What if you could change the way lobbyists did business?

Question

What would you do? Personally.. I'd still allow them to take reps out and wine and dine them.. so that you can still have political conversations and special interests can at least be addressed... but I would say no trips/tickets things like that and NO campaign contributions.. what would you do if you had the power?

Answer 1

I'd do away with lobbists completely. Most lobbyists are not representative of individuals. They are highly paid by corporations who want to limit the freedoms and rights of individuals. If lobbyists are permitted, then they should be required to submit the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of every person who supports the specific action they are lobbying for. No foreign lobbyists (lobbying for foreign corporations or governments should be permitted).

I'd also require that every lobbying group be required to submit a detailed statement of monetary support -- meaning the names, addresses, telephone numbers and amounts of money contributed to anyone who FOIA's the request and to the IRS. Complete disclosure. You have to sign your name to legal documents and letters to your representatives, so why shouldn't these people have to submit to full disclosure?

Answer 2

It's unfair access that's the problem in your scenario. Enforce equal access and the problem goes away.