Discussion: Are Lobbyists beneficial to our government?

Question

Simple question, wondering everyones views.
Should there be a law to restrict them?
Are they protected under freedom of speech?
**Also, see my other discussion on the reduction of credit.

Answer 1

They are proteced under freedom of speech. In fact, the courts have recognized that political speech (lobbying) should be among the most protected speech of all.

The concept of lobbyists is that people speak out to influence and guide the decisions of their elected officials. And by forming groups, their speech can be more effective.

The problem comes with the fact that money now effectively equals speech, so whoever has more money is heard louder.

Answer 2

Lobbyists for the most part are evil. They don't care about the welfare of America, just how much money they can make out of the deal they make with the loser they smooze. What's really sad is that the people let the lobbyists make up their minds for them because they can't think for themselves. They don't believe and care enough for a cause to stick with it and tell the lobbyists to go away.If I were a Congresswoman, I would take all the money and the trips they gave me and then do what I believed in and vote the way I wanted to vote. What would they do? First, they would have to admit to the bribery and as far as I know that could be illegal.

Answer 3

They should be restricted .Or better yet there should be a panel of 5 people selected from the districts political leaders represent ,to vote on all laws that or Representatives pass into law .The representative should have to vote the decision of the panel chosen from the phone book like juries to serve a 3 month term .The panels could be voluntary to serve on from the people .Then laws would be for the benefit of the people and not for who's lobbying with deep pockets .Democracy only works if you can hold your political representatives accountable for their actions .Now with the ruling that money is speech . Basically means any political leader in our country is up for auction .When i can go to the store and buy something with words ,is when speech is money .Money is not freedom of speech ,it corrupts the freedom of speech .Another example of our judges twisting our constitution to suit their needs and in-sighting more corruption in an already corrupt govt. That will place even more tyranny and oppression on the citizens of country .

Answer 4

Well just like anything in life, they have their good points and their bad points.

Some lobbyists call attention to issues that could otherwise go unnoticed in Congress. People without a voice in Congress, like children for example, are given a voice through lobbying.

Other lobbyists are evil and conspire with the devil to pay off crooked Congresspeople so that legislation favorable to their wicked agenda is passed. Those are the ones that should be restricted and cast back to H E double hockey sticks.

But youre right, we all have First Amendment rights, even those that represent satan.

Answer 5

most lobbyists look out for big business and not the people...but ones like the AARP, MADD, etc. are beneficial

for the most part though they take the government out of the hands of the many and put it into the hands of the few

Answer 6

LOBBYISTS ARE LEACHES!!!

Out law lobbying and you cut off about 70% of the bribes in Washington.

Their usually failed politicians or useless lawyers any how.

Remember the looser that talked about everyone in school and never had a date? That's your Lobbyist. ( pond scum )

Answer 7

Sure, they're useful. They write the legislation so that the senators and congressmen can get more time on the golf course. They contribute millions to campaigns to buy cheap champagne. Where would big business be without them?