Wednesday, December 19, 2018

An Intriguing Idea From Rand Paul

Sen. Rand Paul is weighing whether to propose legislation that prohibits lobbyists from advocating for foreign governments.

"I'm toying with the idea, and contemplating it, and in discussions of whether or not we should just make a law that you can't do lobbying for foreign governments because it really does appear to be divided loyalty whether you're in government or not," Rand told Fox News on Tuesday.


"I don't like the idea that Saudi Arabia spends tens of millions of dollars every year hiring people for their interests. Their ambassador should come to our capitol and tell us what the interests of Saudi Arabia are," he said. "I think that's unseemly, and a lot of people could potentially be hired that aren't working in our country's interest."

The fewer instigators that attempt to get the United States involved in non-U.S. business, the better.

I like this idea. Rand should call it the George Washington Bill to recognize the advice Washington gave in his farewell address that the U.S. should stay out of the affairs of foreign nations. Banning foreign government lobbyists is a great step in that direction.

Whatsmore the timing is brilliant, given the current climate in the country that is suspicious of foreign influence.

-RW 

5 comments:

  1. It’s a noble idea. But Congress isn’t noted for acting wirh regard for the preference of thieir constitutents, as when they disregarded the public’s rejection of the massive bank bailout in 2009.

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  2. Of course Saudi Arabia is the foremost problem when it comes to foreign government influence. Think of the prominent senators that are actually dual citizens of both the USA and Saudi Arabia. Sad!

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    1. Got it.
      But Rand's clever here. He says "Saudi Arabia" but everyone hears the name of some other ME country, which shall not be named.

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  3. That would cut off one segment of those who lobby for tax proceeds but don't pay taxes. A good first step.

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