Elizabeth Warren and lobbyists

15 November 2016

Editor, Wall Street Journal
1211 6th Ave.
New York, NY 10036

Dear Editor:

Sen. Elizabeth Warren is upset that President-elect Trump’s transition team includes many corporate lobbyists ("Elizabeth Warren Criticizes Donald Trump Over Lobbyists in Transition Team,” Nov. 15). Well now. Sen. Warren is second-to-none at empowering Uncle Sam to exercise broad discretionary powers over corporate affairs - powers that, if exercised one way, yield that company hundreds of millions of dollars in additional profits or, if exercised another way, saddle that company with hundreds of millions of dollars of additional costs. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that corporations work hard to have their voices heard among the din of everyone clamoring for the new emperor’s attention.

For Sen. Warren to be upset that Trump’s transition team attracts hordes of corporate lobbyists seeking political favors is akin to a Madam being upset that her bawdyhouse attracts hordes of men seeking female favors.

Sincerely,
Donald J. Boudreaux
Professor of Economics and Martha and Nelson Getchell Chair for the Study of Free Market Capitalism at the Mercatus Center George Mason University