Lobbying: Corruption in the USA Under Another Name.

By Nagui on April 23, 2021

“Lobbying is not only much more prevalent in developing countries than previously thought but also much more effective than corruption as a means of influencing public policy and supporting enterprise growth.” – Nauro F. Campos 2008

When it comes to criticizing developing nations for their rampant corruption practices, I am afraid the west is like the hypocrite in Jesus’ Mote and Beam parable. Lobbying is the beam in our eye, blinding us to the realities of how caustic this practice is for the proper function of a good government. Corruption is the mote in tinpot dictatorships’ eyes.

We often hear that the corruption that’s endemic in developing countries is a fundamental barrier to economic development. One could be excused for thinking that corruption is not just one way to influence policy in poor or developing countries, but it is the only way. Are there any other means? Are these other means more or less effective than corruption? Recent research raises the possibility that one alternative, lobbying, is not only much more prevalent in developing countries than previously thought, but also that it is more effective than corruption as a means of influencing public policy and in supporting the performance of business firms (in terms of sales growth.)

So there you have it “lobbying is more pervasive and influential than corruption,” and the west is more corrupt than any banana republic in orders of magnitude. No wonder things are so screwed up in America at the moment.

Time to take out the Beam in our eye and get rid of Citizens’ United, and unbridled corporate Lobbying in Washington. And when we can see clearly again, only then will we be able to help remove the mote from the eyes of all those corrupt yes men, tinpot dictators and puppet governments we’ve propped up everywhere to do our bidding.

Artwork "Sharing the Wealth" by Mark Henson

The proud peoples in developing countries don’t need our pity or condescension, or “western style democracy”, all they want is a level playing field, where the poor, the weak and disenfranchised can live with Dignity, Justice and Peace.

Jesus’ Mote and Beam parable

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

Lobbying

Lobbying, any attempt by individuals or private interest groups to influence the decisions of government; in its original meaning it referred to efforts to influence the votes of legislators, generally in the lobby outside the legislative chamber.

What is Citizen United?

In the supreme court ruling on the definition of Citizen United: Corporations have the same rights as people, so there’s no spending limit on candidates. Which means the USA is ruled by corporations and their lobbyists who fund candidates and command their fealty.

Collusion

An often secret agreement or action taken by two or more parties to achieve an illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially in order to cheat or deceive others especially for fraudulent or treacherous purposes.

Plutocracy

A country or society governed by the wealthy. An elite or ruling class of people whose power derives from their wealth.

Featured art Kuh-loo-John – by Nagui

Artwork “Sharing the Wealth” Courtesy of Mark Henson