[RpFLCL]

Yes. I could not agree more.

The mind absolutely boggles trying to understand how a legislator can force an unpopular act like this into an unrelated appropriations bill and think they're doing something good.

I don't know if they're acting on greed, malice, or if their campaign funding is somehow tied into the companies and lobbies that push for these bills, but they know as well as we do that this would never pass if citizens had the opportunity to lobby against it and other legislators had the opportunity to question it. It's a failure of our system.

[DubiousPusher]

> their campaign funding is somehow tied into the companies and lobbies that push for these bills

It is. But there is more to it than that. Most people in elected office aren't robots just following the biggest diner checks. A lot of times they believe in what these amendments. The lobbying and whatnot actually works. Because just like you and me, they are susceptible to the environment in which they dwell.

A lobbyist can't buy a legislator's vote but they can buy you a legislator's time. That time let's you create the information environment that can influence any person. Which is of course why these lobbying relationships become so long and so entangling.

Mark my words, the people behind this amendment believe pirates are cheating honest companies out of something.

[ramphastidae]

Nonsense. What is more likely — innocent legislators looking out for the best interests of their people are caught under the spell of uniquely persuasive lobbyists who paid for dinner that one time — or that this game has been being played for decades and that both sides know exactly what’s going on? Lobbyists donate to the politician’s campaign or foundation in exchange for political favors. If things go well, the bribe is increased to insider trading tips, a board position, or a cushy private job at the lobbying firm after their term is up. It’s that simple.

[DubiousPusher]

I am not making a defense of legislators. The environment of the D.C. area is corrosive to American democracy IMO. But it is an environment. It's not "dinner that one time". It's your kids going to the same schools, sharing gyms and frequent meals, friends in common even family.

Lobbyists work for foundations and politicians before lobbying and sometimes return to their roots after a time. They even ping pong back and forth. Just like tech workers bouncing through the industry.

Those relationships and networks are powerful. This is part of why, until the new conservatism arose there was a good deal of cooperation and agreement among legislators. The professionalization of the government and it's connections to elite academy and industry created a singular cultural entity.