Hacker News Reader

Comment by Fern_Blossom | Hacker News Reader

Hot take: Stop thinking of lobbying as a corporate only tool and understand the system was devised as a way for specialized interested (technocratic) to influence congress in an efficient and informed way. The lobbyist system is open to all by purpose. The real problem: the general public doesn't actually give a shit about wiping its own ass when it comes to dealing with their own government. Whose fault is it when you don't play the game with the rules provided? Stubbing your toe and blaming an -ism doesn't produce results. Many non-corporate, non-corrupt groups in US history used the system to make true good changes.

View on HN

Okay then go to K Street and hire yourself a lobbyist. Unless you know someone or have a lot of money under your control you won’t even be able to get a meeting. Your suggestion is as ridiculous as telling the average person to “just ask the Fed for money” when they can’t make rent. If you truly believe the system is equally “open to all” then you have bought the bullshit lobbyists have been selling the public hook, line, and sinker.

I mean, if you donate to the ACLU your money goes to lobbying. The comment isn’t wrong.

Nothing stops citizens from organizing a non-profit to lobby the government. I’ve worked with a few groups that lobby for better healthcare coverage. They go to Washington once to year. They are surprisingly effective in getting changes passed.

Actually being more “grassroots” makes the lobbying easier. It’s harder for a Congressperson to reject a meeting from their constituents.

Reminds me of this story from The Onion:

American People Hire High-Powered Lobbyist To Push Interests In Congress

"WASHINGTON—Citing a desire to gain influence in Washington, the American people confirmed Friday that they have hired high-powered D.C. lobbyist Jack Weldon of the firm Patton Boggs to help advance their agenda in Congress.

Known among Beltway insiders for his ability to sway public policy on behalf of massive corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, Monsanto, and AT&T, Weldon, 53, is expected to use his vast network of political connections to give his new client a voice in the legislative process."

https://politics.theonion.com/american-people-hire-high-powe...

This reminds me of a saying I once heard:

"In it's grand equality the law forbids both the rich and the poor alike from sleeping under bridges"

I mean, sure the lobbying system is "open" to all, but not everyone can actually participate in it or utilize it, even if they're technically allowed to.

Of course you can. It happens all the time. There is nothing stopping you from calling your Congresspersons office and asking for a meeting. Obviously the more people you represent, the better, but you’d be surprised how effective even a small group can be in terms of pushing issues.

Here is an example of a state bleeding disorders non-profit that meet with Senators in DC every year.

https://cthemophilia.org/events/washington-days-2020/

I also worked with an entrepreneurship group at a college. The head told a story where he went to DC and his senator had their staff type up the law with him there. Brought it to the floor that day. It didn’t pass but I was amazed at what got done through one person’s advocacy.

We can't afford lobbyists because we are paying those 88% of taxes and ever increasing costs for products from those companies and organizations paying 12%.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com