Corporations Have Stranglehold On U.S. Politics

[Dex]

In my opinion, democracy can work (and I "believe in" it). I also believe that the reason democracy has not worked is that it has been strategically undermined. Not big news, I know.

Thoughts?

Dx


Corporations Have Stranglehold On U.S. Politics
Daniel Keener
http://www.policymic.com/articles/corporations-have-stranglehold-on-u-s-politics

The 2012 elections are fast-approaching, and the dirty political tricks are already starting. In America we are born with the First Amendment right to free speech. However, we are increasingly seeing that our voices, though still effective in numbers, are being drowned out by the megaphones wielded by corporate America. Cases like Citizens United are evidence of this assertion, but an organization much older than this single decision also threatens our democracy. This organization is called the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

ALEC, through its members made up mostly of CEOs, endeavors to create what it calls "model bills" in order to influence policies made at the state level. Most of these policies seek to benefit corporate interest, often to the detriment of everyday citizens. Board members at ALEC have direct access to state legislators and make their pitch for these “model bills” that seek to benefit the private sector and often undermine the public sector. The most disturbing fact is people do not get to vote on these bills. This sets up an oligarchic approach to governance, taking the power of influence away from the people and placing it in the hands of the moneyed few.

This organization's stated goal is to get government off of our backs and let the free market reign and regulate itself. It would be one thing if this objective was meant to benefit American citizens, but the double speak of the word "our" here becomes apparent when one looks at who benefits from such proposals. Everyday hard-working Americans do not benefit from deregulated businesses that pollute our air and drinking water or make public school too expensive for the working class.

While lobbyists have been around for ages trying to influence legislative actions in politics, ALEC takes it a step further by enacting legislation at the state level in a coordinated effort of influence. Further, every citizen of our democratic republic does not get to vote on such legislation. This is what makes it especially dangerous. Democracy gets thrown out of the window when citizens are bypassed by corporate entities that dictate new legislation.

What is especially dangerous is ALEC’s attempt of voter suppression. All across the country, states are adopting laws that seek to disenfranchise minority voters. It seems that ALEC is trying to find ways around the annoying ability of everyday Americans to voice their opinions. This is just another example, among many, of the ways in which ALEC seeks to undermine our democracy.

Websites like alecexposed.org and movetoamend.org provide information on how to combat such takeovers. Democracy is dependent on an educated electorate, but with organizations like this in place we find our small voices not only silenced but circumvented and ignored.

Thomas Jefferson himself once said, "I hope that we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations, which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country." Since our country's founding this sort of power play has been happening. It is time we the people, with our small voices, stand against the tyranny of moneyed interests.

[Peak]

In my opinion, democracy can work (and I "believe in" it). I also believe that the reason democracy has not worked is that it has been strategically undermined. Not big news, I know.

Thoughts?

Dx


Corporations Have Stranglehold On U.S. Politics
Daniel Keener
http://www.policymic.com/articles/corporations-have-stranglehold-on-u-s-politics

The 2012 elections are fast-approaching, and the dirty political tricks are already starting. In America we are born with the First Amendment right to free speech. However, we are increasingly seeing that our voices, though still effective in numbers, are being drowned out by the megaphones wielded by corporate America. Cases like Citizens United are evidence of this assertion, but an organization much older than this single decision also threatens our democracy. This organization is called the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

ALEC, through its members made up mostly of CEOs, endeavors to create what it calls "model bills" in order to influence policies made at the state level. Most of these policies seek to benefit corporate interest, often to the detriment of everyday citizens. Board members at ALEC have direct access to state legislators and make their pitch for these ?model bills? that seek to benefit the private sector and often undermine the public sector. The most disturbing fact is people do not get to vote on these bills. This sets up an oligarchic approach to governance, taking the power of influence away from the people and placing it in the hands of the moneyed few.

This organization's stated goal is to get government off of our backs and let the free market reign and regulate itself. It would be one thing if this objective was meant to benefit American citizens, but the double speak of the word "our" here becomes apparent when one looks at who benefits from such proposals. Everyday hard-working Americans do not benefit from deregulated businesses that pollute our air and drinking water or make public school too expensive for the working class.

While lobbyists have been around for ages trying to influence legislative actions in politics, ALEC takes it a step further by enacting legislation at the state level in a coordinated effort of influence. Further, every citizen of our democratic republic does not get to vote on such legislation. This is what makes it especially dangerous. Democracy gets thrown out of the window when citizens are bypassed by corporate entities that dictate new legislation.

