Well no duh. That is the nature of the beast. Most politicians are corrupt, and most lobbyists are crooks.
I think lobbying ought to be illegal.
That way, congressmen would have to vote simply based on their constituents desires, rather than having their backs scratched all the time.
And if those idiots are trying to pretend that this is a Republican problem, won't they look foolish when the whole story comes out. Of course them looking foolish is nothing new.
congress critters and candidates should not be allowed to receive money from any entity that is not a natural person who is a Cutizen of the USA and also a constituent to the critters district.
No corporations, associations, unions, PACs, etc etc etc
Lobbying definitely should be illegal. It's just about the biggest core problem we have.
"I think lobbying ought to be illegal."
Any communications with a politician can be viewed as lobbying. Not possible. Lobbyists are spokespeople for the constituents. For example: NRA, Right to Life organizations, small business lobbyists, etc.
Let's just make sure that corrupt people in both parties who get caught red handed get the boot, suffer our contempt, etc. I'd like to start with the guy who pardoned a crack dealer for cash to his brother-in-law: Bill Clinton. I doubt anything Abramoff was involved in rates anything close to Chinagate, either.
FRegards....
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Money is not a form of free speech.
When the system is corrupt only the rich get to playball.
Have spending limits? Maybe. If we can limit the amount spent on each candiate we can tell which one's are bought by how much they take from an individual donor. There are plenty of honest people that can fund a run for office.
I think the run for office should be by the voters.. the real men and women of this country that want to see their poltician elected. Putting boots on the ground. Going door to door. That's real freedom of speech. Having conversations with people in that district. Not letting people vote by the smeer ad's run by "friends" of the particular candiate.
I know some people are going to run all over me calling me a free speech hater. But the fact is we HAVE to change our system. Our country is bought and sold everyday by people of wealth. I can influence by peers through motiviation and discuss but that influence doesn't carry the weight of the all important American Dollar.
That way, congressmen would have to vote simply based on their constituents desires,
You realize that these two ideas are mutually exclusive?
The lobbyists represent the very same constituents. Legitimately...and with good reason.
If you're a small businessman, for example, you not only have a lobbyist in Washington -- you need one to represent your interests. Same if you're an insurance agent, a farmer, or any occupation or profession.
Would you prefer that the Chambers of Commerce and the unions, for example, NOT have a voice in Washington?
The problem isn't "lobbyists", per se. The problem is too much regulatory power concentrated at the federal level, which creates the need for lobbyists.