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Forum Post: Get corporations out of politics!...?

Posted 9 years ago on Sept. 1, 2014, 11:20 a.m. EST by elf3 (4203)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

The rest will fall into place...you want conscience or rational thought for humanity back? Stop letting an unthinking finance geared machine infiltrate our system of government. Period. You say no shit Shirlock! Me too ....so:

The most important question we really need to address is - how do you get a government which is taking bribes to make laws that say they can't take bribes?

No one can answer this (nor can I) so we talk about the problems that stem from it but we never discuss how to fix it.

38 Comments

38 Comments


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[-] 3 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

The three deathblows

Outsourcing and Nafta

Repeal of monopoly laws and deregulation

Unlimited campaign financing

[-] 2 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

America and the world, if you want corporations out of politics, then stop giving so much of your money to corporations.

Newsflash: Apple, Motorola, Microsoft, Sony, Columbia, Ticket Master, AT&T, Verizon, Disney, Universal, Netflix, Pfizer, GSK, Dreamworks, Facebook, Starbucks, and GE are all corporations.

"But we can't reduce our support for any of the above. We need our horribly over-priced smart phones and tablets, latest operating systems, video games, CDs, DVDs, and digital downloads, Hollywood blockbusters, live shows, mostly unnecessary meds, social networking, lattes and mostly unnecessary medical testing. We can't live without any of it. So we'll just go on as we always do complaining about the influence of corporations while we hand over even more of our money to those corporations giving them even more influence over our sold-out government."

Like I've said many times, the masses are at the very least 1/2 to blame for the concentration of wealth, the corrupt government influence, the high cost of living, and everything else they complain about. This includes OWS supporters. For this reason, true reform will not come until after a comet smashes into the Earth. Hopefully, the survivors will learn from our pathetic failures and colossal ignorance.

By the way, I God damn well do practice exactly what I preach. I have been since long before OWS was formed. I bought my 8 year old laptop and OS used, I sign on using dial-up, I haven't bought a new CD, DVD, or video game in 8 years, I've NEVER paid for a digital download, I don't attend concerts, I haven't taken a drug of any kind since the age of 18, I've seen a doctor only one time in the last decade, I complained about the outrageous bill and got it reduced by 50%, I don't use Facebook, I never click on internet ads, I use a very basic $20 cell phone and I pay less than $200 per YEAR for service.

I support small unincorporated businesses whenever possible and I keep my support of the corporate world to a minimum. I've been doing so since long before OWS was formed. If I weren't such a God damn one in a million FREAK of society, then OWS never would have been necessary to begin with and this page never would have been created.

But never mind all that. The line for the new horribly over-priced smart phone will be forming soon. Better sell a limb, pack up your tent, food for a week, and get over there right away.

[-] 1 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

Yes I agree with boycotts for instance I don't have 401 k and never shopped at wal mart ....the problem lies in monopolies. At a certain point you have to function...eat food...communicate, wear clothing, work...as much as we like to think choice is possible it is an illusion. There are so many subsidiaries that connect that it has become impossible to avoid them . There is also something I call forced reliance. The choice is further condensed when for instance jobs become scant, and monopolies buy the competitors. I think the goal these days for all small business is to catch the eye of a monopoly buyer and sell out. When education becomes so expensive that you must take out loans to attend. Same with housing. We can't all live in the woods and even if we could...someone owns the land. Someone owns the seed if you want to farm. What your saying has value and we should boycott wherever we can also making certain their "competitor " is actually a competitor ( often it turns out they aren't). But for companies trying to sell out check out Market Basket boycotts in MA employees and customers stopped a hostile takeover by less compassionate Pottersvillian type shareholders.

Yet still there are government private contractors and you get to buy from Haliburton like it or not...

[-] 2 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

I won't fault anyone for buying their energy, food, car, clothing or NECESSARY medical intervention from a corporation. Our choices are very limited in this regard. Still, there are some. For example, regional grocery chains and less popular department stores. Some, like K-Mart are struggling to survive. We don't need to support the juggernauts like Wal-Mart anywhere near as often as we do and we don't need ANY of the over-priced crap I mentioned in my previous entry except for a single digit percentage of the medical intervention we acquire.