What is especially dangerous is ALEC?s attempt of voter suppression. All across the country, states are adopting laws that seek to disenfranchise minority voters. It seems that ALEC is trying to find ways around the annoying ability of everyday Americans to voice their opinions. This is just another example, among many, of the ways in which ALEC seeks to undermine our democracy.

Websites like alecexposed.org and movetoamend.org provide information on how to combat such takeovers. Democracy is dependent on an educated electorate, but with organizations like this in place we find our small voices not only silenced but circumvented and ignored.

Thomas Jefferson himself once said, "I hope that we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations, which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country." Since our country's founding this sort of power play has been happening. It is time we the people, with our small voices, stand against the tyranny of moneyed interests.

Sorry, but your title should read 'Govt have stranglehold on Corporations' see the movie below. US Govt's owns up to 80% of most larger corporations, that means that they can dictate policy to the Corps. The Govt does this for profit, Where does that profit go, that is the question that needs to be answered. The PTB run the Govt and through the Govt, the Corporations as well. Why do you think people like Bill gates and other CEO's attend the PTB conferences.?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkfMuvVuETQ&feature=related

[sjkted]

The whole atmosphere is absolutely incestuous. There is a small group of people who own both the government and the corporations. I would add a small addendum to it. I think limited democracy can work within a republic. The United States was designed as a republic, not a democracy. With a republic, citizens have unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Democracy is mob rule. With a true democracy, you can see things like the majority whites voting the minority blacks into indentured servitude. The vast majority of what Washington DC does is unconstitutional, but that doesn't stop them. This incestuous relationship would not be possible if we were not taken off a gold standard.

So, if we went back to a sound money standard, where neither the government nor individuals could counterfeit money and went back to having respect for the Constitution and Bill of Rights, there would not be many issues to vote on, although I would support democracy for those issues.

Another thing they screwed up was with taxes. The idea of taxes is to pay for government services, but the way it done today, they grab as much as they can and then distribute it among different branches of the government, between cities, states, counties, etc. At this point, nobody can really calculate where their tax money is going or take any effective action about it. I think most people would be horrified if they found out exactly how every penny of their tax money was being used. And, that's just the way they like it. Consider also that the majority of taxes are concealed. For example, every time you fill up your car with fuel you are paying fuel taxes, but it isn't listed on your receipt nor does the fuel station inform you about the tax. This way, they can add tax upon tax upon tax and we just think that the fuel prices are high.

So, I would say republic + constitution + bill of rights + sound money system + flat taxes or at least extreme transparency on taxes.

--sjkted

[Northern Boy]

In my opinion, democracy can work (and I "believe in" it). I also believe that the reason democracy has not worked is that it has been strategically undermined. Not big news, I know.

Thoughts?

Dx

First off America was never set up to be a democracy it was established as a republic for a reason. That reason is to prevent you from having things forced on you. In a democracy its majority rules that means 51% of the people can tell the other 49 % what to do . In a republic it doesn`t matter whatt he other 99% want if you don`t agree to it it doesn`t apply to you . It was done for a reason❤

[Luke]

First off America was never set up to be a democracy it was established as a republic for a reason. That reason is to prevent you from having things forced on you. In a democracy its majority rules that means 51% of the people can tell the other 49 % what to do . In a republic it doesn`t matter whatt he other 99% want if you don`t agree to it it doesn`t apply to you . It was done for a reason❤

Especially if that 51% use tax-derived money as sole source of income. (officially the number is between 36% and 50%, depending on the country, but contractors that take majority of revenue from govt bids are not counted in)

If you add that large swath of population is "discouraged" from voting, you have "3 wolves and sheep democratically deciding what is for dinner"

Government and corporations and banking are 3 heads of same hydra, and mil-ind-penal-law complex their child.

You cannot separate them, as "Left" analysts do, seeing "corporations' as bad, and "govt "deluded but necessary". No. Those are heads of same creature, born when feudal state collapsed during little ice age.
The whole "social contract" thing is bullsh!t. There is always Elite, which sucks energy in, rest is cover story.

Actually the republic thing is cover story too. Guys that created the constitution were the most powerful land-owners (Washington) and bankers (A. Hamilton and boston clique), supported by some smugglers that made a fortune dodging British taxes (and were pretty much out of the loop when Brits stopped collecting them)
The post "revolution" era was heavy with taxation and heavy handed extortion, which of course played to elites. See whiskey rebelion.

