Lobbyists are a double edged sword.  They bribe and blackmail those in power to try and get their way.  But at the same time, they educate lawmakers about the implications of what they propose.  Without lobbyists, how in the heck would a lawmaker understand what they are talking about when somebody proposes a new telecom law, environmental laws, and so forth.  Legislators don't know shit about these topics and get their education from lobbyists who by and large twist their presentation in the best light for the industry they represent.

So no, I don't say throw the lobbyists out.  I say, when a lawmaker is bribed, you give him the death penalty swift and decisively along with the lobbyist who bribed him/her.

There is probably a lobbyist out there trying to get our hobby legal.  Is that bad?  No, because we have th eright to band together, hire a professional to go to washington to be sure our voices as as group is heard.  So lobbyists are essential to ensure our voices, evil corporations and concerned parents alike, get heard.