Acclaimed Author, Former Judge, Award-Winning Journalist
and Television Broadcaster
The revolving door between Capital Hill, the lobbying sector, and corporate jobs is out of control. Unaccountable corporate lobbyists write laws, draft budgets, and create policies that protect personal and business interests.
As Bill Clinton might say, ‘It takes brass ones’. While claiming tax-exemption as a 501(c)3 charity, the corporate lobbying group ALEC is sponsoring overtly political events with the Republican Study Committee. Where’s the outrage? Where’s the IRS?
From Salon
As lobbyists make record sums and taxpayer dollars continue to flood Wall Street accounts, voters must realize that the fundamental principles of American democracy—capitalism, free-enterprise—are being dismantled by elected officials who claim they support traditional conservative principles.
When officials like Montana Rep. Denny Rehberg, currently running for a Republican seat in the Senate, claim corporations and lobbyists are working for pro-American policies it is an absolute sham. Read about Rehberg’s remarks to the American League of Lobbyists and consider whether these men truly represent the American public interest.
From The Huffington Post
A recent ProPublica analysis of political spending shows the two largest non-profit super PACs, Karl Rove’s Crossroads GPS and the Koch brothers’ Americans for Prosperity, have outspent all other super PACs combined. Our political process has been so corrupted by anonymous corporate money that public campaign funding must be implemented to save American democracy.
Our elected officials and judges know how corrosive big money is, yet they refuse to reform campaign finance laws for fear of losing political advantage. What are your thoughts on how super PAC money will affect the billion dollar 2012 presidential election?
Americans are being sidelined this election season by conflicting rhetoric on concepts of individual liberty, the nature and size of government, and the influence of special interests. Voters can’t let themselves be distracted by class and cultural divisions, worried that the other guy’s beliefs and freedoms are somehow a threat to the country.
What we desperately need is tough, independent-minded Americans demanding an honest assessment of our problems. If either the idealists or the “aristocrats” take control, the game is surely over.
From The Economist
With enormous resources and an agenda driven by short-term profits, most plutocratic super-PAC donors are apathetic toward the American public interest. A recent analysis of FEC and Sunlight Foundation data reveals that a mere 47 donors contributed more than half of the $230 million taken in by super-PACs this year, with 1,082 individual donations making up 94% of that total amount.
With corporate takeover of our political campaigns well underway, the only power still capable of opposing ‘USA, Inc.’ is the people themselves — an informed, united citizenry willing to reclaim their country. Where do you stand?
From Mother Jones
Our global military presence requires a mammoth defense industry, one that consumes nearly half of all military expenditures worldwide. In January, 2013, automatic defense cuts are scheduled to occur under the Budget Control Act. This sequestration has members of Congress and major defense contractors scrambling to dodge this bullet.
Desperate to protect their bottom line, weapons makers now suggest that the GOP consider raising revenues (taxes!). Just maybe those top tier Bush tax cuts should expire to facilitate a budget agreement before the New Year’s deadline. How will Republicans respond to this powerful lobby?
From The Huffington Post
Government transparency at its finest… Read the article below to find out which Republican senators are moonlighting as corporate ambassadors to Washington.
From The Huffington Post
It’s time we make distinctions between what’s good for corporations and what’s good for the country, the American people, and the capitalist system we allegedly defend. When pundits, politicos, and economists tell us our GDP is growing again, it means little for the well-being of our domestic economy.
In the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, U.S. corporations are posting record profits, fewer Americans are being employed than in the past 30 years, and average employee wages are at an all time low. Enough said.
From Business Insider
Montana had it right with their anti-corruption law, but did AG Steve Bullock and Governor Brian Schweitzer make the best arguments they could in asserting state sovereignty?
I joined last night’s Ed Show panel with Joan Walsh and Michael Medved to discuss Scalia’s judicial activism, the Supreme Court ruling on Montana’s anti-corruption law and the controversial Arizona immigration law, SB1070. Take a look at video below if you missed out on last night’s show.
From The Ed Show
Joseph E. Stiglitz explains that U.S. inequality has drastically hindered economic recovery and efficiency.
From Slate Magazine
"Ideology is the science of idiots."
- President John Adams
© 2011 Catherine Crier