Read more: http://www.lewrockwell.com/mcmaken/mcmaken110.html
http://www.lewrockwell.com/gregory/gregory204.html

It is funny that in light of this the asshole Dubya was more like the "Founders" than any of us are led to believe ;)

[pillaroflight]

First off America was never set up to be a democracy it was established as a republic for a reason. That reason is to prevent you from having things forced on you. In a democracy its majority rules that means 51% of the people can tell the other 49 % what to do . In a republic it doesn`t matter whatt he other 99% want if you don`t agree to it it doesn`t apply to you . It was done for a reason❤


A democracy is two wolves and a sheep deciding on what's for dinner.

as Alex Jones loves to say.

Hence, we are a supposed to be a republic, and do not want to be a strict democracy.

[deansloan]

The US Founding Fathers established a Republic, but it was taken away.
Republic versus Democracy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFXuGIpsdE0
America promotes vulture capitalism? i.e., unregulated price fixing/profiteering, under the guise of spreading democracy.
? http://www.hermes-press.com/capitalism_afford.htm

The Federal Reserve Fraud and the “Invisible Government.”
http://www.healthfreedom.info/Federal_Reserve_Fraud.htm

Comet Holmes in October of 2007 was the Blue Kachina, consequently, “changes began”: lots of turmoil & destruction going on in the world as we transition from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius. Carl Calleman and others say we’re going to be entering the age of enlightenment, or the Hopi 5th World soon, and humanity will be governed by metaphysical/philosophical/scientific rulars. We will live in peace & harmony, and travel with galactic brothers & sisters among the stars.
A future that isn’t envisioned by our current crop of barbaric politicians.
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/ciencia/ciencia_asteroids_comets06_06.htm
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/esp_leyenda_hopi12.htm

[Dex]

Thanks for the shared thoughts. I understand the difference between a Democracy and a Republic. A Republic still operates on principles of representational democracy. I "believe in" the principle of democracy, not "a Democracy". As in:

"While there is no specific, universally accepted definition of 'democracy', equality and freedom have both been identified as important characteristics of democracy since ancient times. These principles are reflected in all citizens being equal before the law and having equal access to legislative processes." [emphasis mine] source (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy)

As far as the "3 headed hydra" of govt/corps/banks-elite is concerned, why does it matter if some concerned citizens want to focus on government or banks-elite and others want to focus on corporations. I don't think it is necessary to rank them in order of importance and only work from the top. As I have said elsewhere, I see value in a 3 pronged strategy here. For me, personally, exposing corporate behavior and attempting to hold them accountable is the most interesting. If someone else is interested in the govt or bank-elite angle, more power to them. It serves no purpose to quibble about it.

My reasoning, in focusing on corporations is this: to affect change in corporate behavior, I have more tools than the other two arenas (namely, purchasing power and shareholder activism). In government, I can affect change (many would disagree) by voting in local, state and national elections; by refusing to pay taxes (this choice is not for me); and by communicating with my legislators about issues that matter to me. In relation to banks-elite, I am not sure there is much I can do aside from crank calling all of the Rockefellers in the phone book. I am sure I have missed some ways* to affect change in all 3 arenas, so please feel welcome to set me straight. In sum, why does it matter which of the 3 heads of the hydra people focus on (as long as they see the interconnections and don't undermine one another)?

I still believe in the principles of democracy (small d) and prefer its expression in the form of a Republic (big R).

Thanks,

Dx

*I know many would point to spiritual tools to affect change and that is just fine. I don't discount those (it's just that I am less-interested in them).

[Luke]

(...)
My reasoning, in focusing on corporations is this: to affect change in corporate behavior, I have more tools than the other two arenas (namely, purchasing power and shareholder activism).
You have only shareholder activism, IF you will have any voting shares. Good luck with that in purely speculative market. Your purchasing power means nothing if most of corporate profits come from government contracts and financial instruments. Corporation that lacks sells to general public just lays off this division and continue on to other caterers (we see this now in the HP); Private individuals stopped to be major source of income around the time of WWII.


In government, I can affect change (many would disagree) by voting in local, state and national elections; by refusing to pay taxes (this choice is not for me); and by communicating with my legislators about issues that matter to me.
I assume you consider a choice between two bought-and-paid for individuals a fair choice, just as you consider a one-sided claim on your work a fair setup? ("exchange" which effects you cannot control, dunno about you, but I do not like the fact that my work funds such atrocities as Afghan war and all other excursions my country participates in as loyal US ally - ans since my passive cooperation allows such criminal activities I am in a sense guilty of complicity in the act; but then there is that or 6am SWAT raid; double whammy cause it is atrocity here vs atrocity elsewhere)

In relation to banks-elite, I am not sure there is much I can do aside from crank calling all of the Rockefellers in the phone book. If you want to feel less guilty you can stop to use banking system; then again they can print themselves over the losses, and at least here I am required to provide account data to tax authority (just one, but I still need to have this one)

Way I see it the only possible course: the whole system relies on the fact that people recognize parts of it as legitimate. Remove that belief, and only thing that left is raw power of military and law enforcement, and now - hunger and thirst.

