When you hear about a THINK TANK, you might wonder, what exactly is that? Before we continue, let’s define what a THINK TANK is, and then we’ll dive deeper into their influence. In South Carolina, THINK TANKs have become powerful players in the legislative process. Their influence forces a critical question. Are they genuinely aiding legislators in safeguarding the rights of the people, or are they simply pushing the interests of their backers? Spoiler alert, it’s more likely the latter.
Let’s tackle this in a question-and-answer format to get straight to the point, encouraging you to consider how THINK TANKs have become the bread and butter of lawmaking.
Let’s begin.
Question – What Exactly is a THINK TANK?
Answer – A THINK TANK is an organization that produces research and policy papers filled with “trust the expert” recommendations. These entities present themselves as neutral arbiters of truth, here to solve society’s most pressing issues through thoughtful analysis and expert advice. But here’s the twist—many of these THINK TANKs are funded by special interest groups, including corporations, wealthy individuals, lawyers and woke organizations. Their research and recommendations are often shaped by the agendas of their funders, meaning the policies they push are not as impartial as they appear.
Question – What’s the Real Role of THINK TANKs in South Carolina?
Answer – THINK TANKs like to present themselves as neutral, research-driven organizations, but that’s just a convenient fiction. THINK TANKs churn out complex research and policy recommendations, which then turn into bills. But it’s essential to understand who’s footing the bill. These organizations are mostly bankrolled by special interest groups with deep pockets and even deeper agendas. So, when a THINK TANK in South Carolina pushes for a particular policy, it’s worth asking whose interests they’re really serving.
Often, it’s not the hardworking South Carolinian who reaps the benefits. The policies THINK TANKs push do cater to the interests of their financial backers, whether it’s a big corporation, a wealthy individual, lawyer gang, or a powerful political group. The real concern here? If THINK TANKs focus on pleasing their sponsors rather than protecting the people’s rights, why should we trust any law they influence? Laws should be rooted in protecting the rights of the people, not serving the interests of a select few. The larger question to ponder—who’s really responsible for making our laws?
Question – Are THINK TANKs Encouraging Responsible Legislating?
Answer – Responsible legislating requires careful thought, real debate, and a deep understanding of the issues. It should be difficult and complex, anchored in the Constitution, and crafted to protect the rights of all people, including the minority. Truthfully, legislation should lean more toward repealing laws than adding new ones. But that’s not what happens when THINK TANKs step in. They strip the responsibility out of legislating, handing legislators pre-packaged policy papers and talking points, all biased to serve the THINK TANK’s agenda.
Lawmakers are often handed so-called objective research that’s anything but. These documents present a one-sided view, making it easier and more convincing for legislators to push through policies that align with the THINK TANK’s goals rather than what’s constitutional. This isn’t responsible legislating; it’s legislating blindfolded and by convenience—convenience that serves special interests over the public.
Question – Are THINK TANKs Helping Protect the Rights of South Carolinians?
Answer – Protecting the rights of the people should be the cornerstone of any legislative process. However, when THINK TANKs are heavily involved, the focus shifts from safeguarding public interests to advancing the priorities of those who fund these organizations. South Carolinians need to consider whether the laws being passed truly serve their needs or if they’re primarily designed to fulfill the wishes of a select few.
The truth is, when THINK TANKs are pulling the strings, the legislation that emerges often does not reflect a balanced consideration of the rights and needs of all citizens. Instead, it tends to favor the interests of those who have the resources to influence the process from behind the scenes. This is a critical issue that deserves more scrutiny from the public.
Question – Do THINK TANKs Engage in Lobbying Activities?
Answer – Technically, THINK TANKs may not be classified as traditional lobbyists, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t lobbying in practice. Just take a trip to the South Carolina Statehouse during session. Look around, and you’ll see THINK TANK representatives lingering in the halls, waiting to take your legislator out to a nice dinner or to invite them to a luxurious, all-you-can-eat-and-drink event where they’ll be handed an award. These events aren’t just social gatherings—they’re calculated opportunities to influence lawmakers in a more informal setting, where policy discussions can flow as freely as the wine.
This is where the lines between lobbying and “education” blur. While THINK TANKs may not be handing over cash in the traditional sense, they are certainly investing in relationships. And these relationships often lead to lawmakers championing the very policies that the THINK TANKs have crafted, without fully scrutinizing whether those policies truly serve the public interest.
Question – Are THINK TANKs a Revolving Door for Legislators?
Answer – Absolutely, and this revolving door is one of the most concerning aspects of THINK TANK influence. It’s not uncommon for legislators to leave public office only to resurface in a THINK TANK, where they continue to push for the same policies they once advocated for in the legislature. Conversely, individuals from THINK TANKs often find their way into government positions, bringing with them the agendas of the organizations they once worked for.
This revolving door creates a tight-knit relationship between THINK TANKs and the legislative process, raising serious questions about whose interests are being served. When your legislator leaves office and immediately takes a position with a THINK TANK, or when a THINK TANK policy expert becomes a lawmaker, it’s fair to ask: Are these individuals serving the public, or are they advancing a pre-determined agenda? This cycle only reinforces the influence of THINK TANKs over our laws, often to the detriment of genuine public interest.
Question – How Do THINK TANKs Bias the Legislative Process?
Answer – THINK TANKs don’t stop at providing research; they take it a step further by crafting what amounts to a slick marketing campaign, complete with cheat sheets for legislators—condensed summaries, talking points, and even full speeches. These tools make it easy for lawmakers to push the think tank’s preferred policies without fully engaging with the details.
Here’s where the real problems start. First, these cheat sheets aren’t neutral. Worse, they encourage legislators to skip reading the bills they’re voting on. If that doesn’t raise red flags, try asking them about specific details in a bill they supported. More often than not, they’ll have no idea, promise to get back to you, or direct you to the THINK TANK itself. These cheat sheets are carefully designed to reflect the THINK TANK’s agenda, turning legislators into mouthpieces rather than independent decision-makers who represent you to protect your rights. This not only undermines the integrity of the legislative process but also calls into question whether our elected officials are truly representing the people—or just echoing the interests of a select few powerful groups.
Time to Reevaluate THINK TANK Influence
It’s undeniable that think tanks hold significant sway over South Carolina’s legislation, but the nature of that influence is anything but benign. These organizations, propped up by special interest groups, prioritize the agendas of those lining their pockets over the rights and needs of the public. By pushing slanted policy papers, handing out ready-made talking points, and cozying up to lawmakers through strategic relationships, they make it easy to pass laws that serve those more interested in filling their wallets and egos than protecting the people.
South Carolinians deserve a legislative process that is transparent, balanced, and focused on protecting their rights. It’s time to take a closer look at how THINK TANKs are shaping our laws and to ask whether their influence is truly in the public’s best interest. After all, if our laws are being written by organizations that answer to special interests, we have to wonder, who is really looking out for us?
South Carolinians, let me ask you this: Do you think THINK TANKS have too much say over the laws being made in our state?
Learn More
To dive deeper into how THINK TANKs wield significant influence over policy, take a look at Berletic’s article and companion YouTube video, both titled “Who Really Controls US Foreign Policy?” While his focus is on foreign policy, the same holds true for U.S. domestic policy.
