Special interests over the public

Taking a back seat to special interest

Re “East entrance to state Capitol will be used by only staff, lobbyists” (Capitol & California, Jan. 18): The announcement that legislators, staff and lobbyists will be afforded access to the Capitol through their own special door and receive expedited entry certainly sends the definitive message as to where California constituents and taxpayers stand.

Even in building access, the divide and disconnect between the public and government becomes more and more apparent while access to our legislators and their representatives takes a back seat to lobbyists and special interests.

If the security ruse is good for the public, it’s good for those in government and those with direct influence.

Trading openness for false security

This new rule, restricting use of the east doors to the Capitol to only staff and lobbyists, is shockingly brazen. Our elected representatives have decided that openness in government is too much trouble. Whoever told citizens they are entitled to access to their public buildings, anyway?

The astounding cowardice of the people we elect to do our business will not enhance security. But it will keep the people out of the people’s business. Adding insult to injury, it’s been decided that lobbyists can keep on coming. This edict is the equivalent of declaring corporate government is here to stay. Mussolini would call it fascism.

Lobbyists have easier access

In the book “Imperial San Francisco – Urban Power, Earthly Ruin” by Gray Brechin, there is a quote that highlights this topic: “Power veils itself. From the mystery of what it does, what it owns, and, above all, who it is, it assumes added strength.”

Well now, if you want to see who has the most influence over the laws in their state, just hang out near the east entrance of the state Capitol. I guess sometimes “power” gets arrogant.

This story was originally published January 20, 2016 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Special interests over the public."