Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Outlaw Lobbyists aka I Can Dream Can't I?

Lobbyist Jack Abramoff will plead guilty to corruption and other charges in a plea deal, He is one who has been caught in dishonest dealings. How many lobbyists from both parties are guilty of using favors, campaign finance, trip expenses etc. in order to sway our elected congress members. Outlaw lobbyists and allow campaign donations to be given only by those individuals who have a legal right to vote for or against a candidate. Representative candidates would raise money in their own district, senators in their own state and federal office holders from a national committee. Lobbying in Washington would cease and the elected officials would be beholden only to their own district or state. They would look to the people they represent to support a vote on matters at hand. This would return the right of self government to the people who live in the area the congress person represents. Big money would only effect the outcome in the district, state in which they are eligible to vote. It would cut down on the endless temptation for congressional leaders to vote according the the lobbyists to garner perks and listen to their own voters if they want to be re-elected. Those who support a particular cause now being touted by lobbyists would be limited to presentation of their views to the nation and encouraging voters to contact their elected officials as a way of gaining support for their views. They can do mailings, local or national TV etc as a means of enticing voters to support their cause. The voters would then have some power to hold candidates to their promises to be responsive to their constituents instead of the bearers of favors of any and all types.

3 comments:

  1. It may sound like a good idea, but one of the "unintended consequences" of campaign finance reform has been that only those with personal wealth can afford to be in politics. That's not good either. There should be a way to control lobbyists without eliminating them. Churches and charities and human rights groups also lobby.

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  2. I've always thought that they should get rid of this money first before they went after our constitutional right to give as much money to whomever we choose! Great article.

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  3. Dream on folks, dream on. Blessings to all.

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