John Mica at Rail Conference: 'It's good to be with the 1%'

[tufsu1]

Yeah, people who don't even know that John Mica doesn't work for them since they cannot afford to buy a lobbyist.

enough already Faye....

While I personally have never hired a lobbyist, I work and volunteer with groups that have lobbyists....examples include the American Planning Association as well as its Florida Chapter.

Are you really trying to say that there aren't any lobbyists working on behalf of causes or issues that you consider important?

Your agressive defense of the status quo that has 17,000 lobbyists, or about 38 per congressman, is always so shocking.

Obviously Planned Parenthood will be able to spend less on lobbying that the American Planning Association.

huh?  my defense is always so shocking?  as if I defend Congress so often?

btw...I'm willing to bet that Planned Parenthood spends more $ nationally on lobbyists than the American Planning Association does....here in Florida (the second largest chapter in the nation), we spend roughly $40,000 a year for our legislative affairs staff person...care to guess what PP spends?

and while we're at it Faye, looking at lobbyists as proprtionate to members of Congress is one method...another is to say that there are 300 million people in the U.S....so the 17,000 lobbyists amounts to about 1 for every 17,500 people

[FayeforCure]

Yeah, people who don't even know that John Mica doesn't work for them since they cannot afford to buy a lobbyist.

enough already Faye....

While I personally have never hired a lobbyist, I work and volunteer with groups that have lobbyists....examples include the American Planning Association as well as its Florida Chapter.

Are you really trying to say that there aren't any lobbyists working on behalf of causes or issues that you consider important?

Your agressive defense of the status quo that has 17,000 lobbyists, or about 38 per congressman, is always so shocking.

Obviously Planned Parenthood will be able to spend less on lobbying that the American Planning Association.

huh?  my defense is always so shocking?  as if I defend Congress so often?

btw...I'm willing to bet that Planned Parenthood spends more $ nationally on lobbyists than the American Planning Association does....here in Florida (the second largest chapter in the nation), we spend roughly $40,000 a year for our legislative affairs staff person...care to guess what PP spends?

and while we're at it Faye, looking at lobbyists as proprtionate to members of Congress is one method...another is to say that there are 300 million people in the U.S....so the 17,000 lobbyists amounts to about 1 for every 17,500 people

Actually I would hope Planned Parenthood would have more lobbying power than your association. After all, there are at least 150,000,000 females in this country, and a very small group of extremists are trying to limit women's choices:

The Other 99%

Posted: 11/16/11 05:46 PM ET


There's not a lot we agree on in this country. And yet, there is one topic around which there is practically universal agreement: the right of women to access birth control.

That's right -- 99% of women in the U.S. who have been sexually active have used birth control. It's used by women of every demographic, every geographic location, every income level -- and every religious group.

So does it sound crazy that a small group of religious leaders and tea-party Republicans are fighting to eliminate women's access to birth control?

But that's exactly what's happening. Right now in Washington, D.C., a small but influential group is lobbying the White House to prevent millions of women in America from having equal access to birth control under insurance plans. It seems as though having one of the highest unintended pregnancy rates, not to mention the highest teen pregnancy rate, among the world's most developed countries isn't enough -- we've got to make it even harder for women to access family planning.

The dangerous proposal put forth by this vocal minority tries to take advantage of an unfair exemption crafted by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that allows certain religious employers to opt out of the new federal requirement that insurance plans include birth control and other preventive services with no co-pay.

But here's the thing: The HHS definition of "a "religious employer" applies to nonprofit organizations that have instilling religious values as their purpose and whose employees and clients share their religious tenets. In other words, religious institutions such as churches are already exempted.

But these lobbyists are trying to expand this definition to include religiously affiliated colleges, universities, medical schools, hospitals, social service organizations, schools, you name it -- so that these organizations will be able to refuse birth control coverage for their employees as well. This, despite the fact that these institutions in large part neither employ nor serve individuals who share their religious beliefs. In fact, they are open to and serve the public.

The result of such an expansion would be nothing short of tragic for millions of Americans and their families. Nearly 800,000 people work at Catholic hospitals and there are approximately two million students and workers at universities that have a religious affiliation. This expansion would impact all of these individuals -- as well as their dependents, denying them a benefit that finally makes an essential health care service affordable.

An expanded refusal policy for any organization claiming to be "religious" would amount to the single most damaging refusal provision around birth control ever implemented. In fact, it would set a standard as bad as or even worse than the refusal provision that George W. Bush put into place near the end of his administration -- and that President Obama sensibly and swiftly dismantled.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cecile-richards/the-other-99_b_1098313.html

The sick mindset of extremist Republicans takes freedom away from women.

[BridgeTroll]

So we should ban lobbyists?  or just lobbyists with "Big" before their name.

[FayeforCure]

So we should ban lobbyists?  or just lobbyists with "Big" before their name.

Thank you so much for that question.

I think corporate lobbying should be banned, as should be banned the front groups that are funded by corporations.

