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When Lobbying was Illegal

11/20/2023

If lobbying were illegal, it would be nice. It's a tempting thought, but it seems impossible to criminalize lobbying. This multi-billion-dollar industry is widely accepted in American politics, and courts have generally ruled that it is protected speech.

The Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling made it possible for corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money on advertisements and Super Pacs supporting or opposing a candidate.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the legal system of the United States regarded lobbying as corrupt. Although it still happens, some forms of lobbying have been banned. This was done without a legal challenge, as courts considered lobbying to be in conflict with the rights of citizens.

This notion of a broken American tradition has been documented by political activist and academic candidate Z. Teachout. She believes that Americans need to remember the obligation to represent themselves in the political process when it comes to lobbying.

In 1785, France's King gave Benjamin Franklin an expensive gift: a diamond-encrusted snuff box.

The gift was not a response to Franklin's rumored drug use. It was a parting gift, and it represented the respect that France had for the US. As a diplomat, Franklin represented the country in Europe.

In 1999, a case involving a farmer's association overturned a federal ban on gifts to officials. The group gave the Agriculture Secretary various perks, such as free meals and sports tickets, and the official then used these benefits to promote policies. Despite the court's ruling, the organization could still give the official these gifts. Justice Antonin Scalia argued that banning all gifts could lead to absurdities.

In the Citizens United case involving corporate spending, Justice Kennedy stated that ingratitude and access are not corruption.

According to Teachout, this logic goes against judges' reasoning during the 18th and 19th centuries.

For over a hundred years, judges have been convinced that using one's influence to gain access to members of Congress would lead to corruption.

According to Teachout, a 19th-century legal textbook stated that contracts made to provide services to members of Congress are not allowed. This means businesses cannot hire lobbyists and are not obligated to pay their fees. Over the years, courts in the US have considered lobbying unlawful.

The First Amendment's significance has changed significantly over time. According to Teachout, the First Amendment and lobbying have been revised over time. One of the first significant changes occurred in 1890 when Massachusetts became the first state to require lobbyists to register with the government.

The court's stance on protecting and honoring contracts also changed. In the past, courts often considered the public interest when deciding if contracts should be enforced.

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Making a Difference During the Holidays

11/20/2023

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Qualifications for Being a Lobbyist

10/31/2023

The job of a registered lobbyist can be fascinating for anyone with good business and soft-person skills. This position requires being able to negotiate and persuade in equal measure. A person who wants to be a successful lobbyist usually works for a single organization or trade group.

Lobbying is a process that aims to influence lawmakers to support or enact legislation that will benefit your organization. It can also help get the support of community and business leaders.

Get the Right Education

One of the most important factors people need to consider when becoming a registered lobbyist is their political science degree. According to Washington University, people can become successful lobbyists by obtaining a degree in American history, psychology, or political science. Other professional credentials, such as master’s degrees in related fields, are also available.

People with these degrees can quickly rise as lobbyists in certain circles. A deep understanding of government, technology, and business issues can also prove beneficial as a trade group or organization representative.

Bring the Subject Matter Skills

In order to be successful as a registered lobbyist, one must have good written and oral communication skills. Lobbying involves regularly meeting with influential individuals and trying to convince them to support specific legislation. Having the necessary knowledge in a particular field is also very important to build rapport with others and persuade them to support your cause.

Aside from being able to communicate effectively, a registered lobbyist also needs to be able to write memos to keep track of significant developments in their meetings with politicians.

Communication and Analytical Ability

The goal of a registered lobbyist is to find the ideal people to contact and develop a strategy to help their clients reach their goals. This can be done through scheduled visits and keeping up with the latest political and legal developments.

At times, companies have to deal with multiple political issues simultaneously. A registered lobbyist must consider each battle’s pros and cons and use the time and resources efficiently. In addition, they have to research and study various polls and statistics to support their message.

Dealing with Lobbying Stress

The political environment and business arenas can generate stress levels that are not ideal for anyone. An organized office helps registered lobbyist keep track of their schedule and ensure they meet with the right people.

Besides being able to meet with politicians, a registered lobbyist can also help business leaders plan their projects and address tax issues. Knowing the details of their meetings with the officials can help a company reach its goals.

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The Best Movies to Watch on Veterans Day

10/31/2023

On November 11th, we honor the men and women who served in the Armed Forces by remembering their service. This holiday is also observed as a time of reflection on the end of World War I.

While there are many ways to support veterans, watching a great war movie is one of the most effective ways to do so. These 13 films, some of which are directly about the conflicts that have affected the lives of our servicemen and women, are sure to make you think about these individuals’ sacrifices.