But I damn well do fault every single person with a late model smart phone or tablet acquired new, expensive service plan, cable or satellite TV, every single person with Netflix, every single person who pays for downloaded music or video, every single person who has paid to see a recent Hollywood movie, Broadway show, big sporting event, or well known performer, every single person who buys official merchandise, every single person who clicks on internet ads and every single person who runs to the doctor or pops a pill for every little ache, pain, worry, jitter or discomfort.

We had a truckload of choices to make back in the 70s and 80s before our wealth became anywhere near so horribly concentrated. We made far too many of the wrong choices. To this day, we have many choices in spite of those we have thrown away. Still, we make far too many of the wrong choices.

Damn right I hate the rich for setting so many traps but I am VERY upset with the masses for stepping right into them with both feet.

A LOT of this is our own God damn fault.

[-] 2 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

We've been bullied into submission and we are discussing the pains and fallout of our situation...without addressing how we can fight back...

[-] 2 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

Shine a keen light on it ?

[-] 1 points by BradB (2693) from Washington, DC 9 years ago

"....how do you get a government which is taking bribes to make laws that say they can't take bribes?...."

to start with...

start a campaign that targets those who are on the take.... and promotes those who are not ....

alec makes for us an easy start.... pretty much a given that all of their members (900+ elected officials) ...are on the take...

[-] 4 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

Still though...we don't like it everybody knows...but again your point is to shine a light on it ...we've done it been there read the book...but how do you stop make them stop? They are telling us no. Its like pointing out the godfather is a bad guy while he is counting his cash and saying hey we don't like what you are doing...and he smiles at you and continues counting his cash while his thugs come in and drag you away.

[-] 1 points by BradB (2693) from Washington, DC 9 years ago

well.... we can shoot them all ... ;)

or we can overthrow the gov, or we can change the constitution... etc...

all of which is a long and monumental task....

or for the immediate... we can use the existing system... and make certain those who are welling to sell their power and their votes... are made visible, impeached &/or voted out....

as well as supporting the politicians who stand up against corruption.... from any side ....

support those who have integrity... destroy those who don't

[-] 5 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

but you can't use the system that is rigged against us ..I would say candidates are chosen to run and rise on the dollar of corporations...they choose two people which we can choose from...they don't care about left or right they care about money...you can't trust anyone taking bribes...it's a sham...and back to the start...is an overthrow the answer? Punch the godfather in the nose? Then he kills you.

[-] 1 points by BradB (2693) from Washington, DC 9 years ago

"...but you can't use the system that is rigged against us ...."

yeah seems that way.... but it really is the fastest and easiest way....

we CAN vote them out... discredit them, shame them... sue them for treason ... and it IS treason ....

together.... in large numbers.... we can do anything... we simply need to get started ... and more and more will join ...

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

YEP - and never forget grassroots ( from the ground up ) efforts are very possible for garnering successes. Like Move To Amend the national campaign to get money out of politics and remove personhood from corp(se)oRATions.

The same type of initiative could be done to push for OSTA ( one subject at a time legislation ) and for many other issues.

The key is getting the public involved - and therein is the requirement of a free internet for communication and organization and education.

Sorry - YOU already know all of this - but I was taking a moment to stand on my soapbox to speak to the others looking in on your conversation.

[-] 3 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

Has move to amend made it on a ballot anywhere? Certainly there are enough signatures....and maintaining net neutrality is of pressing importance yet the regulators used to work for the very companies they are " regulating" a total joke. If you research the RF Spectrum they are the public airways...Obama just allowed telecom co's to buy them and now lease them back to the citizenry...akin to allowing corporations to buy national parks and charge entry fees ...and the public schools are also going to pay for it...driven by Obama when we all could have had it for free. So back to the problem the bullies are in charge, they run it all, and they have our lunch money..what do we do?

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

BTW - here is an announcement of an upcoming vote on the CU issue in the senate ->

September 8, 2014, U.S. Senate vote on S.J. Res. 19, a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United.

