03-10-2010, 05:14 AM
quote:
[i] And note that lobbyists exist as the interface between the power and the money.
I really did want people to think about how "the little guy CAN win sometimes" and also how much effort it takes. Constant, eternal vigilance.
Corvair for example.... lots of effort and years to get a small victory. But it didn't change how the costs and benefits are calculated by GM or any other entity when it comes to profits, costs of fixing that which is broken and they know it, versus costs of lawsuits.
At the local Puna level, if the "originals" or the "currents" who have a vision and want to keep things in line with that vision, it takes constant and everlasting vigilance on their part. For the "little guy", that is a big sacrifice in time and effort. Let their guard down for just a short time and the outcome will not be to their liking.
And the fact that "lobbyists exist as the interface between power and money, I agree but think it's more between vision and the power to make that vision. The "little guy" needs to do it all on his/her own at great personal expense, and constantly maintain a personal level of activity and voice. The "money guy" just needs to have a vision that suits him, hire the loud and powerful voices (lobbyist, lawyers, etc) to constantly press their case, wait for a vulnerability, and watch their vision come true at no "personal" expense to them.
It's very hard for the "little guy" to keep it up over the long term and sooner or later the vulnerabilities will become apparent. For those people in Puna that (1)don't have a lot of money and (2)like the current "vision" for Puna, just be aware that it takes your constant voice, activities and vigilance to push back the constant, powerful voices paid for by the monied crowd. Without that, they WILL win.