grain in the winter - it's called 'winter wheat.' Now Congress has been apprised of a fact it might not have known and it can take this fact and incorporate it into the legislative decisions.

Another instance.......suppose you belonged to a group such as the League of Women Voters or the ACLU, or SPCA, or MADD, or NAACP, - well pick your group. You might hire a lobbyist to represent your group's interests in the halls of government. The members of the group can't all go to Washington (or a state capital) and stay there for days and days while legislation is being written.

Most of us, at some time, have been represented by a lobbyist for a variety of issues - like unions, or women's issues, or lobbying for more research on a disease (like breast cancer, heart disease, etc.).

Like anything else (well, almost anything else ) lobbyists are not ipso facto a bad thing.

I'm with Basheva on this issue for the most part. Lobbyists are just another necessary part of the law-making process. I do, however, think that we should curb the exchange of money and gifts in the lobbying process. I don't think it is right that the Tobacco lobby, for example, gives an all-expense-paid trip to the Bahamas for a congressman and his family. I'm all for the exchange of information, but the exchange of money/gifts for a vote isn't something I could ever see myself defending. I'd like to see no politician in anyone's pocket, but that's 'pie in the sky' to be sure.

Lobbyists are parasites, IMO. Or professional noisemakers, maybe--whoever makes the most noise, wins. After all, pols are going to listen to somebody. Watch the surreal "The American President" to get Hollywood's idea of what constitutes an acceptable lobbyist.

Yes I am against the Tobacco lobby giving a trip to a congressman and his family. As well as I am against a Labor Union lobby allowing a senator to use their private jet for his personal use. I am against any gifting of any items or services to any politically elected official.


Let me ask you this Stefan, are you against a Pro Abortion lobby or a Pro Environment lobby bearing gifts or services to influence votes for their cause as well.


On a side note, I am in now way against exchanging information. But this buying votes has got to stop. On both sides of the aisle.