As I see it, that doesn't mean you can't lobby. You can certainly lobby. And your numbers will mean a lot. But you can argue right and wrong, and effects of bills, instead of "here's how much money I can put into your pockets."ProfX wrote: ↑Wed Feb 16, 2022 6:07 pm I personally don't want to end either lobbying or campaign contributions.
For example, the Sandy Hook parents/coalition should be able to lobby on what they care about (which is less kids being killed in school) and even contribute to candidates. There's nothing wrong with that.
That said, I know what I would like, which is the campaign finance landscape pre-Citizens United, when there was a lot more transparency, less dark money, and more campaign finance limits and regulations.
Both corporations and unions, gun control advocates and gun rights nut jobs , poor people and rich people should be able to have a say, and even to help fund candidates, from Bernie Sanders to Ted Cruz. The problem with the system right now is the rich, corporations, and gun nuts get a bigger voice than the other side, and that's not fair - it's not democracy, it's plutocracy.
As to how we get there, had that discussion.
The right doesn't want to see this, because they know that the left has the numbers. I mean, the CEO has... himself. He's wanting what's best for him. But when organizations of VOTERS get together, that would make real change.
But as things are now, dollars are what's voting. When they can rake in millions, they pay less attention as to whether it's good for America or not.