Here is an interesting website on efforts made in Europe by Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO)  to expose and eliminate corporate lobbying from pursuing bad policy that undermines the needs of the people.

Lobbycracy


Brussels is at the centre of EU decision-making and as such attracts thousands of lobbyists, promoting the interests of big business. Easily outnumbering and outspending public interest groups, corporate lobbyists are also given privileged access by the European institutions. The emerging lobbycracy results in flawed policies that put commercial interests above those of people and the environment and undermines the very basis of democracy.

http://www.corporateeurope.org/what-we-do

http://www.corporateeurope.org/about

These young folks understand that legal bribery is undermining our economic democracy!

[BridgeTroll]

What about the US Chamber of Commerce?

http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/top.php?indexType=s

Lobbying Client Total 1998 - 2011

US Chamber of Commerce $785,065,680
American Medical Assn $259,467,500
General Electric $257,590,000
AARP $210,182,064
Pharmaceutical Rsrch & Mfrs of America $209,203,920
American Hospital Assn $208,993,836
Blue Cross/Blue Shield $174,370,552
National Assn of Realtors $172,231,698
Northrop Grumman $167,645,253
Exxon Mobil $166,722,742
Verizon Communications $161,234,841
Edison Electric Institute $156,585,999
Business Roundtable $153,620,000
Boeing Co $151,704,310
Lockheed Martin $146,267,373
AT&T Inc $130,749,336
Southern Co $126,280,694
General Motors $123,679,170
PG&E Corp $119,580,000
Pfizer Inc $118,227,268

[FayeforCure]

What about the US Chamber of Commerce?

http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/top.php?indexType=s

Lobbying Client Total 1998 - 2011

US Chamber of Commerce $785,065,680
American Medical Assn $259,467,500
General Electric $257,590,000
AARP $210,182,064
Pharmaceutical Rsrch & Mfrs of America $209,203,920
American Hospital Assn $208,993,836
Blue Cross/Blue Shield $174,370,552
National Assn of Realtors $172,231,698
Northrop Grumman $167,645,253
Exxon Mobil $166,722,742
Verizon Communications $161,234,841
Edison Electric Institute $156,585,999
Business Roundtable $153,620,000
Boeing Co $151,704,310
Lockheed Martin $146,267,373
AT&T Inc $130,749,336
Southern Co $126,280,694
General Motors $123,679,170
PG&E Corp $119,580,000
Pfizer Inc $118,227,268

That's a prime example of corporate lobbying that needs to be banned.

Hey they only endorse Republicans anyway, with a few Dems sprinkled in.

[BridgeTroll]

Would you agree that "corporate lobbyists" also advocate for causes and legislation that you yourself support?  The reason I ask is where is the line drawn?  Is any incorporated business banned from hiring advocates on its behalf?

[FayeforCure]

Would you agree that "corporate lobbyists" also advocate for causes and legislation that you yourself support?  The reason I ask is where is the line drawn?  Is any incorporated business banned from hiring advocates on its behalf?

Sure, the green energy industry.........windmills etc. But they don't need lobbyists.

A congress person's staff can gather and analyze info. independently from lobbyists.

Lobbying is simply "legal bribery," that provides hugely skewed info. and even writes legislation for a congressman.

[BridgeTroll]

What about the US Chamber of Commerce?

http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/top.php?indexType=s

Lobbying Client Total 1998 - 2011

US Chamber of Commerce $785,065,680
American Medical Assn $259,467,500
General Electric $257,590,000
AARP $210,182,064
Pharmaceutical Rsrch & Mfrs of America $209,203,920
American Hospital Assn $208,993,836
Blue Cross/Blue Shield $174,370,552
National Assn of Realtors $172,231,698
Northrop Grumman $167,645,253
Exxon Mobil $166,722,742
Verizon Communications $161,234,841
Edison Electric Institute $156,585,999
Business Roundtable $153,620,000
Boeing Co $151,704,310
Lockheed Martin $146,267,373
AT&T Inc $130,749,336
Southern Co $126,280,694
General Motors $123,679,170
PG&E Corp $119,580,000
Pfizer Inc $118,227,268

That's a prime example of corporate lobbying that needs to be banned.

Hey they only endorse Republicans anyway, with a few Dems sprinkled in.

Interesting... considering 7 of the top ten recipients of lobbyist cash are democrats...

http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/lobby_contribs.php



Type of Recipeint:  Politicians

Recipient From Lobbyists

Harry Reid (D-Nev) $942,388 $1,042,738
Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark) $647,738 $720,188
Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) $616,093 $666,243
Rob Portman (R-Ohio) $548,174 $637,524
Patty Murray (D-Wash) $472,096 $514,495
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) $389,086 $427,086
Roy Blunt (R-Mo) $377,790 $468,940
Kendrick B. Meek (D-Fla) $350,072 $371,772
Richard Burr (R-NC) $330,686 $373,867
Michael F. Bennet (D-Colo) $317,909 $354,508

[tufsu1]

Would you agree that "corporate lobbyists" also advocate for causes and legislation that you yourself support?  The reason I ask is where is the line drawn?  Is any incorporated business banned from hiring advocates on its behalf?

