Lobbying Isn’t the Problem

The U.S. government would work better if it weren’t for all the lobbying!

Sorry, you’ve got it backwards. Lobbying isn’t the problem. The government’s effort to solve every problem – that’s the problem.

Given that the feds allocate so many resources, regulate so much of the private sector, and decide who wins and who loses, organizations can’t avoid lobbying. Squeaky wheels get the grease.  

These days, the hottest economic news, the most enticing gossip, and the best party invitations come from Washington. With the federal government such a goliath, businessmen must spend more and more of their time currying Washington’s favor. Lobbying is the most profitable investment they can make. The expense isn’t all that great in relation to the benefits – legislators act cheap. But a company that fails to stay on government’s good side may be swept under by government-favored competition.

It’s time for the federal government to abide by the Constitution. The government would do a whole lot less, causing less need for lobbying.