Do you think we should eliminate lobbyist?

Answer 1

I think we should eliminate the way lobbyists are aloud to conduct business. They should not be allowed to in any direct or indirect form give any kind of campaign donations or gifts of any nature to an elected official. Once someone has been registered as a lobbyist, not only their name, but all the names of their close relatives and company acquaintances be listed to oversee their "contributions." There should also be a limit as to the amount of time lobbyists should be allowed to have access to elected officials. All officials should have to record their and submit their time to a third party oversight committee.

No doubt lobbyists are and should be protected under the free speech amendment of the Constitution, but speech does not include cars, money, weekend getaways, etc. Any issues raised by lobbyists can be thoroughly presented within a reasonable allotted time. It works when parties are presenting cases of huge magnitude to the Supreme Court, why not members of Congress?

Answer 2

Lobbyists have eliminated the "By the People, for the People". It's now, "By the Corporation, for the Corporation and Special Interests".

Answer 3

Lobbyists aren't the problem. They are just representing constituents. The problem is with politicians who only grant access to and do the bidding of constituents who can afford lobbyists who throw money at them.

Answer 4

i think jetjr is confused on what a lobbyist is - LOL

Answer 5

Yeah who needs free speech; after them we can "eliminate" the ministers, talk show hosts and anyone else you don't like.

Answer 6

not necessarily. ideally they serve as advocates of different causes that most people feel strongly about, but well never be able to directly voice their opinions to their elected offcials.

reform can always curve corruption though.

Answer 7

it's a laudable notion. But how do you accomplish that without repealing the 1st Amendment?

Answer 8

Totally, no, but have some hard and fast regulations, yes.

Answer 9

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES