I know 13 people employed as lobbyists (Government Relations) at work (). If they're doing anything that isn't available to me or you (though certainly in a much more dedicated fashion) then they hide it well.

Yes, there are bad lobbyists (though not possible without bad politicians) but in my experience they are not even close to the majority. But even if they were, there are so many lobbyists with such conflicting goals, unless the politician in question was already sympathetic to one view or another they'd probably just end up cancelling each other out.

Again though, if the entire profession should be barred, how do you draw the line to do so?

$

Money where?

Yeah; the Jim Jackman post was a serious leap (I had to look it up to post it!). To explain, I will begin with the trigger post:

In case there is anyone who wants to try to figure it out on their own, I will spoiler it. My hint is that it has NOTHING to do with politics, philosphy, or anything remotely serious.