1. Rent the movie "Thank You for Smoking" (watch it in groups if you wish) and discuss your opinion of Lobbyists. Are they good for the government and thus American public?
2. Next, assume that you are a representative from Ohio. Discuss how you would appease (or not) the following groups: Alliance for Marriage, NEA, UAW. Keep in mind that you only have a 2-year term, so this means you are essentially in a permanent campaign to keep your job. Be sure to visit the websites of these groups to get a better understanding of what they are all about.
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Lobbyists are a necessary evil. Congress would just not pay attention to anyone's opinions without lobbyists. Yet, lobbyists cause a great deal of waste. Lobbyists are only bad when you have stupid politicians like we have now. If politicians had any morals they would pay attention to the lobbyists, but not actually throw tons of money in there direction every time a lobbyist talks to them.
If I was going to appease the Alliance for Marriage I would put programs in school they teach students the benifit of marriage and get tax cuts for married couples.
NEA: Get teacher's salary raised. Money always appeases people.
UAW: Raise minimum wage and sponser any bailout that would stop the automotive industry from collapsing.
Lobbyists are, I think, very important to have-- the problem is that the whole system is so corrupt. If it wasn't about paying people off and instead just working with congress to push public issues than it would be much better. The likelihood of that happening though, is slim, so overall, lobbyists, like Alex said, are a necessary evil.
Alliance for Marriage: Well, since there are already tax cuts for married couples, and even though I noticed that the program is based on that of 'a mother and a father,' i'll over look that right now and appease them by working with ad campaigns and setting up community programs to promote marriage and offer counseling.
NEA: I would appease by helping to cut student loans, setting up more AP programs, and raising teacher salaries.
UAW: i would appease them by giving government support to the automotive industry, and making sure salary cuts come from upper management
Wow i really loved this movie, it wasn't like i was doing work at all haha. Lobbyists do a lot of work but i think they can be just terribly evil people, so we need them in Washington to get things accomplished, but they need to be regulated some how to get rid of the coruption. Too much money is just tossed to them. It's the most ridiculous thing ever. Sorry to sound like a broken record here, but they are a necessary evil, it's true.
To appease the Alliance for Marriage, I would give married couples even more tax cuts, and i guess put up billboards or something to show the benefits of a heterosexual marriage, but at the same time be careful to say nothing negative towards gay couples.
For the NEA, I would base teacher salaries in part on grades of students on tests so that teachers would get more money, but only if they really deserve it. Adam is also right with offering more AP classes and programs like IB.
For the UAW, I would have to drive an American made car to work haha and without a doubt would have to make speeches in support of the auto industry bailout and advocating buying American-made cars. A salary hike would be icing on the cake to appease them (shut them up) haha
I think lobbyists are a good way for businesses and political issue groups to get representation in the government, even if neither side ever gains a definitive victory. What I mean is: lobbyists are good from a truly moderate standpoint because there is always somebody working for a group and somebody working against them, thus creating an impasse that preserves the status quo.
I would appease the Alliance for marriage by voting against gay marriage, I would appease the NEA by voting for more spending on education, and I would appease the UAW by voting for bailouts and raising minimum wage.
i think lobbyists are a "natural" part of our government now. without them, poeple would not be making as much money and there wouldnt be a large difference in policies between poloticians. they arent necessaily "good" but, like alex said, poloticians should pay attention to them without throwing tons of money at them.
for the alliance for marraige i would show the inportance of a working marraige and keep the special tax for married couples.
for the NEA, i like the idea of raising teachers saleries according to the grades of the students presented by cheezwizz?.
and for the UAW, i would try and raise minimum wage to keep the workers happy.
"I would base teacher salaries in part on grades of students on tests so that teachers would get more money, but only if they really deserve it."
Ryan, this is actually one of the big things the teacher union fights against!
1. As a general rule, any increase in discussion is beneficial. Lobbyists provide this, especially in the form of the film's protagonist, who is a sort of devil's advocate. Challenging what is right is important, because like some philosopher (Plato?) said, if you don't know why you do something right, it's like a lucky chance and you won't apply the correct principal elsewhere. I can't really think of any other way to express my opinion right now, even if that sounds kind of off topic.
2. Grants for schools who: (1) address relationship education including marital categories and (2) education to prevent the unhealthy relationships/marriages or lack thereof resulting from unintended pregnancy
--these grants wouldn't have to go specifically/exclusively towards these programs, however--
and (3) set economic education standards regarding the value of buying American made products, like automobiles
1. I feel like lobbyists are good and bad. They are used as information resources which can help relay info faster. They also do help push for laws that may be over looked by most government legislatures. The law to have the legal drinking age moved from 18 to 21 was pushed by lobbyist in DC. Many people have different opinions on this matter but it was done by a lobbyist. Enough said. Lobbyists can be seen as bad though. For example in "Thank You for Smoking" Nick is a lobbyist for a tobacco. That is something that shouldn't be lobbied.I suppose people cannot dictate which ideas or products can be lobbied since it would take away our basic rights of free speech. I feel that the American government needs lobbyist to help push for things like labor laws, hours, pay, etc.