Now would be a good time for the public to apply whatever pressure they can to support vote for the overturning.

This does come up from time to time - though the public rarely hears anything about it.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Has move to amend made it on a ballot anywhere?

Have a look-see for yourself.

Move to Amend - Official Site movetoamend.orgOfficial site

[-] 2 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

I see supreme court struck down anti - corporate personhood argument...huge blow...where are the success stories...you have to go through the bribed gatekeepers to change the rules. So if it gets on a ballot does this mean the court can overturn ? Am I misunderstanding...? I do like the argument what if people were corporations as we can't be separate but unequal under the law we have to have the same rights and tax write offs.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

That is what Move to Amend is about = overturning CU - the courts decision.

This type of action can be used on many issues - FOR the public. It is a taste of direct democracy. The People Telling government and the courts - how things are gonna be.

[-] 2 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

I don't know one person who disagrees...where is it on the ballot box? Why can't it get there?

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Read up on it. This is a national campaign - operating through the states to get the majority needed.

[-] 2 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

Could it backfire? I have this eerie feeling that it is too good to be true and they will find a way to use it for an advantage

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Did you read up on it? It is a specifically targeted change. What is coming up on the senate floor for a vote on Monday is the same issue - though that action I have not read the specific wording on - but it too is directed at overturning the court decision on CU. I did send that notification/petition to you today.

[-] 2 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

thanks...Perhaps I haven't read enough ...I've signed petitions multiple for it...but come to think on it if the wording on this is a fraction off the corpirations will use it...they always find their loopholes...I am going to research more...

Also I have to remember poly- sci class on exactly the process why must this go before the senate to get on a ballot? With the required signatures doesn't it have to ?... ahhh small details right?

[-] 1 points by MattHolck0 (3867) 9 years ago

all the worlds people should be entitled to human rights

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Here is another opportunity to sound off ( apply pressure to support the overturn of CU ) ->

From People for the American Way:

THIS COMING MONDAY, September 8, history will be made. The full United States Senate will vote on a constitutional amendment to overturn Court decisions like Citizens United and McCutcheon that have put our democracy up for sale to the highest bidder.

Senate Joint Resolution 19, the Democracy for All amendment, has the support of 50 U.S. senators and a large majority of the American people. But, because of Senate Republicans' commitment to obstructionism and keeping big money IN our elections, we have a 60-vote threshold we need to cross.

Last time we delivered petition signatures supporting the amendment to Capitol Hill, we had over 2 million. On Monday, we'll join with allies for another massive petition drop and press event to amplify your voice and the voices of millions of pro-democracy Americans. Our new goal for Monday is 3.5 MILLION signatures!

This is a moment of truth. Will senators stand with the American people, or with the Koch brothers and corporate special interests?

Our nationwide movement to take back our democracy for the PEOPLE is gaining steam every day. And this vote is a major benchmark. We'll make sure senators who vote to maintain big money's influence in our elections will be held accountable come November and beyond. But for now, every senator needs to hear from every one of us that democracy is for the People -- one person, one vote -- not just the ultra-wealthy or the special interests.

Stand with us and make sure to be counted in Monday's massive and historic petition delivery. Add your name now>>

Thank you!

-- Ben Betz, Online Engagement Director


This is a step in the same direction as Move to Amend - though I think Move to Amend goes much further ( is much more complete and better overall ) than the above proposed action. Getting the above action forwarded would not hurt a follow-up action from the Move To Amend campaign.

[-] 2 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

Apparently this is a ballot initiative in my state this year...ballot initiatives must be certified by the AG ...ours won't because it would be in conflict with the court decision and go against the constitutional rights as defined by court of corpirations as people...( though she advocates herself as a proponent of mta in her campaign)..she also would not certify the gmo labeling initiative because it involved an enforcement and fine for non compliance with the labeling...blah blah someone is contributing to her senate, governor higher office ( no longer matters) campaign...doesn't take much to find this stuff out but no one bothers if the news doesn't report it...it never happened. She runs on these ideals we hold important while underhandedly striking them down. Too bad we don't have a media anymore. Not every state works this way only about half...but you only need enough signatures for the AG to review and certify a ballot initiative...if the AG certifies...it goes on ...until the senate addresses the SC ruling all state AGs will have to uphold them as people and can't allow it on ballot. I gather this is what the senate will be deciding. Pitchforks! The gatekeepers have us going through their charade and ultimately are going to keep us out of any due political process.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

