There is nothing wrong with lobbying – it is part of our democratic right to make our point of view heard.  It is quite another matter the way huge lobbying law firms have thrived on the twisting of the system to benefit big corporations, the super-rich, and a variety of seedy foreign interests.   Even I half believed and applauded Trump during the election campaign.  He said he wanted to “drain the swamp ” in Washington DC.  Everyone thought he was referring to the lobbyists, who champion  anti-democratic, crony capitalism,  but is regarded euphemistically, as “free speech”.  In an interview with CBS in June, Trump said he would have “no problem” banning lobbyists and major donors from working in his administration. His turnaround days after his election has been stark.

A tsunami of lobbying is currently consuming the capital, not only proposals to favor rich people and corporations with tax breaks , but stripping away regulations and  angling to get business-friendly officials in key posts.   Meanwhile, at least a half dozen major Washington lobbyists have been formally appointed. Overseeing “energy independence” is Michael Catanzaro, a longtime lobbyist for oil and gas firms including Hess Corp., Noble Energy Inc. and Devon Energy Corp. Mr. Catanzaro also served as an energy adviser to former president George W. Bush’s re-election campaign. Mike McKenna, who is overseeing the Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission, lobbies on behalf of Southern Co., Dow Chemical Co., and Koch Industries—a firm owned by billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch, who have long funded groups skeptical of climate change. Michael Torrey, who lobbies on behalf of food and agriculture companies, will oversee the agriculture team. Martin Whitmer, who lobbies on behalf of transportation companies including the Association of American Railroads and the National Asphalt Pavement Association, is heading the “transportation and infrastructure” team.

One lobbyist is quoted in the Washington Post as saying  “We are not going to have an administration that has a disgust and dislike for the business community”.  This is a striking comment.  Because the Obama Administration introduced many new regulations does not indicate  a “dislike for the business community”.  These things are designed to offer a level playing field and to protect the ordinary consumer.  They are probably not perfect, but are a sign of a civilised society.  Contrary to first impressions, Trump is welcoming special interest lobbyists, whose proposals, he thinks, will boost the economy.   Unlikely!