Lobbying spending tops $3 billion in '08

Lobbying spending tops $3 billion in '08

www.usatoday.com

By Fredreka Schouten, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Despite the sharp economic downturn, lobbying spending in the nation's capital surged past $3 billion last year as industries and special-interest groups wooed Congress and federal agencies on a host of issues, including taxpayer bailouts for financial companies and automakers.

The record $3.3 billion lobbying price tag is up from $2.9 billion in 2007 and is more than double what was spent four years ago, according to records compiled by the non-partisan CQ MoneyLine.

"It's an arms race," said Massie Ritsch of the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics. "If your competitors are spending money on professional advocacy to play offense and defense in Washington, you feel you need to do the same."

Lobbying could soar to higher levels this year, he said, as Congress and President Obama hash out a $825 billion stimulus package that seeks to jump-start the economy with tax cuts and spending.

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If you were ever wondering why things are the way they are, this article has your answer.

Two key words here...Industries (like banks) and Special Interest Groups.

Over $3 billion spent to sway the votes in the lobbyists favor with no regard to it's right or wrong...just as long as that lobby wins the day.

If you read history you'll find that the word "lobbyist" was invented when people who wanted the President's time to ask for something had to wait in the lobby of the hotel down the street. Then when the day's session were to begin, they were summoned to the President.

I guess in today's world, they just drive up to the East Gate with bags of "soft donor" money.

SeeYa!@

www.usatoday.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

[edit on 27-1-2009 by wolf241e]

...and there lies the problem with this system of so called democracy.

The people in power enjoy the largesse of the corporate world by way of "campaign" donations and special favours and, I'm sure, many unknown and undeclared bank accounts and investments. It's all about them you see, not about the people they are supposed to represent.
Anyone who still thinks the government is there to do what's right for the country and it's people are sadly deluded.