This is where alternative connection network come - without it single people can be squashed or starved, they can target mobs at communities - but they cannot do that if they could not isolate the target group. (Think: counteract the "Jews in IIIrd Reich" syndrome)
Granted- this cannot be done in small numbers: you need at leas local majority that could influence/balance local vestiges of power. The core MO of the system relies on the simple fact that THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH THIS.

Take that away, and game changes.

Do not let yourself be isolated and eliminated: do that to them instead (in humane manner of course, rehabilitation camps for ex-government thugs is something I can agree to participate in funding)

(This is all IMO of course)

[Northern Boy]

sorry but i couldn`t resist great tune from better days❤


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c3d7QgZr7g

Every thing is based on trust law and has been done so ever since the poop (Pope) Declared dominion over the Earth and all living things on it . Our legal system comes from Rome❤

[Dex]

Way I see it the only possible course: the whole system relies on the fact that people recognize parts of it as legitimate. Remove that belief, and only thing that left is raw power of military and law enforcement, and now - hunger and thirst.

This is where alternative connection network come - without it single people can be squashed or starved, they can target mobs at communities - but they cannot do that if they could not isolate the target group. (Think: counteract the "Jews in IIIrd Reich" syndrome)
Granted- this cannot be done in small numbers: you need at leas local majority that could influence/balance local vestiges of power. The core MO of the system relies on the simple fact that THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH THIS.

Thanks for sharing Luke. I remain undissuaded from my interest in corporate accountability, and it's ok to disagree. I am interested in what you state above and curious about how to do this and what you mean.

Thanks,

Dx

[Northern Boy]

courts law enforcement government cities counties are all set up as a Corporate entities. It is Courts that are responsible to ensure that they remain at the top it is those entities who set policy for the mass`s because we have let them . This comes from the June 12th 1776 Virginia declaration of rights Authored by George Mason :

"Article II: That all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people; that magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times amenable to them."


amenable:

[uh-mee-nuh-buhhttp://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngl,❤uh-men-uh-]❤http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif (http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/Spell_pron_key.html)❤Show IPA?adjective1.ready❤or❤willing❤to❤answer,❤act,❤ag ree,❤or❤yield;❤open❤toinfluence,❤persuasion,❤or❤ad vice;❤agreeable;❤submissive;tractable:❤an❤amenable ❤servant.

2.liable❤to❤be❤called❤to❤account;❤answerable;❤lega llyresponsible:❤You❤are❤amenable❤for❤this❤debt.

3.capable❤of❤or❤agreeable❤to❤being❤tested,❤tried,❤ analyzed,❤etc.


If magistrates are the trustee`s they are then your employee`s that makes you the Administrator or CEO

It is because mankind has forgotten who he is that this has been allowed to happen . the following is from the Peter Gabriel video I posted in the music video section today❤

From the pain come the dream
From the dream come the vision
From the vision come the people
From the people come the power
From this power come the change

[Luke]

Thanks for sharing Luke. I remain undissuaded from my interest in corporate accountability, and it's ok to disagree. I am interested in what you state above and curious about how to do this and what you mean.

Thanks,

Dx

This is still "fresh", call it "recent illumination".

Belief: people believe they get more from the system that they put in. This is obviously wrong estimate, the costs are so convoluted people do not actually know how much of their work goes away.
As long as people believe that say, law enforcement are "friends" not the "law enforcers", that authorities levying taxes have a valid reason to do so (that there is some kind of "social agreement" and not just old plain extortion scheme), that they can really influence political scene in any meaningful way, that the choices they have are not rigged, or that the professors and Nobel laureates talking about economy have actually any idea about what they are talking about.

I mean all those cute beliefs that cover one simple fact that any open minded individual need to face: that you are a slave.

And I mean here now, not is some matrix-style dimensional thing overseered by some reptiles. I mean here, now.

