TR: Expose the Lobbyists. Restore the Republic!

Friends, neighbors, fellow Americans! Are you tired of seeing your hard-earned tax dollars funneled into secret schemes that benefit the powerful few at the expense of the many? Are you weary of the creeping influence of special interests, whispering in the ears of those who should be listening to you? Then you are not alone!

The Shadow Lobbyists: A Betrayal of Trust

A disturbing report has surfaced: Unelected officials within federal agencies are allegedly using their positions, and by extension your money, to lobby against legislation duly considered by the elected representatives of the people. Let me be clear: This is a betrayal of public trust, a perversion of the democratic process, and an affront to every honest American who plays by the rules.

What is really at stake here? It's not just one piece of legislation, my friends. It's about the very soul of our Republic. It’s about whether government serves the people or the other way around. It's about whether decisions are made in the open, guided by the light of public scrutiny, or hatched in the shadows by faceless bureaucrats beholden to nobody but themselves. This insidious activity undermines the very foundations of our government, eroding faith in the institutions that are supposed to protect us all.

Roosevelt's Stand: A Square Deal for All

I say enough is enough! I have always believed in a strong executive branch, capable of acting decisively in the national interest. But that power must be wielded responsibly, with transparency and accountability as its watchwords. These reports of clandestine lobbying reveal a rot within the system that must be excised with the precision of a surgeon's scalpel.

Let there be no doubt: I stand unequivocally against this abuse of power. I will not tolerate the use of taxpayer funds to promote the political agendas of unelected officials, no matter how well-intentioned they may claim to be. The time for quiet diplomacy is over. It's time for action!

Policy Proposals: Bringing Sunlight to the Shadows

To combat this corruption and restore faith in government, I propose the following concrete steps, drawing from the principles of the Square Deal:

The Sunlight Act: We will enact legislation requiring complete transparency in all communications between federal agencies and members of Congress or their staff. Every meeting, every phone call, every email – all must be meticulously documented and made available for public inspection. We will drag these shadow lobbyists into the light where they belong. Think of it as a public health initiative; a little disinfectant sunshine will cleanse the system.
Restrictions on Post-Government Employment: We will drastically limit the ability of federal employees to move directly into lobbying positions after leaving government service. This "revolving door" breeds corruption and incentivizes officials to prioritize personal gain over public service. We will establish a mandatory five-year cooling-off period for any official leaving a regulatory agency before they can lobby that same agency.
Independent Inspector General Oversight: Each federal agency will have a truly independent Inspector General with the power to investigate allegations of improper lobbying and other forms of malfeasance. These Inspectors General will be empowered to refer cases directly to the Department of Justice for prosecution, without interference from political appointees.
Increased Whistleblower Protection: We will strengthen whistleblower protections to encourage government employees to come forward with information about corruption and wrongdoing. We need courageous individuals willing to stand up and speak truth to power. We will shield them from retaliation and ensure that their voices are heard. This echoes my handling of the Panama Canal. I encouraged, and protected those who spoke out about corruption and inefficiency so that the project could move forward with integrity.
Campaign Finance Reform: Finally, let us not forget the root of the problem. The undue influence of money in politics fuels this kind of corruption. We must renew the fight for campaign finance reform, limiting the power of special interests and empowering ordinary citizens.

Action!

This is not merely a political debate; it is a fight for the heart and soul of our nation. I call on every American, regardless of party affiliation, to join me in this battle. Demand transparency from your elected officials. Support candidates who are committed to rooting out corruption and restoring integrity to government.

The time for complacency is over. The future of our Republic depends on our willingness to act. Together, we can expose the lobbyists, restore the Republic, and ensure that government serves the people, not the powerful! Let us, together, once again secure a Square Deal for every American!