Talk:Lobbyists

From Pete Ashdown Campaign Collaboration Wiki

Posting schedules on their websites might be a security risk. I think people should really accept that risk when they run. Still there is a compromise position where you require disclosure of how much time was spent talking to everyone. Ideally, you should even audio tape all the official meetings.

Security risk could be mitigated by posting schedules after they happen.--pashdown 12:36, 13 January 2006 (MST)

Video taping lobbyist meetings and posting them on the internet would probably have the desired effect. If everyone can see what the lobbyists are doing, then there'll be ample opportunity to voice concern. However, I'd like to have a better understanding of how the lobbyist system actually functions. BryceHarrington 14:30, 4 January 2006 (MST)

[edit] Logging.

I agree, log every lobbyist and who they give to and what they give, and then any bills that might affect them passed by that senator. I think that would fix the problem.Nmaughan 17:30, 4 January 2006 (MST)

Some Lobbyists are plain out crooks, like Jack Abramoff.

[edit] Questions

Here is my main concern about lobbyists, the fact that they can give millions of dollars to lawmakers to get things done their way. Isn't there a way to stop any group from giving money/gifts to a politician? I'm tired of losing my politicians to companies like Hatch saying that oil companies are ok in getting record profits when I can barely buy food and still have gas to get to work. Isn't there something we can do? Why don't more politicians stand up against this stuff? Maybe just a system online where every company that has given money to a political campaign (and their "parent" companies) HAVE to put their name on the senators website. Thanks for the info Pete Ashdown.

Not in the name of "free speech". Although I disagree, the Supreme Court says otherwise that money=speech. My issue is that grants more speech to some than others and makes us unequal in our influence. The only way I see to equalize that influence is through technology and the Internet.--pashdown 12:36, 13 January 2006 (MST)

[edit] Constituent Meetings

Why not provide an opportunity for constituents visiting D.C. to meet with you? Current senators such as Max Baucus of Montana maintain a great program (I believe he runs a "cofee and donuts" chat on a certain date and time where constituents in D.C. are free to come by and chat with Max in a large group). Something like this program, both in D.C. and a major state office would be refreshing for citizens and actually accomplish a greater level of communication.

Sounds like a great idea; I'm sure Pete would love to do that. May have to call it "hot cocoa and donuts." --Brett 09:15, 23 March 2006 (MST)