Abe Vigoda's Ghost: That dude has such a punchable face.

I dislike the guy, but I also find it annoying when people use that phrase.

If you can't express a dislike of someone without invoking a fantasy of violence, you're being small minded.

It's perfectly acceptable to call him an attention whore. While some will argue that he needs to be out there to drive change, it should be noted that the most influential people in terms of shaping government policy generally do so quietly and without drawing attention to themselves. Politicians and appointees respond far better to persuasion when someone who approaches them in a calm and reasonable manner.

Notice that most people couldn't name a single lobbying firm off the top of their head. There's a reason.

MBooda: Kewl, gun control now has its own cult of personality.

/selfish martyr

theflatline: gar1013: Abe Vigoda's Ghost: That dude has such a punchable face.

I dislike the guy, but I also find it annoying when people use that phrase.

If you can't express a dislike of someone without invoking a fantasy of violence, you're being small minded.

It's perfectly acceptable to call him an attention whore. While some will argue that he needs to be out there to drive change, it should be noted that the most influential people in terms of shaping government policy generally do so quietly and without drawing attention to themselves. Politicians and appointees respond far better to persuasion when someone who approaches them in a calm and reasonable manner.

Notice that most people couldn't name a single lobbying firm off the top of their head. There's a reason.

You cannot be talking about this administration.

Indeed I am. All administrations.

There are plenty of people with decision making authority below the president, actual political appointees, many of whom have subject matter knowledge but are still open to reflecting outside views in their work.

Hillbilly Jim: gar1013: Abe Vigoda's Ghost: That dude has such a punchable face.

I dislike the guy, but I also find it annoying when people use that phrase.

If you can't express a dislike of someone without invoking a fantasy of violence, you're being small minded.

It's perfectly acceptable to call him an attention whore. While some will argue that he needs to be out there to drive change, it should be noted that the most influential people in terms of shaping government policy generally do so quietly and without drawing attention to themselves. Politicians and appointees respond far better to persuasion when someone who approaches them in a calm and reasonable manner.

Notice that most people couldn't name a single lobbying firm off the top of their head. There's a reason.

Gun control is a different animal on either side of the debate. NRA is pretty good at getting celeb endorsers, this is the other side fighting back.

Those people don't accomplish anything.

Seriously.

They are there for Joe Public, but have zero pull in DC.

theflatline: gar1013: Abe Vigoda's Ghost: That dude has such a punchable face.

I dislike the guy, but I also find it annoying when people use that phrase.

If you can't express a dislike of someone without invoking a fantasy of violence, you're being small minded.

It's perfectly acceptable to call him an attention whore. While some will argue that he needs to be out there to drive change, it should be noted that the most influential people in terms of shaping government policy generally do so quietly and without drawing attention to themselves. Politicians and appointees respond far better to persuasion when someone who approaches them in a calm and reasonable manner.

Notice that most people couldn't name a single lobbying firm off the top of their head. There's a reason.

The reason is not a calm and reasonable manner.

The "lobbying" firms are quiet because they do not want people to know what shiat they are up to.

Actually, many of them do not make any secret of their client base.

Again, they are calm and measured in their approach, because they understand that you do not persuade by badgering, embarrassing, hounding, overwhelming, etc. In other words, do the exact opposite of people on Fark.

Instead you establish a relationship and a rapport, you provide useful feedback in a manner that helps the recipient, and you get invited back to the table. You may not be able to always persuade someone to your side of things, but often you can present your side in a manner that is palatable, and move the dial in your favor.

I've literally witnessed it first hand, and it's equal parts amusing and sad.