[JumpCrisscross]

> Normal people don't have the time, money, or connections to effectively lobby

Yes, they do. And many Americans are good at reaching out to their electeds.

Most aren’t, however, which makes cutting a few bucks to an aligned NGO more comfortable than picking up the phone.

[JohnFen]

I'm good at reaching out to my representatives. I consider it a civic duty. But I don't for a moment think that doing that is "effective" when compared to the massive amount of corporate lobbying.

I can't wine and dine them, kick large amounts of money to their favorite charities, take them on expensive "junkets", etc.