According to www.etymonline.com, the word LOBBY was first used in the political sense (of "those who seek to influence legislation") in 1808 in reference to the custom of influence-seekers gathering in large entrance-halls outside legislative chambers. The verb in this sense is first attested 1850. Lobbyist is first attested 1863.
Nothing has changed. Go to the County Commission chambers and there they all are: in the entrance hall, outside the chambers just as they were in 1808. Oh, my God! Do we have a 200 year anniversary to celebrate next year? I think we should start planning now.
P.S. Lobbyist Bob Levy likes to think of himself as an "educator." This reference calls them what they are: "influence seekers."
1 comment:
During the Hold The Line Campaign, I saw the lobbyists at county hall all dressed up in their suits, giving kisses to the women commissioners who step down to greet them. It is pretty obvious that they are very chummy with the commission.
They stand out in the lobby talking on their cell phones or talking with each other. If you stand next to them, they immediately stop talking and move away. It is ironic that there is a picture of the everglades in the lobby because that is what most of these lobbyists work against.
Post a Comment