this post was submitted on 22 Jun 2025
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[–] [email protected] 27 points 1 day ago (7 children)

the fact that lobbying, which literally is just bribing the government, is somehow legal all over the world is crazy to me.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 day ago (3 children)

They are literally not the same. Bribing is when you try to give something in exchange for voting/law making etc. Lobbying is convincing why prioritising is important. These can be selfish reasons, like in this case. However, lobbying may also be done for noble causes by a wide range of NGOs. Prohibiting lobbying is limiting the opportunity for all kinds of actors to argue their cause.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 day ago (1 children)

The effect is very similar though. Ultimately, lobbying is most beneficial for interests that are entrenched and/or extremely wealthy. The only difference is the way that they approach it. Bribery is a very narrow means to supporting your cause, but lobbying is much more vague and difficult to define.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

I agree that both their objective lies in changing regulation. Doesn't mean that they are the same, however. Which OP stated. And I wouldn't say it is the only difference, rather the difference between the two.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

how is giving them millions of dollars "convincing why prioritising is important"

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

If there is proof that they have given millions of dollars, this will go to court, as that is illegal. Lobbying is not bribing as I pointed out in my initial reply. Lots of different groups and organisations use lobbying to make their concerns heard. Just because this is a case we don't like, does not mean lobbying has no purpose.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 15 hours ago

Yeah Helmut Kohl never went to court and never revealed how he ended up with suit cases full of cash that enabled him and his party to rule for 16 fucking years. Sure bud lobbying is fine because they always follow the laws.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 1 day ago

They are literally not the same. Lobbying is when you try to convince someone and influence their voting/law making etc. Bribing is paying to set the prioritising and define what is important. However, bribing may also be done for noble causes, prohibiting bribes is limiting the opportunity for all kinds of actors to ensure their cause isn't deprioritized in a harmful way.

They're literally the same, we just legalized using money to set the agenda and made a new word for it.

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