Although some of these are not American movies, I believe that war is something that transcends national boundaries. These films evidence the bond between veterans from different countries.

Although these are only a few short lists, I would like to hear from you if you have any suggestions for the best war movies and movies about veterans!

Saving Private Ryan

One of the most outstanding war movies ever made is Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan, which focuses on the veterans’ experiences. While it only focuses on them, it gives a powerful and graphic depiction of the actions of the soldiers who fought on the beaches and in Nazi-occupied Europe.

Hacksaw Ridge

Based on the true story of Private First Class Desmond Doss, Hacksaw Ridge stars Andrew Garfield as the soldier who refused to carry a weapon due to his religious beliefs. He was eventually awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Despite his actions, Doss was initially criticized and even mocked. Director Mel Gibson is at his best when directing this film.

Da 5 Bloods

In Vietnam, five veterans return years after the war to search for lost gold and the body of a fellow soldier. If you’re a fan of Lee’s work, this movie will be a great addition to your viewing pleasure.

Full Metal Jacket

One of the most iconic films about the Vietnam War is Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket. The film follows a group of soldiers who went through Basic Training, which was almost as harrowing as the actual war. As much as historical fiction, it is a black comedy.

Apocalypse Now

One of the most dark and psychedelic films on this list is Francis Ford Coppola’s Vietnam War. Based on the Joseph Conrad novel, it follows a strange journey into the depths of the war. The cast includes some of the most prominent actors in Hollywood, including Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper, Martin Sheen, and Marlon Brando.

Patton

The film was able to win seven Academy Awards in 1970. George C. Scott was awarded the Best Actor award for his performance as General George Patton. Before Scott was cast, other prominent actors such as Burt Lancaster, Lee Marvin, Robert Mitchum, and John Wayne had rejected the role.

American Sniper

The film, directed by Clint Eastwood, was heavily criticized when it was released in 2014. The story of American Sniper was based on the life of Chris Kyle, who was a decorated sniper. After he returned home, he became a controversial figure due to his statements and writings.

Despite the criticism, the film was still very good and provided a grim depiction of the Iraq War. It also showed the difficulties faced by soldiers who have PTSD.

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Top Workplace Skills of Veterans

10/3/2023

Not only do they add tremendous value to the workplace, but veterans have a unique set of skills that can significantly benefit organizations. For instance, at MetLife, we have seen how these individuals can help our company grow.
Here are some of the skills veterans can offer to improve the workplace that can help organizations develop their operations.
Leadership
Veterans are also taught how to handle their behavior and tasks through the training. This unique program involves inspiring others, giving clear instructions, and delegating tasks. In addition, since they work in a highly hierarchical and team-oriented environment, they can effectively take on orders.
Teamwork
Throughout their military careers, veterans have experienced the importance of camaraderie. They have become accustomed to working together to complete their tasks and stay safe. They also know that teamwork can help organizations reach their goals.
Core values
All veterans follow a code of ethics and have strong core values. These principles are important to them as they help build strong teams. They also know how loyalty can help improve team performance.
Ability to Handle Situations
In addition to being expected to perform their duties under the most stressful circumstances, military personnel are responsible for setting priorities, accomplishing missions, and meeting schedules. This can put a strain on veterans, but they are trained to manage these factors constructively. This helps them avoid getting caught under pressure, even during the busiest times of the day.
Motivation
Military personnel’s training provides them with the necessary skills to become highly motivated individuals. They are able to set their own goals and work toward achieving them. They are also taught how to ask for guidance when needed and develop self-discipline in their professional settings. These individuals are driven by their desire to get the job done right.
Inclusivity
Unlike other individuals, veterans can work with people from different backgrounds. They are also sensitive to their colleagues’ varying cultural and religious backgrounds. They have the necessary physical and mental capabilities to collaborate with others. In addition, many veterans have traveled extensively and speak a wide variety of languages.

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What Makes a Lobbying Firm Successful

