House Of Public Discourse
Is an area in social life where individuals can come together to freely discuss and identify societal problems, and through that discussion influence political action.
The Tea Party has a major hold on the Republican Party. Let’s take a moment to close our eyes and think of a cigar smoke-filled room in a local Georgetown bar. The time is early November in the year 2008. Inside this room are some of the most influential members of the Republican Party with many of their deep-pocketed supporters. Then comes the historic proclamation for the first time in the history of these United States: a person of color by the name of Barack Obama is declared the winner of the presidential election. What happens next has been widely reported and from the perfect vision of hindsight, the only word that was spoken was short and sweet and to the point, “Obstructionism”. Regardless of its harmful effects, the Republicans, led by the radicalized Tea Party faction began what was a full-scale attempt to block every legislative initiative put forth by this President. Even if it were policies, that were at some time prior supported by the Republican Party. In short, if Obama was for it, they were against it. Within this struggle, the main pushback from the GOP was over the Affordable Care Act, which at some point was coined Obamacare. To many,this was an offensive racial slur itself.
With the election of Barack Obama, we saw the emergence of a so-called grassroots movement known as the Tea Party. This group attack President Obama claiming he was not born in the USA. He was a Muslim. Obama was Hitler reincarnated. These Tea Party radicals claimed Obama was the " Anti-Christ."
Fast forward, the time is early November 2012. The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land. And, after much compromise and litigation to the highest court of the land, and, more importantly put to the people of this nation, Barack Obama was re-elected President of these United States. With the Republican party now being called the “party of ‘no,'” drastic action was in order. This point has not been widely reported, but many have suggested that these same aforementioned Republican adherents gathered once again. The order of the day from this gathering became very clear get rid of Obamacare or shut the government down.
“Tea Party Republicans and their rich supporters have sucked the last bit of soul from the Grand Old Party of Abraham Lincoln, turning them first delusional, then rabid, with the aid of conservative mouthpieces like Fox News and "multi-millionaire fabulous’" Rush Limbaugh."[Bill Moyers]
Moyers added:
“At least let's name this for what it is sabotage of the democratic process. Secession by another means, and let's be clear about where such reckless ambition leads. As surely as night must follow day, the alternative to democracy is worse. When the president refused to buckle to their extortion, they threw their tantrum. Like the die-hards of the racist South a century and a half ago, who would destroy the Union before giving up their slaves, so would these people burn the place down, sink the ship of state, and sow economic chaos to get their way.”
We heard all kinds of terms during the shutdown sabotage, hostage, terrorism, ransom, “gun held to our heads,” and yes, finally, sedition. However, there is one term that comes to this writers mind radicalization. First, what is radicalization? Radicalization simply means to make radical. The measures the extreme right took to defund Obamacare to the point of a government shutdown is the very essence of radicalization. To call what happened "Sedition" may fall a bit short, in that the keyword for there to be sedition is " A force." With that said, however, there has been a force not of violent radicalization least not yet but one of ideologically based violence. Ideologically Based Violence is the planned use, or threatened use of force or violence by a group or individual to promote the group or individual’s political, religious, or social beliefs. With many News outlets spewing misinformation and the onslaught of social media one of the chief concerns is that this type of ideology can bring one to violence and give birth to homegrown terrorist organizations that many have labeled the current Tea Party. In keeping with Mr. Moyers’ sentiments. The Tea Party has “sucked the soul from the GOP,” everything I have written here and then some should give us pause to ask just what does that mean over and beyond shutting down the government. Many are concerned that this radicalization that we see that has mostly for now been more of the ideological nature. Evolve to a more violent radicalization that would empower homegrown terrorist groups. Who would, in fact, use violence and threat of violence, which does involve force that would then constitute sedition. Let’s all give the energy of thought that cooler heads will prevail and that we don’t see this type of behavior from our citizens. Progressive Radio Host David Pakman Filed The Following Report One Year Ago.
