Earlier quoted context omitted.
"Do you also get angry when oil companies hire lobbyists to wine-and-dine politicians until they give favorable exploration rights on federal lands to those companies? " Yes, this does anger me, what is your point? I think a lot of people are angered by this, however this issue being discussed here is a bit "closer to home" in that we are probably more empowered to do something this issue than that of corruption in p…
The right to petition is enshrined in the First Amendment; if you don't like its excesses you'll need to start by changing the Constitution with a new amendment.
Its the right to freedom of speech, not the right to bribe politicians