As an ex-lobbyist (who hates lobbyist) I can tell you lobbyists don’t see it this way, for what appears to be a legitimate reason. They laugh at the average American who is totally clueless about the way politics works. You can’t be a pop culture junkie, sitting on your couch and expect the limited set of politicians you get to choose from for elections to do anything without you the citizen being more engaged. Or at least understand the importance of giving money to a NGO to represent your interests.

Governing is very hard work and it’s really complicated. Politicians roll their eyes when individuals demand action without making any effort to first organize with other citizens and work through the various points of view and come up with a plan. Of course, that would be too much work, it’s easier to complain and claim the world is just f’ed up, without looking in a mirror.