Political ads do not reflect us
I think we’ve all seen the ad on our TVs about Rep. Rehberg’s use of lobbyists and how it took away his ability to best serve Montana in Washington, D.C.
I’d like to set the record straight, as one who did serve in our Legislature, on just where lobbyists stand and fit into the Legislative process. Let’s say you live in Kalispell, Butte or Missoula. You probably have never seen an oil rig, pipelines, or know the differences between light or heavy crude. If you’re from Sidney, Miles City or Plentywood you have never been in a logging camp, underground mine or an industry that is related to these businesses. You are a legislator who knows little or nothing about these industries. A bill comes up, on which you will have to vote. Where do you go to obtain information?
Lobbyists come in three different areas of expertise — those that are against the bill, those that are for the bill and a group that wants to be sure that the bill fails for personal or environmental purposes.
The information you will need to vote for the overall interests of our state is out there, but where do you go if you are a responsible Legislator?
Understand, lobbyists do develop a reputation among Legislators on whom they can trust. All a lobbyist can do is present the information and interest of the firm, or group of individuals for whom they work. We send to our Legislature individuals who have the experience and ability to use these attributes to our best interest. Of course both sides of a discussion have a will, on occasion, to betray our trust, but if they do and it can be proven they are liable for punishment, either by their own organization, or by law.
Having said the above, remember lobbyists are employed by unions, which include state employees, teachers, professional and regular unions, companies, corporations and many other entities, whose interests are included in a bill that’s being considered. Are there abuses of this system? You bet there are, but doesn’t every system have some who exceed their calling?
The ad I mentioned earlier made it sound like only Rep. Rehberg breaks our trust. Come on, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” The other part of the story on this ad is that the party that used it intended that we should believe it. If we do, who is at fault, he that tells the falsehood, or he that blindly accepts everything as it is presented to us?
President Reagan said it all, “trust, but verify.”
This year the advertising being produced for television viewing does not reflect well on our country, state or political parties.
Mark well what you hear and see, then contemplate how you will act upon it.
Stan Fisher,
Bigfork