Important message from Kilian Vieth-Ditlmann of @algorithmwatch about the challenges facing #NGOs in public consultations by the @EUCommission and #bmwe: hard to get your voice heard when every #bigtech firm fields 50 #lobbyists each. #ECPR Regulatory Governance conference today at Hertie School Berlin. Roundtable on #digital #platforms.

How Monsanto Covered Up Roundup’s Terrifying Secret

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTmtEEdxpPU

Bayer has paid out $10 billion in Roundup cancer lawsuits.

Now, they're on a mission to quietly rewrite laws to give themselves immunity from future lawsuits.

All while continuing to make billions in profit on a product that's linked to cancer.

#USA #CorporateMurder #Profit #Monsanto #RoundUp #Cancer #Trump #SerialKiller #LegalProtection #Conspiracy #Fraud #EPA #Bayer #Lobbyists #Bribery #CorporateScience

"Currently, Europe lacks true European media: in Germany alone, more media outlets are devoted exclusively to #football than news outlets specialising in Europe. The few newspapers with "Europe" in their name mainly focus on the #Brussels bubble and report for #lobbyists and business people."

New European #newsroom set up shop: https://www.europeancorrespondent.com/

#freepress #journalism #nonprofit

LobbyControl reveals that a new German organisation that attacks NGOs and their funding was set up by PR consultants and #lobbyists from the biotech and chemical industries 🚨 Founders of "Initiative Transparente Demokratie" work for or have worked for #Bayer #CEFIC + biotech and #tobacco industry ⚠️

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:rmzcyjzrhxdisvrdsh5bnf4t/post/3lrdjhgn7is23

LobbyControl reveals that a new German organisation that attacks NGOs and their funding was set up by PR consultants and #lobbyists from the biotech and chemical industries 🚨 Founders of "Initiative Transparente Demokratie" work for or have worked for #Bayer #CEFIC + biotech and #tobacco industry ⚠️

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:rmzcyjzrhxdisvrdsh5bnf4t/post/3lrb66xqvks25

The EU Commission’s new firewall approach towards #tobacco industry #lobbyists confirms this is a toxic industry which should not be given influence on EU decision-making 🚭

If properly implemented, there will be very few meetings between Commission officials and tobacco lobbyists from now on 👏

Good news! The European Commission tightens firewall against #tobacco lobbyists, enforcing Article 5.3 of the UN tobacco control treaty 👏
It will meet tobacco industry #lobbyists "only if strictly necessary for the purpose of its activities" 🚭

https://www.corporateeurope.org/en/2025/05/eu-commission-tightens-firewall-enforcement-against-tobacco-lobbyists

The EU Commission’s new firewall approach towards #tobacco industry #lobbyists confirms this is a toxic industry which should not be given influence on EU decision-making 🚭 If properly implemented, there will be very few meetings between Commission officials and tobacco lobbyists from now on 👏

Good news! The European Commission tightens firewall against #tobacco lobbyists, enforcing Article 5.3 of the UN tobacco control treaty 👏 It will meet tobacco industry #lobbyists "only if strictly necessary for the purpose of its activities" 🚭 #WNTD2025 www.corporateeurope.org/en/2025/05/e...

EU Commission tightens firewal...

Lowkey EXPOSES Who’s REALLY Trying to DESTROY Kneecap

https://youtu.be/m5qr4EFeFKw

#Lowkey #DDN #DoubleDownNews #IsraeliWarCrimes #UKPolitics #Lobbyists

@jollysea @Imprinted @noybeu that's #corporate #lobbyists OFC...

• Not that it makes them less worse...

