Hijexx wrote:

The 1st edition of The Rootkit Arsenal, published back in the summer of 2009, included a short epilogue that raised questions about the underlying integrity of the political system in the United States. It used the metaphor of a malware infestation to discuss aspects of popular participation and means of control. In preparing the forthcoming 2nd edition, this material has been extended and explores territory that has just barely received attention from the major news outlets. Though the publisher has opted not to include this content, it has been made available here.

Very interesting. Thanks for posting. But its easy to state problems. Its harder to talk about solutions.

I think its interesting that the AARP appears on the list of the top ten lobbying spenders. They certainly aren't a corporate interest group.

The central premise of this essay is that in the 1970s the corporate interests decided that effective lobbying was more important than winning elections. Part of the problem here is that the people are split between partisan groups while those with real influence lobby both sides of the isle.

So instead of trying to take back the electoral system, why not just lobby more effectively? If you've the money, its easy to hire yourself up a thinktank and start talking to people in Washington.

Who should I be giving my money to?

Public interest groups tend to be focused on narrow issues, like abortion or civil liberties or the environment.

Who lobbies for my economic interests? Better labor contract laws? Better financial regulations? More investment in basic science R&D?

RE: The Rootkit Arsenal - Lost Chapter Now Available