Pol1000 - Assign 3

Summary of Reich’s reasons for making this argument

Reich’s argument is comprised of several compelling reasons; each citing evidence on which that reasoning is based.

Firstly, the escalation of corporate money began in the 1970s; along with a rush by corporations to establishing permanent offices in Washington. During the 1950s less than 100 corporations maintained Washington offices, by the 1990s this number had swollen to over 500; employing some 61,000 lobbyists with spending on lobbying increasing from $100 million in 1984 to over $2000 million in 2004 (Reich 2008, pp. 132-36).

Secondly, that intense competition between corporations is fuelling the flow of funds into government. Evidenced by the 2005 establishment, in Washington, of Google offices; to conduct lobbying activities and raise millions destined for political campaigns. Further in 2006, Google took concerns over being excluded as a search provider within the upcoming Microsoft browser, to the Justice Department seeking inclusion (Reich 2008, pp. 143-48).

Thirdly, the fight between various lobby groups; in what at face value look to be matters of public interest; yet are in truth corporate plays to gain competitive advantage. This is exemplified by the 2006 fight over legislation barring credit card payments for Internet Betting; the passing of which would essentially cripple online casinos. The purpose of this bill was promoted as reducing the vulnerability of the public against what is considered an addictive and immoral activity. The American Gaming Industry, Racetrack Betting Industry, Major League Baseball and Convenience Store Chains were all winners with lobbyists carefully positioning their products to gain exemptions; spending millions in the process (Reich 2008, pp. 148-50).

Finally, the use in lobbying of so called independent experts in an effort to affect the public view; opinions which are bought and paid for by the very corporations represented. In 2003 the Pharmaceutical Research...