DNC banning federal lobbyists is meaningless---

[candice]

Just like when candidates claim to not take a dime from lobbyists but rake it in from all of their associates. Very cynical.

"There are now many layers of specialized, insider talent: public relations experts, political consultants, fundraisers, lawyers, private investors and lobbyists. The McCain and Obama bans on registered lobbyists rely on a technicality. Such lobbyists are really a subset of the lobbying trade. Federal law requires that only those lobbyists who directly buttonhole lawmakers and their staffs register with the federal government. Many of the biggest names do not register because they leave the direct lobbying to their partners or underlings."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/weekinreview/01abram.html?_r=1&ref=weekinreview&oref=slogin

[SoFlaJet]

1. It's a start at least Candice

and takes one more weapon out of the GOP slime machine's quill

[endarkenment]

2. It is a start and it is better than no ban at all .

How about focusing on McCain and winning this thing for our side?

[MisterP]

4. I don't get it: how are candice and candice's post obstructing our side? n/t

[endarkenment]

5. Endless negative crap about Obama, about the DNC etc.

I give up, perhaps you see something positive in this?

[MisterP]

6. I only care about how true a story is

[Benhurst]

7. The truth does matter.

And as long as bundled contributions are accepted from once and future lobbyists who are corporate functionaries, money still rules.

[DCKit]

3. It's the NYT. What else could they say but, "(D) or (R): no difference"

Sure you can ignore the new rules to get around accepting money from lobbyists, but what Democrat is going to risk the wrath of their party to do so? The Republicans? You may as well take away the air they breathe if you're going to take away their lobbyist money - they can't function without it.

[Phred42]

8. This is the BS that the Reich was spouting the first day thei was announced

[Miss Authoritiva]

9. Look around...

Do some quick reading to see how the political parties are funded in other advanced nations. See whether what we call "lobbyists" are welcomed, tolerated, or outright banned. See how free airtime is or is not allocated for political candidates at the local level on up to the national level. See how accessible -- or not -- major politicians are to the general public. Compare the structure of candidate "debates" in other countries.

It's fascinating. It's also embarrassing to realize how goofy our campaigns are and how counterproductive (at least in terms of the citizens' best interests) our national political system is.

Can you think of any other major advanced nation that consistently works against the best interests of its citizens, and with the citizens' own money?