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Mark Adams's avatar

Tulsi Gabbard, the former Congresswoman (can I say “woman”?), has her own digital presence now. For all the talk about Big Tech’s being under threat of stiffer regulation, Gabbard said the reason Congress hasn’t done more to rein in Big Tech’s censorship of political and social speech is all the lobbyists’ money poured into the pockets of members and their staffs. Congress has been bought, on both sides of the aisle. This aspect of The Swamp is no secret. It’s no longer our “tax dollars at work”; we taxpayers who pay their salaries have been outbid.

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james p mc grenra's avatar

Mark...add to that, the Trumpty "DWAC" (truth) site which should have a launch, makes one wonder.

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jt's avatar

Yeah. Some sneer at goverment regs and suchlike. Campaign Finance Reform is one area government REALLY needs to get involved in. Better yet, FUND the elections IN TOTAL. So much a candidate. Lobbyists: goners, right?

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MDM 2.0's avatar

I would prefer first to see term limits - we have it for the President, why wouldn't it be appropriate for Congress critters?

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jt's avatar

It's hard to say 1) What would have the most bang for the buck and 2) How long it would take to pass the legislation, if ever. 1) Getting rid of lobbyists. 2) Doubt much will ever get done. Realistic or pessimistic, dunno.

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MDM 2.0's avatar

Tend to think term limits would reduce lobbyist activity - how much effort would they put forth to "support" a new critter every few years?

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jt's avatar

I think You'd surprised. They gotta blow the buckets full-a money somewhere.

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Terry's avatar

Funding election campaigns is like handing out free crack pipes and heroin needles. Doesn't really solve the problem. The problem starts in K-12 schools and continues in universities. And is exacerbated by big media and entertainment.

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jt's avatar

Funding election campaigns would limit the money spent, right? Congress can't vote themselves TOO much money or people wouldn't pay their wages. Granted, all Congressfolks get paid way more than their WORTH. But compared to any industry job.

Government can occasionally set proper limits, AFAIK.

Yeah, the problems are as You say. The solution is electing different people who get the power, term limits, that kind-a thing. That's my opinion anyway.

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Jezmo's avatar

Plus think of all the $$$ that would stop flowing to god awful media companies

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