3 ms·
I think the solution is just to ban lobbying as it currently exists. I ran across an interesting argument about a month ago basically saying that, legally, ther
by frgtpsswrdlame 9y ago
I think the solution is just to ban lobbying as it currently exists. I ran across an interesting argument about a month ago basically saying that, legally, there are things we can own but not sell, like a spleen, because the societal consequences of allowing people to sell their organs are so disastrous. They made the point that maybe you should similarly have the right to lobby your congressman but that you wouldn't have the right to sell that capability.
- eli 9y agoSo no lobbying from EFF or Natural Resources Defense Council?
- opportune 9y agoThe EFF wouldn't need to lobby if Comcast/Google/etc. didn't lobby
- dave_sullivan 9y agoHow about the NSA? EFF needs to lobby.
- eli 9y agoI disagree. Laws like CFAA get passed because legislators want to look tough on crime. Not, IMHO, because corporations are lobbying for them.
- throwanem 9y agoNo. Also, no lobbying from RIAA or Exxon.
- abiox 9y agoimo, eff and nrdc (and the rest) should 'lobby' the public. not congress.
- clavalle 9y agoI think we can get more benefit just by making all lobbying communications public.
- namlem 9y agoThis is a much better idea. Make it a crime to conceal this information. You can't just ban lobbying unilaterally (or even just getting paid to lobby) because it's such a fundamental aspect of democracy. Whether you have elections or sortition, you need to have the right to lobby the government.
- dredmorbius 9y agoDefence contractors on matters of national security? Advocates for refugees or political asylees? I'm not saying I don't like your suggestion. I'm trying to find examples where the transparency might not be likely or a positive development. And then ask: how would you handle those cases? Specific carveouts? Time-delayed disclosures?
- dave_sullivan 9y agoThe societal consequences of an organ market might not be so bad: http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2011/12/organ-sales http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2011/12/or... Lawyers, salespeople, and lobbyists are all good things when used well. I'd be in support of more transparency, but lobbyists are working for causes you believe in and would not be if there weren't some method in place for organizations to speak with their political representation.