#BanCorporateLobbyists
#StopCorruption

Never trust any politician who spends more time in backrooms with shady corporate #lobbyists than they do dealing with/talking to & working for the constituents who elected them. Hold them accountable! Demand an end to corrupt corporate lobbyists & call out the dirty #politicians who protect corporate interests over #PublicInterests 📣✊️

#BCpoli #CDNpoli #DirtyBackrooms #DirtyDeals #PublicMoney #TaxpayersDeserveBetter #politics #CorporateGreed #GreedKills

Leaders in the generative AI world are daring to say the unsayable: that copyright is not sacrosanct

For the last hundred years or so, the prevailing dogma has been that copyright is an unalloyed good, and that more of it is better. Whether that was ever true is one question, but it is certainly not the case since we entered the digital era, for reasons explained at length in Walled Culture the book (free digital versions available). Despite that fact, recent attempts to halt the constant […]

#aiActionPlan #Amazon #china #deezer #elonMusk #exceptions #fairUse #google #jackDorsey #lobbyists #musicStreaming #openai #patents #stockImageLibraries #tdm #trademarks #US #usCopyrightOffice

https://walledculture.org/leaders-in-the-generative-ai-world-are-daring-to-say-the-unsayable-that-copyright-is-not-sacrosanct/

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/558820/the-fuss-over-new-infant-formula-rules “It's sad to see that the industry or specific manufacturers have such a great influence on policy making or decision making at such a high level," says Toldi. #NZPol #infantformula #lobbyists

https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-tariffs-exemptions-pet-lobbyists-asbestos-confusion-secrecy

Politically Connected Firms Benefit From Trump Tariff Exemptions Amid Secrecy, Confusion

#cronyism #political #trump #cronies #tariff #exemptions #taxes #lobbyists #tariffs #tax #transparency #corruption #incompetence #paytoplay #economy #economics #layoffs #business #TariffExemptions #trade #USChinaTrade #TrumpTariffs #PoliticalConnections #china #us #corruption #SpoilsSystem #SpecialFavors #BigBusiness #TechLobby #EconomicInequality #Accountability #TradeWar #exports #imports #goods #agriculture #farming

Intuit, Owner of TurboTax, Wins Battle Against America's Taxpayers
https://prospect.org/power/2025-04-17-intuit-turbotax-wins-battle-against-taxpayers-irs-direct-file/
#ycombinator #Economic_Policy #tax_policy #Internal_Revenue_Service #corporate_power #lobbyists #Politics #Congress #Donald_Trump #Trump_transition #Daniel_Boguslaw

@hildeaustlid @thorsheim #FunFact: There were some #SourcingRequirement regulations on the table at @EUCommission demanding #HumanRights, #WorkersRights and #EnvoirmentalStandards as well as #HealthcareStandards / #WorkplaceSafetyStandards to make it legal to even import products.

• #Lobbyists canceled that!

#SupplyChainLaw #Lieferkettengesetz

In an example that may demonstrate how Trump's tariff policy is about amassing influence and not economic policy, a fossil fuel industry that donated to Trump in record amounts and remains closely tied to the regime through the numerous folks with industry ties appointed to the US administration, received an exemption from the tariffs.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/04/trump-exempts-big-oil-donors-from-tariffs

‘Oligarchy’: Trump exempts big oil donors from tariffs package

"The exemption came after the fossil fuel industry poured $96m into Trump’s re-election campaign and affiliated political action committees, as he pledged to deregulate the sector and roll back environmental regulations. This was less than the $1bn Trump requested from the sector in an infamous meeting at his Mar-a-Lago club, but still constituted record levels of spending.

“Oil and gas billionaires just bought themselves an exemption from Trump’s tariffs,” Stevie O’Hanlon, spokesperson for youth-led environmental justice group the Sunrise Movement, said on Thursday. “While the rest of us have to deal with skyrocketing prices and rising temperatures, they’re sitting on their thrones and raking in billions. We need an end to this oligarchy now.”

In the first three months of his second term, Trump has made good on his promises to attack green policies. He has also maintained a cozy relationship with the industry, appointing an array of industry interests to his administration.

Last month, the president held a meeting with more than a dozen oil executives at the White House, where he floated an energy exemption from his tariff package, according to the Washington Post, with one source telling the outlet that it was unclear if Trump was making a joke or a serious policy pledge."

