The Cost of Influence To truly embody the American spirit, one must appreciate the following things: baseball, apple pie, and freedom. Democracy, an institution that has granted Americans their beloved freedom, would not function without the public’s influences and ideas. Lobbying is a practice that preys upon the idea of citizens being involved in government under the false pretense that representatives from large corporations petition lawmakers to “give the people a voice.” In reality, many lobbyists use their influential powers with more selfish intentions in mind. The practice of lobbying must be restricted to reduce corruption in government, regulate foreign influence in domestic affairs, and promote proper authority in the lawmaking process. It is universally
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When lobbying, it can become difficult for people to discern the difference between public and private affairs (Cost 2). The bribery and friendships used to tempt lobbyists only expand this grey area. Oftentimes a lobbyist will be offered a sum of money or a promise for future campaign support in exchange for taking a certain stance on an issue, and this has made the lobbyist’s job more about supporting corporations than actual people. It seems under this system, corporations make rules instead of lawmakers; the only way to restrain their power is to restrict the influence of their messengers (Leach 2). Some may argue that restrictions are already in place, but many of these are ambiguous rules that limit bribing activities, gifting, and former politicians from becoming lobbyists. These restrictions are easily evaded through loopholes and the things they prohibit have no direct impact on lobbying. The outrage voiced over current lobbying rules is an indicator that lobbyists can, in fact, be bought by a business for the right price (Kerns 3,4). Five-hour
When lobbying, it can become difficult for people to discern the difference between public and private affairs (Cost 2). The bribery and friendships used to tempt lobbyists only expand this grey area. Oftentimes a lobbyist will be offered a sum of money or a promise for future campaign support in exchange for taking a certain stance on an issue, and this has made the lobbyist’s job more about supporting corporations than actual people. It seems under this system, corporations make rules instead of lawmakers; the only way to restrain their power is to restrict the influence of their messengers (Leach 2). Some may argue that restrictions are already in place, but many of these are ambiguous rules that limit bribing activities, gifting, and former politicians from becoming lobbyists. These restrictions are easily evaded through loopholes and the things they prohibit have no direct impact on lobbying. The outrage voiced over current lobbying rules is an indicator that lobbyists can, in fact, be bought by a business for the right price (Kerns 3,4). Five-hour