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Originally Posted by aceventura3
Is it common for lobbyists in Washington to draft or be involved in drafting legislation in the area of their expertise? Is the issue the involvement of lobbyists in our legislative process or simply the involvement of lobbyist that you don't agree with being involved with our legislative process?
Personally I think there is a legitimate role for lobbyist and "experts" in our legislative processes. Ultimately it is the responsibility of our elected government officials to do what is right for the nation.
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Ace...it is far more common for those lobbyists and trade associations (API in this case) that have money to have influence than those public interest associations and environmental groups that dont make political contributions.
I agree that there is a "legitimate role for lobbyist and "experts" in our legislative processes." My issue with the Cheney energy task force is that the only "lobbyists" and "experts" invited to participate were representatives of the oil industry (as many as
40 times according to records released on FOIA requests). Environmental groups were invited to meet with task force staff (not w/Cheney or task force members)
once after the public disclosure that they werent included in the process and after the task force report had been drafted.
I dont believe that was "right for the nation."
I would hold any administration to the same standard.