Money in Politics: Lobbying, PACs, and Super PACs

Lobbying is a form of organized advocacy, but money can provide some interests with greater access, visibility, and influence than ordinary citizens possess. This page will explain the differences among lobbying organizations, traditional PACs, Super PACs, direct contributions, independent expenditures, disclosure requirements, and legally prohibited coordination.

The FEC confirms that Super PACs may accept unlimited contributions to finance independent political activity, but they cannot contribute directly to federal candidates or coordinate their expenditures with campaigns. Federal Election Commission

FROM CONCERN TO ACTION PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE.
ACT WITH PURPOSE.
PROTECT THE WORK.

Concern is only the beginning. Credible civic action requires a clear understanding of the record, a specific lawful demand, and discipline about the conduct that can harm people or discredit the work.

OUR UNDERSTANDING

SEPARATE THE RECORD FROM THE REACTION.

Birdkill begins with verifiable evidence, identifies what remains uncertain, and distinguishes documented facts from allegations, inference, and opinion. We judge power consistently, regardless of party, office, institution, or identity.

The goal is not outrage for its own sake. The goal is public understanding strong enough to support accountability.

HOW TO ACT

TURN CONCERN INTO A DEMAND.

  1. Verify the claim and preserve the original source.
  2. Identify the official, agency, court, or institution with authority.
  3. Make one specific request that can receive a written answer.
  4. Use lawful public records, oversight, reporting, voting, and organizing tools.

WHAT NOT TO DO

DO NOT BECOME WHAT YOU OPPOSE.

  • Do not threaten, stalk, harass, dox, swat, or intimidate anyone.
  • Do not trespass, destroy property, obstruct emergency services, or interfere with lawful operations.
  • Do not alter evidence, spread claims you cannot support, or file knowingly false reports.
  • Do not claim that an independent action was organized, directed, authorized, or sponsored by Birdkill.

THE BIRDKILL STANDARD

Birdkill supports peaceful, informed, evidence-based civic action. Birdkill does not organize, direct, authorize, or endorse violence, harassment, trespass, property destruction, obstruction, doxxing, swatting, intimidation, or knowingly false reports. Individuals are responsible for their own actions and may not represent them as Birdkill-sponsored.