I think the reference to Jefferson, as if modern lobbying is a foundation of US Democracy, is extraordinarily distasteful. Here are some entire books written b

I think the reference to Jefferson, as if modern lobbying is a foundation of US Democracy, is extraordinarily distasteful. Here are some entire books written by people who studied this issue in great depth: "The Business of America is Lobbying: How Corporations Became Politicized and Politics Became More Corporate" by Lee Drutman: In this book, Drutman explains how and why corporations became so invested in influencing politics, and what that means for the future of American democracy. "Republic, Lost: How Money Corrupts Congress--and a Plan to Stop It" by Lawrence Lessig: This book by a prominent legal scholar and activist provides a comprehensive analysis of the influence of money on politics and proposes innovative solutions for reform. "So Damn Much Money: The Triumph of Lobbying and the Corrosion of American Government" by Robert G. Kaiser: A detailed look at the rise of the lobbying industry in Washington and its impact on American democracy. This shit is killing people, no exaggeration. The rise in inequality over the last 50 years is rotting America's heart and soul out. US style lobbying is right at the center of it.