2007-08-06 03:41:56 · 8 answers · asked by Ted Kennedy 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
As designed -- no. As practiced -- yes.
As designed and intended, lobbying is a process of bringing issues to the attention of legislators, and convincing them by words that one particular approach is better than another.
As currently practiced, the convincing is by money, not logical argument and factual proof -- that makes it effectively bribery.
But it's not legally bribery (most of the time), because there is no actual promise by the politicians -- just a "gift" by the lobbyists with "no strings attached".... right.
2007-08-06 03:47:35 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You are mistaking lobbying with campaign finance. Not the same thing.
Lobbying is seeking to convince a legislator to vote a certain way. It's an essential part of democracy.
Campaign finance is giving money to a politician's campaign to help him win election.
Not all lobbyists give money, and not all people who give money are lobbyists.
No, campaign finance is not bribery. Most people give money to people they already agree with, and the contributions are limited. For instance, the Right to Life Committee, like any group, can only give $10,000 to a candidate. Do you think they'll give it to a pro-choice candidate to try to change his mind? Do you think it would change his mind? Not likely.
2007-08-06 10:46:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that if any elected Representative or appointed person working in the government recieves any gift in kind other than their salary they are taking a bribe. First you can not work for two interest in this matter, it is either for the people or nothing. lobbying was intended so that people and interest groups could talk to Representatives about issue's and get their idea across and money or favors or gifts were not allowed and that is the way it should be. If a person wants to work for the people he should be in government and if he wants to free lance he should be in the private sector.
2007-08-06 11:11:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's more like political welfare. Personally, sense all of the modern presidents are rich, I think that every single one of them should have to pay for their campaign out of their own pocket ONLY!
2007-08-06 10:54:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends what they lobby with.
2007-08-06 10:51:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Lobbying" is "educating." And we all know, our Senators and Reps need all the educating they can get.
2007-08-06 11:58:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ted you would know all about that, what was that woman's name that you left in the river to drown, while you fled he scene drunk?
2007-08-06 10:47:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you in a Union ? If not join one and you'll understand.
2007-08-06 10:47:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