Most lobbying practices have become so detrimental to our nation that they too can no longer be tolerated. Corporations, labor unions, trade associations, and other special interest groups have spent a whopping $109,672,835,163 to lobby Washington since 1998. There are 12,674 lobbyists working in the United States today.

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This is not an anti-union commentary or an indictment of special interest groups or lobbyists on their merit. All voices in this country have an equal right to be heard, and these groups have as much of a right as anyone to contribute to the conversation. These groups should not be demonized. In fact, many of the leaders of these organizations do an incredible job of giving their issue a heartbeat. Sure, some lobbyists are sleazy, but it’s the politicians that sell out to them who cause the problem.

Within the brokenness of our dysfunctional two-party political atmosphere, the problematic dilemma with special interest groups is that there is no appropriate counterbalance to their control, which ensures them disproportionate influence that allows them to essentially own Congress.

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In theory, a lobbyist is an expert in governmental policy that provides useful information to policymakers. In its purest form, lobbying can provide lawmakers with valuable knowledge of our nation’s challenges and, sometimes, the exchange can even lead to plausible solutions. But unfortunately, the potentially productive act of sharing information has morphed into the decidedly destructive practice of people buying access and influence. 

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It is imperative we have significant lobbying reform that protects the right of Americans to have a voice but that puts an end to the modern-day corruption that exists among lobbyists, lawmakers, and the almighty dollar.

 

America, seriously, enough is enough.