What are some ways that special interests have influenced US legislation?

Answer 1

To tell you the truth, I do not understand what all the angst is regarding "special interests groups". The Constitution specifically grants citizens the right to petition the government. That is what these groups are doing. The groups cover the entire gamut of political issues. Everything from Pro-Life Groups to Pro-Choice Groups, Religious Groups to Atheist Groups, From Business Groups to Labor Groups, From Retailer Groups to Consumer Groups, from Veterans Groups to Anti-War Groups etc.

If you have an issue that you feel strongly enough about, get together with others who feel the same way and you can lobby, too. It has always been this way. It is a free country and we can access our representatives if we wish.

The ominous term, "special interest" is used as a Bogey-man to frighten and persuade voters. It is not nearly as scary as it is made out to be. For instance, most corporations lobby both parties and donate to both parties not so much as to influence them but as protection from them. If you remember during the Clinton Administration, the Justice Department lead by Janet Reno went after Microsoft.

Microsoft was one of the few companies that did not involve itself in politics. It did not donate money to either party in any significant way. They were portrayed in the news as an evil monopoly and had to spend hundreds of millions to defend itself which it successfully did. But, the message got through. Now that Microsoft actively lobbies and donates to the Political Parties, why, they are just a fine American Corporation that does a lot of good.

Sure money makes the world go around but so do votes. Believe me as was demonstrated in the Dubai Port deal or the attempt to grant amnesty to illegal aliens, no matter how much lobbying is done or money spread around, if enough voters rise up, they have the greatest influence of all.

You see, all of that money is used to secure the politicians position or to put it another way "buy votes". But no matter how much money one has to advertise with, it is the consumers (or voters in this case) than have the ultimate power. They can sell all they want. We do not have to buy.

Merry Christmas!

Answer 2

Unions have lobbied the government to raise minimum wages. Businesses of various types(sugar, steel) have lobbied for and received subsidies and tariffs. The list is nearly endless.

Answer 3

well the airline industry grabbed a lot of money that would have been used for the rails.................
The oil industry has discouraged the research of alternative energy resources(Gas comes from the same hole)

Answer 4

They write most of it for one.