ABSTRACT
In this definition from The Devil’s Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce, one of America’s most celebrated cynics, was obviously mocking the hypocrisy of our political life, but Americans have come to accept his characterization with equanimity. Today, few citizens are under any illusions that those with axes to grind or causes to pursue organize themselves and plead their special cases to lawmakers. Indeed, they regard such activities as a fundamental right of democracy. It is only when certain of these “special pleaders” gain disproportionate power and influence, especially by contributing vast sums of money to election campaigns, that the public bristles. Americans, to be sure, like a level playing field, but they generally have no problem with the game itself.
