I am not an American citizen and I can hardly say that I understand all the fine details within the American politic system. Now, I grew up in Germany, and I'm not saying Germany is perfect; however to my knowledge bribery is not directly legal there.. however it seems that bribery is very deeply implemented in the American politic system.. am I getting that right?
A few questions in that direction:
1) What is the difference between lobbying and bribing?
2) Does one need something like a "lobbying license" or something like that do lobby?
3) The Money which lobbyists give to officials, is that documented somewhere or is it actually "under the table" without any official knowledge of it?
4) Why, even though everybody knows how lobbying affects American politics, does never anybody speak out against it? Why are there no major protests against lobbying?
In short: Why isn't lobbying illegal?
I'm no expert but my understanding is...
1. Lobbying is persuading. You are not really allowed to give money. It is not always clear though. What if they take you on a golfing vacation to talk?
2. Yes, you must be a registered lobbyist. I think at the state and federal level.
3. They should not be giving any money. That is a bribe. They are also audited.
4. It's not the lobbying that is as bad as campaign donations. They have become very corrupt recently. Pure lobbying is just a profession. You pay some expert to meet with politicians and try to convince them of your position. But that lobbyist is not supposed to just pass money to the politician. That is illegal.