Because Trump's tariffs are effectively a regressive, compounding tax that therefore harms labor class people way more than it harms the wealthy, there's a valid argument that exempting fossil fuel products from the tariffs represents an effort to mitigate the increased costs of Trump's mafia-style shakedown on regular people. The problem with that idea of course, is that Trump himself is *directly* responsible for those increased costs due to these tariffs (again, which function as a regressive compounding tax on labor class people) as part of his destructive global trade war, and thus clearly does not give a fuck about consumers. What he does care about however, is an oil and gas industry that happily turned over vast sums of money to fuel his political career; who will now be exempt from the tariffs threatening to bankrupt other American businesses and millions of average people who don't benefit at all from fossil fuel lobby donations.

#Trump #Tarrifs #FossilFuel #CampaignFinance #Fascism #TariffShakedown #MafiaDon #Lobbyists #RegressiveTaxation

#AbrahamLincoln: "#democracy is #government of the #people - by the #people - for the #people"

but #democracy is not perfect per default, it needs constant #reform to become better and better (not worse and worse how it was made by (#financial #taxavoiding #lobbyists and other #lobbyists = #corruption)

how to reform democracy? a #conversationwithai: #deepseek

<think>
Alright, I'm trying to figure out how to reform #democracy so that decisions are made faster and are more competent, while also reducing incompetence and corruption. This is a big question because democracy as it stands has a lot of #issues, but it's still considered one of the better systems out there <- read this?

First off, I know that one of the main problems with democracies is that #decisionmaking can be #slow, especially in #large #countries.

There are so many #checks and #balances that sometimes it feels like nothing gets done.

So maybe making decisions faster requires #streamlining some processes.

But how? Maybe reducing #bureaucracy or changing how legislation is passed?

Another issue is #incompetence. I've seen elected officials who don't seem to have the right skills or knowledge for their roles. <- this #AI has seen things!

How can we ensure that #leaders are actually #competent?

Perhaps through better #education #requirements, or maybe having #experts in certain fields advise them more #effectively.

#Corruption is another huge #Problem seems like #money plays a big role in #politics, which can lead to decisions that favor #donors over the people.

#Campaign #finance #reform might help here, but I'm not sure how feasible that is given current laws and court rulings, especially in places like the #US with #CitizensUnited.

#Voter #engagement is also a factor.

If more people participate, maybe there's more #accountability.

But getting people to vote when they feel their votes don't matter is tough.

Maybe changing voting systems, like ranked-choice voting, could make elections feel more representative and increase turnout.

I've heard about #sortition, where #random #citizens are #selected for #decisionmaking bodies.

That might bring in diverse perspectives and reduce corruption since the average person isn't as beholden to special interests.

But would people take it seriously? I'm not sure how effective that would be compared to elected officials.

#Technology could play a role too.

Maybe using #online #platforms for #participatory #budgeting or #policy #discussions.

It could make #government more #transparent and involve citizens more #directly.

However, there's the risk of #misinformation and #manipulation online.

#Term #limits are another idea.

They might prevent politicians from becoming too entrenched and corrupt, but they can also limit institutional knowledge and lead to a #revolvingdoor of #inexperienced #leaders.

#Anticorruption agencies seem necessary, but they need to be #independent and well #funded.

If they're controlled by the government, they won't be effective.

How do you ensure their independence?

#Media #literacy is important because if people are #better #informed, they can make #better #decisions at the #ballotbox.

But with so much #misinformation out there, improving media literacy is a big challenge.

I'm also thinking about proportional representation.

Maybe switching to a system where more parties have seats could lead to more diverse and representative governments, reducing gridlock.

But it might also make forming a government harder if no single party has a majority.

What about making voting mandatory?

It increases turnout but can also lead to people voting without being informed, which doesn't necessarily improve the quality of decisions.

Another thought is focusing on #local #governance.

If more decisions are made at the local level where people can be more involved and informed, it might lead to #better #outcomes #overall.

But not all issues can be handled locally; some require national or international coordination.

I'm also considering how #education plays into this.

Better #civic #education could make voters more informed and engaged.

It starts from a young age teaching about #government #structures, #roles, and the importance of #participation.

#Transparency is key too.

If governments are more open about their processes and decisions, trust might increase. Things like #FOIA requests in the U.S. help, but they can be slow and sometimes
incomplete.