2. First of all I don't understand the Alliance for Marriage. I thought they were a radical anti-gay group. They only want to preserve families? I am confused. To be perfectly honest I would not appease the Alliance for Marriage. You cannot decide if people get a divorce or not. Its all depending on the couple. And if it comes down to illegitimate children... well just distribute condoms. I would totally support the NEA. I would push for more government funding to help the less fortunate with building stronger music and art programs. People focus too much on sports. I really don't know what I would do to help the UAW. Do unions even get money?
I'm not sure that lobbyists should be called "evil." It is true that they are a necessity to getting the public opinion to politicians. But their job is not in itself evil. The corrupt politicians who throw the money at them are the evil. It's good to listen to the lobbyists, but you do not need to throw money at them to make them go away. Therefore the evil comes from the politicians and not the lobbyists.
If I were to appease the Alliance for Marriage I would put a program in schools with the health courses the explains marriage, the benefits and the responsibilites.
NEA: raise the minimum wage of teachers because as Alex says money will appease them.
UAW: create a plan that would open up auto industries in America and bring auto jobs to the states.
1)WOW! This movie was hysterical! It really shows you what a lobbyist does and will do to get the job done. I'm glad I finally got to watch it. There was a quote from the movie that I think describes lobbyists. Nick Naylor said "If you argue correctly, you're never wrong." This certainly describes lobbyists! They will stop at nothing to get their point across. They are crazy fighters who can spin facts, and according to the movie are very persuasive. When they want to convince the public on their issue, boy will they do anything!
I feel lobbyists are crucial to American politics, though they may seem over the top at times. Lobbyists can get the government moving and creating policies. They can convince government to pass certain bills and policies. In my opinion, lobbyists create controversy, thus creating arguments in government. This is what we need to move the government along. The only problem I have with lobbyists is kind of what Hilary is saying. In the movie Thank You For Smoking, Nick does lobby tobacco. While some may find this wrong, I find it only fair. If people can lobby against tobacco, it is only equal that someone lobby for it. The morals in American are varied and no two people truely think in the same way. I think having these controversial lobbyist groups really represents the American mind. Everyone, the whole of the American public, gets represented through the various issues and thoughts of the numerous lobbyists. Thus, I feel lobbyists are a good thing.
2) To appease Alliance for Marriage, I would try to restore a culture of fatherhood in America. I would do this by starting programs in schools encouraging the value of families with a mother and father, and by possibly handing out pamphlets. However, since I would be in a permanent campaign, I would have to be careful as to not offend those with only one parent. I would try to stress the values I believe in without offending those who may not have that.
I would appease NEA by trying to focus energy and resources on improving the quality of teachers, and somehow assuring that every child get an education.
I would appease the UAW by supporting any auto industry bailouts and making speeches in support of the UAW...I would also try to get the minimum wage raised.
I believe that lobbyists are what keeps our government runnin, but also destroys it in the same manner. Lobbyists obviously "lobby" but what does that really mean. In reality this means that they technically bribe congressman to put something on a bill that helps there pspecific party or interest group.
I feel that lobbying is good for the american people because it gives another way for non governmental people to voice their ideas to elected officials, rather then voting for someone else and having to wait a few years.
Now if i was to appese these certian groups, here is what i would do; for the Alliance for Marriage I would vote or introduce bills that increased tax cuts for marriage, that they agree with. For the NEA i would introduce or vote for a bill that allowed tax cuts for teachers and for the UAW i would vote for or introduce a bill to allow tax cuts for the companies that were friendly and helpful towards the union.
I think that lobbyists are both good and bad in Washington. They are good, because they are very well versed on a specific issue, which helps inform Congressmen. Lobbyists are helpful in the fact they can be very informative on an issue, usually an important controversial one. But they can also be bad or harmful to our Congressional system. For one, they can spin information and sway Congressmen into making a decision that is not necessarily in the best interest of the nation. But lobbyists good or bad get things done. They are able to speed up the slow democratic system for passing legislation that the U.S. has. Lobbyists are both good and bad for America.
In order to appease the Aliance for marriage, I would support programs that teach healthy relationships and the benefits of marriage and family. I would support programs that teach family values and morals. In order to appease the NEA, I would support pay increases and public funding of schools. I would also support increased spending for new updated textbooks, computers, and essential equipment. To appease the UAW, I would support a minimum wage increase. I would also support any bailout or stimulus package that directly affects the auto industry.
1.)I feel like lobbyists are an evil but important part of our government. Although their job is corrupt, I feel like their role is important in Washington. Without them I feel like nothing would get done. They are good sources of information and therefore, they can influence many politicians. They can change people's opinions on certain issues or laws.I feel like lobbyists are good in general. The only thing i feel is bad about lobbyists in the government is that the often lobby products that are frowned upon in our society such as cigarettes.
2.) I would appease the Alliance for marriage by creating classes in schools and churches that demonstrate the benefits of having a strong family alliance.I would try to appease the NEA by trying to raise teacher salaries. I also agree with Alex because everyone can be appeased with money. Lastly, I would appease the UAW by attempting to raise minimum wage.
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