4 ms·

>> You and like minded people put together resources to promote renewable energy to politicians Unlike corporations and their biggest shareholders, regular peo

>> You and like minded people put together resources to promote renewable energy to politicians Unlike corporations and their biggest shareholders, regular people don't have resources to influence politicians. Any lobbying attempt backed by non-corporate interests will not be able to reach politicians' ears. Politicians have no time for groups/think thanks which don't have a track record of paying up after politicians finish their terms. Idealized theoretical forms of lobbying bear no resemblance to reality. To bring the ideal closer to reality, politicians would have to start reaching out to people instead of the other way round. Currently, the only reason politicians reach out to people is for a PR photo op.

indymike 7y ago
As a regular person, I've spent $400 to travel to DC and walk in and meet with 12 senators and congressmen. No donations required and I got to spend an hour with each as and even got treated to lunch by one of my states US reps. Got the policy change,too. So many people are way to cynical. Lobbyists show up and citizens do not. When a citizen shows up (and is rational) legislators listen.
- nikhizzle 7y ago
  Thanks for this. Can you please write up a blog post or a comment here with a lot more detail?
  - cryptica 7y ago
    I'm skeptical of the original comment. If true, I think this kind of activity should be promoted and encouraged.
- TheSpiceIsLife 7y ago
  There's going to be constraints to this approach. There are limits to how many individuals a politician can meet with. Also, without know the specific details of the policy change we can't know how to value this approach.
- bdavis__ 7y ago
  A senator will be hard to reach. Rep is very possible with an appointment. But they all have staff. A mature, sober sounding constituent can absolutely get time with a staffer...and if your concerns are legitimate, then a good chance your view will be heard.

indymike 7y ago

As a regular person, I've spent $400 to travel to DC and walk in and meet with 12 senators and congressmen. No donations required and I got to spend an hour with each as and even got treated to lunch by one of my states US reps. Got the policy change,too. So many people are way to cynical. Lobbyists show up and citizens do not. When a citizen shows up (and is rational) legislators listen.

nikhizzle 7y ago
Thanks for this. Can you please write up a blog post or a comment here with a lot more detail?
- cryptica 7y ago
  I'm skeptical of the original comment. If true, I think this kind of activity should be promoted and encouraged.
TheSpiceIsLife 7y ago
There's going to be constraints to this approach. There are limits to how many individuals a politician can meet with. Also, without know the specific details of the policy change we can't know how to value this approach.
bdavis__ 7y ago
A senator will be hard to reach. Rep is very possible with an appointment. But they all have staff. A mature, sober sounding constituent can absolutely get time with a staffer...and if your concerns are legitimate, then a good chance your view will be heard.