#Incentivizing #good #governance through awards or recognition might motivate leaders to perform better, but it's not a sure fix for deeper systemic issues.

Encouraging #whistleblowers is important because they can expose #corruption before it becomes entrenched.

Protecting them legally would make others more willing to come forward.

Public-private partnerships could bring in expertise from the private sector, but there's a risk of corporate influence if not managed properly.

Inclusive decision-making ensures that all groups have a voice, which leads to more equitable policies.

It requires active efforts to involve marginalized communities.

Independent judiciaries are crucial because they can check the other branches and enforce laws against corruption.

But judicial appointments can be politicized, which undermines their independence.

Finally, cultural shifts towards valuing integrity over power might help reduce corruption. But changing a culture is slow and difficult, especially in large, diverse societies.

Putting all these thoughts together, it seems like reforming democracy requires a multi-faceted approach addressing both structural issues and cultural factors. It's not just about tweaking one part but making comprehensive changes that promote competence, transparency, and accountability while ensuring representation and reducing corruption.

</think>
Reforming democracy to enhance decision-making efficiency, competence, and reduce corruption involves a multifaceted approach that addresses both structural and cultural aspects of
governance. Here is an organized strategy based on the thought process:

### Structural Reforms
1. **Streamline Decision-Making Processes:**
- Reduce bureaucratic layers and adopt more agile legislative processes to accelerate decision-making without compromising thorough consideration.

2. **Campaign Finance Reform:**
- Implement strict regulations on campaign contributions and promote public financing of elections to diminish the influence of money in politics.

3. **Proportional Representation:**
- Introduce proportional representation systems to ensure diverse representation, which can lead to more inclusive and efficient governance.

4. **Term Limits:**
- Enact term limits for elected officials to prevent entrenchment, while ensuring mechanisms for knowledge retention and smooth transitions.

5. **Independent Anti-Corruption Agencies:**
- Establish independent bodies with strong investigative and prosecutorial powers to combat corruption effectively.

### Enhancing Competence
1. **Expert Advisory Bodies:**
- Integrate expert panels in decision-making processes to provide informed guidance on complex issues.

2. **Civic Education:**
- Improve education systems to foster informed voters through civic engagement and critical thinking skills.

3. **Sortition (Citizen Juries):**
- Experiment with sortition to involve diverse citizen perspectives, enhancing
representativeness and reducing corruption risks.

### Reducing Corruption
1. **Transparency Measures:**
- Increase government transparency through open data initiatives, accessible meetings, and robust freedom of information laws.

2. **Whistleblower Protection:**
- Strengthen legal protections for whistleblowers to encourage the exposure of corruption without fear of retribution.

3. **Judicial Independence:**
- Ensure the judiciary is independent and impartial, free from political influence, to uphold rule of law and check executive power.

### Voter Engagement and Participation
1. **Voting System Reforms:**
- Adopt ranked-choice voting and proportional representation to ensure votes count more meaningfully and increase voter satisfaction.

2. **Compulsory Voting:**
- Consider mandatory voting with incentives for informed voting, potentially reducing apathy and increasing political engagement.

3. **Participatory Budgeting:**
- Involve citizens in budget decisions through digital platforms to foster transparency and accountability.

### Technological Integration
1. **Digital Platforms:**
- Utilize technology for participatory governance, enabling real-time public input on policies and fostering informed discussions.

2. **Media Literacy Programs:**
- Launch initiatives to combat misinformation, promoting a better-informed electorate capable of discerning credible sources.

### Cultural Shifts
1. **Incentivizing Good Governance:**
- Recognize and reward ethical leadership through awards or public acknowledgment to promote integrity in governance.

2. **Cultural Values:**
- Foster societal norms that prioritize transparency, accountability, and integrity, encouraging leaders to adhere to high ethical standards.

### Conclusion
Reforming democracy requires a comprehensive approach that combines structural changes with cultural shifts. By streamlining processes, enhancing
competence through education and expertise, reducing corruption through transparency and independent oversight, and engaging citizens more
effectively, democracies can become more responsive, efficient, and just. This multifaceted strategy aims to rebuild trust in governance and ensure
decisions truly reflect the will of the people.