I have a proposition: Lets eliminate or demonize the term "lobbying"

[Xicano]

I think we all who make up the Democratic rank and file should make it a rule not to use the word "lobbying". Lobbying is only a propagandistic term created to give the criminal act of bribery the appearance of legitimacy.

We should make every effort to turn that word into what it is - treason against democracy and an affront to the founders of this nation.



Peace,
Xicano

[Better Today]

1. Sounds good, but they're are some good lobbies too, or at least could

be construed as a full blown lobby.

NEA for teachers

Labor unions

AARP for retired.

so many more that wouldn't deserve the demonization.

[Xicano]

5. Good point.

I did think about that, but, I see those you've listed as more like attempts to "counter lobby" wall streeters. And since we the working class far out number the corporate class. If we were to eliminate lobbying, the pendulum of power would swing back into the hands it belongs to - we the people.

Case in point: Labor unions spent several millions of dollars "lobbying" President Clinton not to sign NAFTA. It didn't matter because wall street easily out spends us.



Peace,
Xicano

[cali]

2. One of my sisters is a lobbyist- for NRDC

she's spent the last 15 years fighting for people and the environment. And yet according to you, she's a traitor and an affront to the founders.

[Brickbat]

3. I'm not crazy about a lot of lobbying, but there are definitely lobbies and lobbyists I support.

So, not so much.

[StarfarerBill]

4. I agree that corporate lobbying should be banned,

but as other replies here have noted there are many lobbyists who serve righteous causes.

Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

[Better Today]

8. Good choice of discriminating terminology. Community lobbies = good ; corporate lobbies = bad

[unabelladonna]

6. whoring

is a more appropriate word....but we're the ones getting screwed. outlaw it all.

[spanone]

7. let's call it what it is...blackmailing congresspersons...quid pro quo...pay for play