Big government doesn’t just stultify the economy, it corrupts our culture in many ways. For instance, big government rewards whoever has the best lobbyist, and punishes companies that focus on innovation and serving consumer demand. This is one way big business benefits when government gets bigger. A related consequence, entrepreneurs are forced to waste time — and abandon dignity — and become lobbyists themselves.
Check out this interview with New Jersey Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, who has written a book telling small businessmen and women how to Be Your Own Lobbyist. I don’t think there’s anything insidious in what Handlin says. I think she’s insightful — and depressing. Some highlights:
I call this the “overhead smash.” It’s why Mattel favors toy regulations, Kellogg favors food regulation, Wal-Mart favors health-insurance mandates, and Philip Morris favors tobacco regulation.
Here’s some excerpts suggesting how much time needs to be wasted becoming a lobbying expert:
Research the interests and priorities of these officials and identify opportunities to mingle with them in a low-key, informal setting….
You need to craft a compelling message in tune with the mind set of your target….
Advocates of bigger government should ask themselves this: wouldn’t it be a better world if entrepreneurs didn’t have to think about this sort of thing?