The so called country is nothing more that a next-level concentration camp. As you are born, you are tagged and put into inventory. On every level you are supervised, then indoctrinated and sent to a place when you will serve most effectively, till you will no longer capable of doing that effectively, what happens next depends on your camp-of -choice: either you will be outrightly euthanized by sickcare cartel, or you will serve as hostage to keep your offspring in-line. Meanwhile you will be experimented upon, unknowingly. That is about end of story.

Rest is scientifically designed brainwashing that covers the reality of the shackles, as it has been proven that a slave that does not see them is most effective, still better keep her/him distracted, fill every hour with activities, channel the inner anger into designed alleys.

Troublesome slaves will be isolated and eliminated.

-----
The problem we have: how to get out of this mess, preferably alive and with minimal amount of blood on our hands.

The first obvious step is prevent the situation when we are isolated and eliminated. We have this "virtual community" but it will only exist as long as it would be useful to vent away anger and frustration while accomplishing nothing; this stage is coming to end, as more and more camps seek to cut the extra-camp connections, using many guises. Anyway: better lean what we can now and establish connections that could not be so easily cut. that is step one.

Step two: organize support - especially since in few years food shortages will be common (I mean "food" not the chemical substitutes); goods services, whatever people need. The "Black market" of our own. Cooperation. Bonus is: people get it, it is no longer some "mystic" opposition, those are real goods and services.

step three: mobility: best weapon we have is a local superiority of numbers. It is hard to do a "6AM forced entry" through a gathering of few hundred people, you need more power and that attracts attention, which mean some more people will do the math - which will lead to even more crackdown. Also, it is hard to home-in on moving target- even within camp borders; authorities are aware of that, which is why there are so much movement-restricting regulations, and focus on transportation means that use tightly controlled substances.

And this would be about the moment the hippies lost it. The more of the camp structure is uncovered, the more severe crackdown is; one day you will get offer that will look better than being on the run. Something that will look like a "reasonable victory". A breath spell. Whatever. More colourful barrack is all what you get.

this is as much as I figured to that day. My instinct tells me that there are bits and pieces that are carefully hidden b our brainwashing, that could help in this situation- but we are not still there. First three steps should get the ball going, worst case scenario it will save few lives- which IMO make it a good start.

[Dex]

Luke, thanks for sharing this. I like your 3 steps; though I am somewhat unclear on #3, I really appreciate that you shared these thoughts even as they are still in development (great use of the virtual community!). In regards to #1, I do think that we can accomplish something beyond venting (such sharing as this solution you outline).

I must say, I have had a different experience than the one you describe here:


...one simple fact that any open minded individual need to face: that you are a slave.

And I mean here now, not is some matrix-style dimensional thing overseered by some reptiles. I mean here, now.

The so called country is nothing more that a next-level concentration camp. As you are born, you are tagged and put into inventory. On every level you are supervised, then indoctrinated and sent to a place when you will serve most effectively, till you will no longer capable of doing that effectively, what happens next depends on your camp-of -choice: either you will be outrightly euthanized by sickcare cartel, or you will serve as hostage to keep your offspring in-line. Meanwhile you will be experimented upon, unknowingly. That is about end of story.

A next-level concentration camp does not describe my own life (thank goodness), although I see many people (in US and around the world) who are living in such conditions. I'm a lucky one. I was raised by free-thinking parents, encouraged to express myself and study whatever I desired in school (including art), I found a fulfilling career (unrelated to my education) in a field that serves my community, I generally have not followed "the rules" about marriage, religion, family and other social constructs (though I did finally get married for the right reasons!). I don't make much money, but I don't feel enslaved. I am not saying others are not enslaved, NOR THAT I AM COMPLETELY FREE, but I just can't agree (out of respect for real actual slaves) that I am enslaved (at the moment, thankfully). I don't really want to get into going back-and-forth about that here; I just had to share my different perception (my trip!).

Thanks again,

Dx

[Northern Boy]

Dex do you work for a living ? Why ?

Not saying I don`t work yes i do but that is your enslavement everything you pay for you supplied the raw materials for❤receiving❤nothing for them and bought the finished product . We shouldn`t have to pay for things we already own or if we do have to pay it should be at a❤drastically❤reduced cost . Without raw materials there is nothing and the people own the raw materials the governments ( public servants ) sell or give those rights to Corporations and you get nothing back from them (Gov) but grief and restrictions❤

[Dex]

Dex do you work for a living ? Why ?

I like my job and I like making a contribution. Right now, I live in a society that requires money to buy food, clothing and shelter. Even if I made all of those things for myself, I would still be working everyday (and harder).

Still processing the rest of your post and will get back to you on that!

Dx