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[–] Thisismyvoatusername 7 points -7 points (+0|-7) ago 

Of course, I could argue lack of lobbying is even more destructive unless you think representive democracies function well without the rights to free speech and to petition the government.

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[–] erowidtrance 1 point 13 points (+14|-1) ago  (edited ago)

Bribing candidates is not the same as petitioning the government. Money should not be involved in petitioning the government otherwise those with the most money have the most say. Who would suggest that is democratic?

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[–] Thisismyvoatusername 4 points -2 points (+2|-4) ago 

Sure, bribing is different than petitioning, but lobbying is not synonymous with bribing. On the other hand, it is petitioning. Money is a necessary part of lobbying (travel, preparing presentations, etc). I think you are confusing lobbying with other things, like donating to campaigns.

Of course, donating is not synonymous with bribing, either. It could be, it could not be. If I believe a relatively unknown candidate for city council deserves the ability to print flyers and canvass the neighborhoods in a district, is it a bribe to donate money so he can afford that without any strings attached? That's hardly the same as given him money for personal use on the agreement he will support giving me a zoning variance.

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[–] flimflamedthezimzam 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

Which is a lot of the thought process behind Citizens United. It's a very difficult task to make sure that major companies don't have undue influence in politics, but it's not something we should give up on.