Comments on: Senate Passes Token Lobbying Reform

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 00:03:32 +0000

Herb: Bribery is already illegal. "Lobbying" is nothing more than presenting one's case to a Member or his staff. Groups organizing to try to effect legislation is not, in and of itself, problematic. Remember, it's "good" groups doing it, too. What Abramoff and company did was already illegal. I have no problem with tightening up ethical rules, but mostly on the side of the Members themselves.

By: Herb

Herb — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 23:56:37 +0000

James: I don't think the Founding Fathers" had the vast under the table payoffs in mind when they said in the 1st amendment that everyone has the right to "Petition" the government. And, when did a "redress of Grievances mean a big, lavish payoff. If you think that to "petition" gives the right to "Payoff a Congressman or Senator" is OK, then you would be a big disappointment to me. I have always thought of you as one who is "above reproach" in such matters.

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 15:22:05 +0000

Herb,

There is this little thing called the 1st Amendment which guarantees the right of the people to petition their government for redress of grievances...

By: Herb

Herb — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 15:19:19 +0000

I have a better solution to Lobby Reform:

Eliminate Lobbying totally

But, those spineless, gutless wonders on the take in the House and Senate will not even think of such a thing.

By: Conservative Outpost

Conservative Outpost — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 14:54:22 +0000

Daily Summary...

NEWS: - Congressman Ratchets Up Campaign Against Abortion Drug - Senate Passes Lobbying Bill - Immigration reform a two-edged sword for GOP - Senators Take Sides on Illegal Immigration - Italian Elections Focus on Abortion - Adoption 'priority' bill ...