Of the people, by the people, and for the people?

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From the second John Kerry was attacked via the “Swiftboating” episode, I knew that Americans (and, given that we seem to invading other countries electoral political process, the world) were in for a heap of trouble.  You see, the group (I am clearly being of generous mood, here) behind this attack, the “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth” was a 527 organization.   A “tax exempt” organization that focuses on  “issues”.

First of all, any group that needs to add “Truth” to it’s name is using anything but. But, this was the first of many of these so-called charitable organizations that are nothing but fronts for the rich (often ONE person, sometimes one company) to exert undue influence on our political choices.

The situation got worse when the Supreme Court legitimized the genre with it’s “Citizen United” decision.  (Yup, citizens.  Yup, united.)   And, now we citizens are overrun with lobbying groups attempting to write every law passed to maximize the benefit for themselves- at the expense of the local citizenry.

Just the other day, Indiana began toying with changing their constitution to enable the farming industry to pollute the state at will.  (Oh, yes, that rule is called the “Right to Farm” bill.  What that proposed law really provides is to let farms [that’s read as “agribusiness”, not individual farmers] have more rights than citizens.  Kind of like how the Citizens United decision meant that fat cats have more rights than the average Joe.) Don’t be secure that this law is only being proposed for Indiana.  Missouri is on the cusp of passing this same legislation- for now.ALEC-It's all about access.

 

Which brings up the real focus of this discussion- the Koch Brothers.  These two fellows are funding a plethora of “organizations” that are all aimed at changing America to make it easier for them to make money, cut back regulations that protect citizens (the REAL Americans), always using names that sound “so nice”.

Let’s first consider one of the more insidious group.  ALEC – the American Legislative Exchange Council.  It claims to be non-partisan, but it’s a right wing group that writes the laws that right-wing state governments enact.  How?  Well, if you thought Grover Norquist had power over our federal lawmakers, you ain’t seen nothing!

ALEC demands that the legislators swear allegiance to ALEC and its causes.  The group then meets behind closed doors and discusses the new rules that must be passed when the legislators return to their state capitals.

What, you say?  You thought YOU elected them and they should follow your wishes and work to solve your needs?  That is so yesterday…before the Koch Brothers started making America in their image- not ours.

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16 thoughts on “Of the people, by the people, and for the people?”

    1. I don’t think that would work at all, Alessa. Would you be able to pave the roads we need to get folks to visit your shop? Or, to set up a school to train your kids?
      No, we need government. We just need to punish lobbyists for their activities.

  1. Lets see again, Why did I move to Mexico……..mum…because down here I have nothing to do with politics. Not allowed,,That’s being honest…back in the states, I am allowed but unless I am a “fat cat” I am only acting out involvement because nobody really gives a damn what I say, they just act like they do…not so honest.
    Chef William recently posted..Tequila Lime Beef Tacos

    1. That provided me the smile I needed today, Chef William.
      But, are you not the least bit interested in the politics of Mexico- at least as how the battles between the narcoterrorists, the army, and the police turn out?

  2. I am not familiar with the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth organization and I’m guessing I am not familiar with many of these so-called charitable organizations. I do wonder how it is these groups become tax exempt? What is the charity they are serving?

    1. Lobbying is SUPPOSED to be regulated, Muriel. But, there’s a fine line (read as broad as the day is long) between lobbying and bribery. As, the former Governor of Virginia is finding out.
      And, then each state has its own definition of what is or is not acceptable, so it gets even cloudier.

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