Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

It's not because they lack expert advice, it's because some issues brought up by the populace are complicated. If you want to pass a law that will help reduce child obesity, it might not be enough to simply contact your congressperson directly. So you hire a lobbyist who has a closer relationship with the congress person to brush up on the topic and convince them why passing this particular law is a good idea. I think you will find that just as many good laws were the result of a lobbyist, either paid or unpaid, as are the bad laws.



> So you hire a lobbyist who has a closer relationship with the congress person

Off the cuff, I am of the opinion that this is the root of the problem. We live in 2019, not 1819.. it's simply _not_ that hard for a congressperson to be "in touch" with their constituency.

> and convince them why passing this particular law is a good idea.

I don't want them _convinced_ I want them to be _informed_. There's a huge difference.

> I think you will find that just as many good laws were the result of a lobbyist

Yea, it _can_ work.. but we _should_ we rely on that? I would say given the high-mindedness of those who founded this country and the set of laws the left us, the answer should be a resounding "No."




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: