Lobbyists help draft legislation, raise campaign funds, and produce propaganda. The "Lobbying Restriction" in the IRS 501(c)(3) tax code even describes lobbying as "carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation" (http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/26/501.shtml). And if a politician isn't cooperating, lobbyists will often throw their weight behind the challenger in next election.

Changing this system is Lawrence Lessig's prime objective...

* We the People, and the Republic we must reclaim (http://www.ted.com/talks/lawrence_lessig_we_the_people_and_t...)

* On Aaron Swartz and the unstoppable walk to political reform (http://www.ted.com/talks/lawrence_lessig_the_unstoppable_wal...)