Lobbyists Always Win.

       Are you aware that both Republican and Democratic leaders in Washington agree that we need a major overhaul in our tax code. Tax reform could happen this year. Nearly everyone is on board. Isn't that amazing? That our Congressional leaders and the President all agree? Does this mean the end of such indecent tax loopholes as carried interest that allows hedgefund managers to make obscene incomes but pay only 20% in taxes? I'll bet you pay more than that don't you? How about professionals like Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann and her dentist husband who get a farm subsidy of six figures annually?
       Well what chance do you give that such waste will disappear from the tax code? In the third quarter of last year about 440 corporations and lobbying firms spent tens of millions of dollars lobbying Congress. Lobbying has tripled in the last four years and the government is just now beginning to get serious about the tax code. Imagine what the future will be like if you'd like to get to talk to your Representative or Senators?
       I can envision a visit to Washington to include at least one day in the crowded waiting room or hallway of your favorite legislator with perhaps a copy of his or her newsletter as a keepsake of your time there. In the meantime, a steady stream of lobbyists will find their way in and out of the office. That doesn't include those who go in, but seem to stay.
       Then there's the bowling alleys, gym and cafeteria. Of course the more serious lobbyists will be spending their time in 5 star dining and party facilities with the appropriate legislator. I can't see how our legislators will be able to get any work done at all. What with parties, meetings and strategy sessions with lobbyists, there will be little time left to actually write any new tax legislation. Thank goodness the lobbying firms will just happen to have a copy of their recommendations in the form of a formal proposal, ready for the vote.