10/3/2023

You may have learned a lot about lobbying, but what makes a successful government relations firm? Most people would agree that results are the most important factors in making a successful firm. While we agree that getting the best results for our clients is the most important factor in making a successful organization, we want to take a step further and share some of the characteristics needed to bring those results into reality. In this article, we will discuss five factors that we believe can significantly improve the performance of top lobbying firms.
Develop Strong Long-Term Relationships
One of the most important factors that a successful Pennsylvania lobbying firm must consider is its relationships. Although relationships are not always equal, they are still important. Having the necessary connections to the “shapers” and “real movers” will allow them to effectively work with both parties in the state legislature. The reputations of a successful lobbying firm are built on the strength of their relationships with the clients they serve and the legislators they are regularly engaged with.
Understanding the Issues
One of the most important factors a successful lobbying firm must consider is its ability to understand the various policy areas affecting its clients. Having a diverse team of professionals that can handle multiple specialties and skill sets is also important to ensure that the firm deeply understands these issues.
Setting Realistic Expectations
A successful lobbying firm should set realistic expectations with its clients. They should not only deliver on their promise but also not sugarcoat their work. A firm should not set a low bar to easily claim success.
Work With Passion
A successful government relations firm is dedicated to its clients. It does everything in its power to ensure that their needs are met. The best firms are dedicated to working with clients to reach their goals. They don’t take on extra work for granted, and clients rely on the firm to protect their interests. You shouldn’t be in the business if you are not passionate about lobbying.
Offering a Full Range of Services
Sometimes, clients need a full range of services. A lobbying firm can provide various services to meet their needs, such as legislative and procurement assistance. For instance, a person may start with a need for help with a certain project, but they may eventually need help with other issues. Having a full range of services can be very beneficial for a client.

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Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs

8/16/2023

In 2018, veteran-owned businesses comprised only 5.9% of all businesses in the United States. This is despite 45% of them being more likely to start their businesses than non-veterans.
The skills and experience of America’s veterans make them natural entrepreneurs. However, they may face challenges when they return to civilian life. This is why they must have the proper resources and networks to start their own businesses.
Access to capital funding should be democratized. This will allow veterans to have the necessary resources to start their own businesses. Let’s dive into reasons why this matters.

Veterans Provide Purpose
Compared to non-veterans, veterans are 1.5 times more prone to committing suicide. This is a staggering figure and is even higher for female warriors.
One of the most important factors that contribute to the high suicide rates of veterans is their ability to integrate successfully into society. As a member of a mission-focused organization, I have witnessed how uplifting it is for a veteran to feel that they have something to contribute to the world.
While it is common for veteran-owned businesses to hire people who have served the country, helping them access capital can also help boost the entrepreneurship ecosystem in America.

Lack Of Capital Can Prevent Veteran Entrepreneurs From Building Businesses
Many veterans have been scaling and founding businesses for decades. They have the necessary skills and experience to run successful organizations. These include the ability to manage a team and stay calm under pressure.
In 2016, a report by Inc.’s Kim Weisul stated that after World War II, almost half of the country’s veterans had gone on to start businesses. However, only 4.5% of those who came back from the post-9/11 era have started or built businesses. This is a significant drop, and the lack of capital and knowledge about entrepreneurship is the main reason this figure has decreased.
Fortunately, various programs can help veterans get access to capital. Some of these include the Small Business Administration’s loans and the rising class of institutional and angel investors. These investors can also provide veteran entrepreneurs with opportunities to acquire finance.
In addition, various resources can help veteran entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses. These include the Buy Then Build book by Walker Deibel and the Stanford Search Fund primer.

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Why Lobbying Is Legal and Vital

8/16/2023

In 2019, lobbyists spent over $3.47 billion on lobbying efforts on political issues. This represents the highest amount of money spent on lobbying since the peak of the lobbying industry in 2010. Groups are using the rise of political influence to create legislation that will benefit their own interests. Remembering the legal nature of lobbying and why it is important for government is important.

Why Is Lobbying Legal?
Although lobbying is often regarded as a form of bribery, it is a practice that involves putting pressure on governments to enact specific policies. This is done through public campaigns that are legally registered. The legality of lobbying can be found in the Constitution and our participatory democracy.
The amount of money spent by lobbyists in 2019 was the highest since the peak of the lobbying industry in 2010.

First Amendment Protection
One of the many rights the 1st Amendment provides is the right to lobby. Although the term “lobby” is never used explicitly, it is stated that individuals have the right to petition the government to resolve their grievances. This is a significant aspect of the Constitution and shows how far the concept of lobbying has come.

Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995
The act also provides for the proper regulation of political lobbying. This legislation defines what activities are considered lobbying and how they must be conducted to avoid potential penalties.
The goal of the lobbying disclosure act is to ensure that the public has the opportunity to evaluate the influence that political lobbying has on the decisions that are made by government.

Lobbying Affects Everyone
All laws apply to everyone in the country, making lobbying legal. Unlike bribery, a type of influence that occurs when a group or individual receives preferential treatment, lobbying does not seek special treatment. Instead, it is a way to influence the actions of government.

Why is Lobbying Important?
The success of a government depends on its ability to effectively lobby. Without it, it would be hard to sort out the competing interests of its residents. Through lobbying, a government can effectively serve the interests of its citizens.