Sure, the green energy industry.........windmills etc. But they don't need lobbyists.

A congress person's staff can gather and analyze info. independently from lobbyists.

Lobbying is simply "legal bribery," that provides hugely skewed info. and even writes legislation for a congressman.

um, ok...fact is what Congress can do and does do in terms of research and analysis are 2 different things.

and don't kid yourself.....without green industry lobbyists, the tax credits and initiatives being pushed by Democrats these days wouldn't be happening.

[BridgeTroll]

Would you agree that "corporate lobbyists" also advocate for causes and legislation that you yourself support?  The reason I ask is where is the line drawn?  Is any incorporated business banned from hiring advocates on its behalf?

Sure, the green energy industry.........windmills etc. But they don't need lobbyists.

A congress person's staff can gather and analyze info. independently from lobbyists.

Lobbying is simply "legal bribery," that provides hugely skewed info. and even writes legislation for a congressman.

So you would ban lobbyists advocating their windmill product?  Or a company advocating to construct a high speed rail line?  How about a manufacturer of streetcars?  All of these are corporations who lobby for various projects... some you may feel are worthy and good... others you may feel are evil and unworthy.  Banning lobbying from all incorporated business seems to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

[FayeforCure]

Would you agree that "corporate lobbyists" also advocate for causes and legislation that you yourself support?  The reason I ask is where is the line drawn?  Is any incorporated business banned from hiring advocates on its behalf?

Sure, the green energy industry.........windmills etc. But they don't need lobbyists.

A congress person's staff can gather and analyze info. independently from lobbyists.

Lobbying is simply "legal bribery," that provides hugely skewed info. and even writes legislation for a congressman.

So you would ban lobbyists advocating their windmill product?  Or a company advocating to construct a high speed rail line?  How about a manufacturer of streetcars?  All of these are corporations who lobby for various projects... some you may feel are worthy and good... others you may feel are evil and unworthy.  Banning lobbying from all incorporated business seems to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

What is wrong with a congressman having qualified staff that can do independent research?

There is a wealth of knowledge even among the people that post here.

We can even use academic independent research if need be.

No need to use the hugely skewed info from corporations directly, without filtering it independently.

[BridgeTroll]

Would you agree that "corporate lobbyists" also advocate for causes and legislation that you yourself support?  The reason I ask is where is the line drawn?  Is any incorporated business banned from hiring advocates on its behalf?

Sure, the green energy industry.........windmills etc. But they don't need lobbyists.

A congress person's staff can gather and analyze info. independently from lobbyists.

Lobbying is simply "legal bribery," that provides hugely skewed info. and even writes legislation for a congressman.

So you would ban lobbyists advocating their windmill product?  Or a company advocating to construct a high speed rail line?  How about a manufacturer of streetcars?  All of these are corporations who lobby for various projects... some you may feel are worthy and good... others you may feel are evil and unworthy.  Banning lobbying from all incorporated business seems to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

[FayeforCure]

Would you agree that "corporate lobbyists" also advocate for causes and legislation that you yourself support?  The reason I ask is where is the line drawn?  Is any incorporated business banned from hiring advocates on its behalf?

Sure, the green energy industry.........windmills etc. But they don't need lobbyists.

A congress person's staff can gather and analyze info. independently from lobbyists.

Lobbying is simply "legal bribery," that provides hugely skewed info. and even writes legislation for a congressman.

So you would ban lobbyists advocating their windmill product?  Or a company advocating to construct a high speed rail line?  How about a manufacturer of streetcars?  All of these are corporations who lobby for various projects... some you may feel are worthy and good... others you may feel are evil and unworthy.  Banning lobbying from all incorporated business seems to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

I already aswered that above.

More here:
http://opengov.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Public-Financing-for-All-Federal-Offices--Ban-All-Corporate-Lobbying-/3773-4049

[BridgeTroll]

Would you agree that "corporate lobbyists" also advocate for causes and legislation that you yourself support?  The reason I ask is where is the line drawn?  Is any incorporated business banned from hiring advocates on its behalf?

Sure, the green energy industry.........windmills etc. But they don't need lobbyists.

A congress person's staff can gather and analyze info. independently from lobbyists.

Lobbying is simply "legal bribery," that provides hugely skewed info. and even writes legislation for a congressman.

So you would ban lobbyists advocating their windmill product?  Or a company advocating to construct a high speed rail line?  How about a manufacturer of streetcars?  All of these are corporations who lobby for various projects... some you may feel are worthy and good... others you may feel are evil and unworthy.  Banning lobbying from all incorporated business seems to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

I already aswered that above.

More here:
http://opengov.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Public-Financing-for-All-Federal-Offices--Ban-All-Corporate-Lobbying-/3773-4049

Well sort of...  If your answer is YES... I would ban all lobbying by any incorporated business... nod your head up and down...