Lobbying Reform?

Looks like some folks in the Congress want to shut us up.


April 25, 2006

Lobbying reform sounds like a good idea. Who could be against it? But "reform" means different things to different people, and there's the rub.

What does lobbying "reform" mean to the political elites in Washington? It means a chance to silence the American people. Yes, they don't want to hear from you. Members of the governing class prefer the American people be silent, so they don't interfere with "governing." Does that definition of "reform" sound good to you?

The U.S. House will vote on the Lobbying Accountability and Transparency Act (H.R. 4975) on Thursday, April 27th. We strongly urge a "no" vote (while we're still allowed to speak).

After analyzing the 50-page bill, Dick Dingman of the Free Speech Coalition warns, "While Members of Congress beat their chests about their righteousness and the need to root out lobbying corruption, the bill they are considering is fraught with potential problems for innocent parties, including many nonprofit organizations."

This "reform" idea doesn't sound so good after all.

He continues, "[H.R. 4975] would criminalize a citizen's failure to register as a lobbyist. The definitions as to who is required to register are, and will continue to be confusing. Now, persons contacting the Hill on legislation, or contacting the Executive Branch on matters of policy, can be threatened with criminal prosecution. This is a trap for the American public who does not carry a lawyer on retainer. The likely effect will be to chill contact with government -- just what they want."

Yes, the governing class wants you to leave them alone. Don't interfere!

We say too bad!! Urge your U.S. representative to represent you, not the political elites, and vote "no" on H.R. 4975.

To send your message, go to
http://capwiz.com/liberty/issues/alert/?alertid=8712861&type=CO

Kent Snyder
The Liberty Committee
www.thelibertycommittee.org