Lobbying Access
Through lobbying, a government can effectively serve the interests of its citizens. By grouping various goals into one campaign, lobbyists can represent the interests of a wide range of people. This allows them to influence the legislature’s actions and bring the people’s issues to the forefront.

Educational Function of Lobbying
Through lobbying, a group can obtain the necessary information to effectively bring their concerns to the government’s attention. This gives them the necessary information to persuade the government to act on their behalf. Moreover, lobbying groups can bring in the best possible expertise and knowledge since their sole purpose is to influence the government’s policies.

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Supportive Services for Veteran Families

7/19/2023

According to Father’s day, we should be worried about how eager our kids will be to serve and defend our nation. While we honor and respect our military personnel, we also have to consider the harsh realities of life for veterans. One of these is homelessness.
If you ever see a homeless person, don’t ignore their situation. According to a study, about 1 in 10 of them are veterans. Also, the number of veterans at risk of experiencing homelessness is constantly rising due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Various organizations are dedicated to helping veterans and their families. One of these is the SSVF program of the US Department of Veterans Affairs. This program is designed to provide support services to families of military personnel. We’ll also talk about other veteran support groups and programs.

VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
The number of veterans experiencing homelessness reached a 10-year low in 2020. This is because of the support services provided by the SSVF program. It’s an important resource for those who are at risk of experiencing this type of situation.

National Resource Directory (NRD)
The Department of Defense (DOD) recovery coordination program has a directory that connects families of military personnel with supportive services. This collaboration is between the VA, the Department of Labor, and the DOD.
The NRD’s online directory provides a wide range of resources for people looking for local and national programs and organizations, such as:

Health assistance
Housing
Employment opportunities
Education & Trainings
Transportation & Travel

The American Legion
The American Legion is a national organization that has millions of members who help veterans. It provides various services such as employment opportunities and education. Its Heroes to Homes and Operation Comfort Warriors programs also offer health care coverage.

AMVETS (American Veterans)
Anyone who has served in the military, including reserves and the National Guard, is invited to join AMVETS. The organization provides a variety of free services, such as employment assistance, scholarships, and transition support.

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross also offers confidential services to military personnel and their families. It can connect them with resources through its chapters in various cities across the US and military facilities all around the world.

Disabled American Veterans
The DAV was established in 1920 to help World War I veterans. It now serves disabled individuals and their families, including widows and orphans. The organization can help veterans find employment, apply for benefits, and get a ride through its various programs.

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Grassroots vs Direct Lobbying

7/19/2023

Although direct and grassroots lobbying are effective tools for influencing public policies, they have very different ways of accomplishing this.
In grassroots lobbying, the public is mobilized around a certain legislative issue. This type of lobbying involves asking members of the public to contact their representatives and state officials to voice their concerns.
In direct lobbying, the goal is to influence legislation by communicating with a government official or legislative body member.
Although organizations commonly use grassroots lobbying, it does not involve explicitly stating their position on a particular legislation. This is referred to as direct lobbying.
In grassroots lobbying, the goal is to reach out to the public at large. This can be done through various methods such as publishing an open letter, holding a rally, or organizing a petition.
Despite the First Amendment’s protection of free speech, grassroots lobbying is still regulated by various state governments. In most cases, it is required for individuals and organizations to register as lobbyists. This document provides a list of the state regulations that apply to this type of lobbying.

The Long History of Grassroots Lobbying in America
Today, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and email are very helpful in spreading messages and generating support. In the past, grassroots lobbying was carried out in public squares and town hall meetings. In addition, pamphleteers also took to the streets to inform the public about the prevalent issues at that time.
Despite the technological advancements that have occurred in grassroots lobbying, it is still important that the public is still engaged in the democratic process.

The Importance of Grassroots Lobbying to Democracy
Besides sounding the alarm about certain issues, grassroots lobbying also serves as a way for the public to learn more about the legislative process and the substance of legislation.
Being informed about the legislative process can help prevent agenda setters and legislators from misdirecting or pushing legislation through without the public’s knowledge.
Thousands of organizations and individuals have been able to influence legislative decisions through grassroots lobbying. When the efforts of grassroots measures are not enough, a seasoned Washington DC-based lobbying firm can help.
With years of experience and a network of contacts in Washington DC, a seasoned lobbying firm can help you establish a strong presence in the legislative process.
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When Lobbying was Illegal

Making a Difference During the Holidays

Qualifications for Being a Lobbyist

The Best Movies to Watch on Veterans Day

Top Workplace Skills of Veterans

What Makes a Lobbying Firm Successful

Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs

Why Lobbying Is Legal and Vital

Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Grassroots vs Direct Lobbying

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