If you have outlined your current position accurately ( for the state push ) = the roadblock

That is all the more reason to get the word out = bye bye State AG

But your federal Senatorial and Congressional representatives are not bound by a proposed state action - they - can - vote on what is presented on the floor of the Federal Senate and on the floor of the Federal Congress. This Federal action is what is coming up on Monday.

[-] 3 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

She is making a run for governor...I have no faith in the senate to do the right thing...I know who butters their bread. And they know...people who care and pay attention...are a mosquito bite that can be dismissed just like the Occupy protests were. Media black outs...fighting to get rid of net neutrality. The cards aren't good. The Godfathers of industry are steering our boat...we can jump off or form a mutiny. Or try to negotiate our freedoms with corporate terrorists, begging and pleading with the Godfathers of industry to stop being evil and take pity on us? Phht

[-] 1 points by MattHolck0 (3867) 9 years ago

can't we just define

freedom of speech as an individual right

and thereby an individual

excises that right through self representation

[-] 1 points by MattHolck0 (3867) 9 years ago

money controls our live more than any government

yet we hide its transactions away

[-] 1 points by BradB (2693) from Washington, DC 9 years ago

yep... I agree ... lets make a lot of noise... people like that !!!

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

lets make a lot of noise... people like that !!!

As long as it is a lot of noise from cheering people as we make success after success after success - that - will absolutely be rapturous = the public being successful time and again.

[-] 2 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

We don't have the numbers...the media was bought out too and there has been massive propaganda promoting corporate power and consolidation as well as a market which allows the populous to invest in them...another form of bribery...as well as extortion because to kill their power we will end up damaging ourselves and suffering as they are too large to fail...for instance you can oust our one food provider (Monsanto)...I think boycott and put them under that way...pull 401ks stop shopping in monopolies...but again not sure we have the numbers and not sure we have people willing to put up with suffering the inconvenience of their failure

[-] 1 points by BradB (2693) from Washington, DC 9 years ago

hmmm... good idea !!! ... discredit the media who is on the take too

[-] 1 points by BradB (2693) from Washington, DC 9 years ago

we Do have the numbers... you can thank the 1% for that... we have 99% ... we CAN get them active... if we get started... the People know we need to make change... and will support it ... once it starts ... look how successful "Rolling Jubilee" has been.... everyone said it was a pipe dream ... yet it worked and still is ....

simple small bites at the monster will bring it down

[-] 2 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

Will you boycott a 401k ? Will you boycott an education? Theses are tough sacrifices and you need numbers to have an affect. Will you boycott loans...how can you get around rent? ...everybody knows the key is to harm wall street and be willing to sacrifice at that loss. If you have kids you aren't going to bring down the economy for another generation's betterment (how they view it )...this is the reality.

[-] 2 points by MattHolck0 (3867) 9 years ago

boycott working for the weapon industry

[-] 2 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/DynCorp_International

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Whistleblower

Can't boycott your taxes Matt ...These fuckers are our government...they are running it...you are paying for it if you want to or not.

And is it just me or are they just now reporting Haliburton was behind the BP spill cuz i may be growing numb to this or my brain couldnt handle it and somehow blocked it out... but i think i would have remembered that.

Our government is a sham ...politicians belong to corporations.

And...we all already work for the weapons industry ...think of that every hour your time clock ticks by and another percent of your labor and time is handed over to these (literal) rapists...yes contractors trading young women (twice) and sell them for gang rape with plumbing pipes and sex slavery for diseased dirtbags...and they are still in business and essentially you work very hard to keep them making billions...it goes beyond criminal ...

[-] 2 points by MattHolck0 (3867) 9 years ago

fracking is extracting hydro carbons from past land animals intermixed with past plant life

create a life from that can eat coal that isn't a threat to plant life