South Carolinians love to complain about what their legislators are up to in Columbia. You can hear it at coffee shops, church potlucks, and social gatherings. The same lament about politicians passing laws that increase taxes, impose more regulations, and strip away personal freedoms. But here’s the uncomfortable truth, can we really blame the legislators when the people aren’t consistently pushing back?
It’s not enough to grumble about what’s wrong, we have to be willing to act. Because if you’re quiet, the lobbyists aren’t, and they’re making sure they fill that silence with their demands.
Let’s be honest, legislators will keep doing what they do and most of the time, that means listening to the loudest voices in the room. Right now, those voices belong to think tanks and lobbyists. These folks know how to play the game, and they play it well. Lobbyists cozy up to legislators, donate to their campaigns, and make sure they show up at the Statehouse during legislative sessions armed with their agendas, ready to push their priorities. And guess what? It works.
It works 100%!
For the sake of clarity, all organized policy influencers such as think tanks, corporations, and advocacy groups can be described as lobbyists. Their shared objective is to shape legislation in ways that serve their own interests, whether financial, political, or institutional. These are the individuals and organizations that stand to gain from the laws being passed, and they remain deeply involved to ensure those gains are secured. At the same time, the people most affected by these laws, including taxpayers, small business owners, and families who homeschool, are often absent from the process. That absence is not always the result of indifference. Some may not realize how much takes place behind the scenes, while others may find it difficult to track the pace and complexity of proposed legislation. Still, the absence remains, and it carries consequences. It shapes outcomes in ways that would look very different if the people most impacted had been present.
Please understand, this isn’t about judging or shaming anyone. It’s a call to awareness. The legislative process belongs to the people because we’re the ones paying for it. It’s supposed to serve us, not the other way around. But that only works if we stay involved. Voting every few years and then walking away doesn’t cut it. If you want to keep your legislators in check, you’ve got to stay engaged. Voting is just the starting point, not the finish line.
Here’s what happens when the people step back. Legislators gain the freedom to pass bill after bill with little to no resistance from the constituents they were elected to represent. Without steady pushback, it becomes easier for them to form comfortable alliances with lobbyists who are present, prepared, and persistent. These are the individuals arranging meetings, shaking hands, offering gifts, extending dinner invitations, flattering egos, contributing to campaigns, and consistently reinforcing their priorities. Legislators respond to the ones who remain in front of them and provide something in return. Influence often follows presence, and reward reinforces attention.
If you’re wondering why there are so many bills being proposed that seem to hijack personal responsibility or impose more restrictions on your life, it’s because there’s a well-oiled machine behind it all.
Think about it, every new law creates a ripple effect. It impacts your business, your family, your education choices, and even your freedom to make personal decisions. Yet, how many people actually take the time to read the bills being proposed? How many ask their legislators tough questions about those bills? How many show up at committee meetings to express concerns or support? The sad reality is, very few.
This isn’t an easy fix. It requires consistent effort and involvement. But here’s the good news, the system is still within your reach. Legislators are accessible. But they won’t know what you want unless you tell them. And let’s be honest, most of them aren’t going to put in the extra effort to find out unless they’re pushed.
What is a constitutional republic? That means we elect representatives to carry out the will of the people while ensuring that laws remain within constitutional bounds. But, that system only works if the people remain actively engaged. Right now, we’re seeing a lot of elected officials running amok, passing laws that have little to do with constitutional protection and everything to do with appeasing lobbyists.
James Madison once warned about factions hijacking the system. He understood that unchecked power leads to corruption. So, what are we doing to keep that in check? Complaining on social media isn’t going to cut it. We need to be more intentional.
Imagine the impact if every South Carolinian committed a small amount of time each week to engage with the legislative process. That effort might begin with a single email to a representative, asking a direct question about a bill they support. It might include attending a committee meeting to express concern or interest in a measure being considered. It could also take the form of organizing with others who are paying attention, working together to monitor the legislation that moves quietly through the process.
Yes, it takes time and effort. But consider the alternative. If you don’t speak up, someone else will and they might not have your best interests at heart. The lobbyists will keep doing what they’re doing. The question is, will you?
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not constitute legal or professional advice. ConservaTruth assumes no liability for any actions taken based on this content. Read more.
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