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Politicians don’t have to listen to lobbyists. The blame lies with politicians.
by lukevdp 7y ago
Politicians don’t have to listen to lobbyists. The blame lies with politicians.
- Retric 7y agoEveryone talking to a politician about an issue is a lobbyist, that’s what lobbing means. It’s easy to think only those people you disagree with are lobbyists, but even just sending a letter to your congressional representative is lobbying. And there are paid lobbyists on both sides of almost every issue.
- anm89 7y agoThis is at best half true. There are professional lobbying organizations that have vastly more resources and know how than individuals. And when people complain about lobbyists everyone knows that a this is what is being referenced.
- Retric 7y agoThe well connected, paid, lobbyists, who need to register, are only the tip of the iceberg. So called grass roots lobbying generally involves well funded groups organizing or convincing individuals to do the talking. Pretending that’s somehow different from paid lobbyists is missing how politics works. Companies and Unions for example are often at odds on specific issues, but they both get sincere individuals to be doing some of the communication.
- headsoup 7y agoI only assume the poster above is really referring to corruption, where companies with vested interests are not just 'lobbying' for their outcome, but buying them outright... Otherwise there is (or at least should be) no difference.
- mycall 7y ago> Politician's lies are to blame. FTFY But with the high cost of being elected, of course politicans follow the money and the corruption that goes with it.
- j88439h84 7y agoWhat happens to politicians who don't listen to lobbyists? Do they win reelection?