If you are behind the curve on just what Authoritarianism is please see Leave Your Authoritarianism At The Church House Please! As we begin the 2016 Presidential Election in earnest knowing who your constituents are is vital and even more important where they came from, in short, their history. In asking myself this question with the task of answering it properly my study was quickly directed to a term Mussolini American Republicans. Our research here in the HOPD quickly found that the Tea Party mindset is nothing new and has origins dating back to Mussolini. There was an attempt to set up a fascist dictatorship in America. The upshot of the movement was to create an organization with a goal of reaching some 500,000 men. Their purpose was clear and simple. Intimidate the government. A Congressional committee was formed on the matter. Subsequently evidence found a plot to overthrow FDR. This behavior is very much akin to the growing Secession Movement in America today coming primarily from the Tea Party crowd.[See Article]
How fascists plotted to overthrow the US Government
Then low and behold the name Prescott Bush materializes. That's right the original Bush traitor. The Daddy and Granddaddy to the modern day, Bush family who all but ruin this country and drove into the ditch. Prescott Bush was a Nazi traitor to this country and like his grandson Bush, Jr should have been tried for treason. [See Source]
In 1932, Mussolini stated:
" We are absolutely opposed to Liberalism."
Just like the Tea Party of today the Mussolini American
Republicans felt that Egalitarianism was an absurd political lie.
What is Egalitarianism?
Just like the Tea Party of today the Mussolini American Republicans felt that Egalitarianism was an absurd political lie. The moocher comments we hear today from the Tea Party and the go " fend for yourself," mantra of the Libertarians are shockingly similar to the outcry's of the Mussolini American Republicans. They claimed FDR's New Deal would lead to collective irresponsibility. Not unlike today's Tea Party, they claimed the fertile and beneficent inequality of men cannot be leveled by suffrage.
These Are Not Lincoln Republicans!
Our research in the House of Public Discourse has concluded that the modern-day Tea Party is nothing more than a fascist movement motivated by racism and enabled by Authoritarianism. With the 2008 election rendering America, the first person of color to the White House created the spark to ignite this reemergence of blatant Fascism in America. The movement has been spearheaded by the American Christian Right. See the right-wing authoritarian follower is easily brainwashed. The late Jerry Falwell, Pat Roberston, and John Hagee have been some of the biggest perpetrators with a list growing daily. TV Pastors see money in Fascism, Racism, and Authoritarianism. They are obvious power and control seekers.
Buy Our Source Here
Another similarity, just like the Mussolini American Republicans hated FDR the same can be said of the Tea Party towards Barack Obama.
The Tea Party tries to sell their organization as a cross-section of America. They allege they are a nonpartisan mix of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans. This is absurd. Our research in the HOPD clearly reveals that the Tea Party is primarily made up of Right-Wing Authoritarian Followers who make up the ranks of the Republican Social Conservative faction within the party. The Religious Right. According to a study conducted on the issue found that most of the Tea Party followers suffer from " The Hitler Syndrome." [See Source]
BREITBART AND THE TEA PARTY HITLER SYNDROME
The study points out over a dozen traits found in Tea Party members were consistent with Authoritarianism. These evaluation were based on the answers given by those participating in the study. All of these answers were a clear indication that a vast majority of Tea Party members suffer from "The Hitler Syndrome."
THE RELIGIOUS-REICH AND RIGHT WING DEATH SQUADS
Russ Limbaugh stated on a national radio station he wanted the right-wing death squads to come to America. What appalls this writer is our tax dollars funded these death squads? The American Republican Right has sponsored one of the most bazaars morally reprehensible acts ever in the history of man that is only rivaled by today's Isis. All this killing was done in the name of "GOD." Under Ronald Reagan, he merged the CIA operation with the " Vatican." In Reagan's zeal to bring down Communism, he empowered several former Nazis in Eastern Europe. Our study found that many of these operatives were Holocaust deniers. Moderate and Liberal Priest who opposed the Nazis doctrine were removed from power. Under G.W. Bush, the Bill of Rights was annulled. This annulment granted the now merged CIA and Vatican the right to spy on any American for any reason. What very few Americans realize is that our U. S. Supreme Court was given over to the Vatican.
In England, Bush's counterpart Tony Blair restored the Church of England to the Vatican and the E.U, was brought under the control of the Vatican.
All of this was by design a plan and now the last piece of the puzzle. This activity was said to prove GOD's forgiveness. And, while Rome's GOD had plenty of forgiveness for Nazis and pedophiles it strangely couldn't find any for the Nazis resistors in the Church.
Rev Jay Smith
A South Carolina Roman Catholic priest has told his parishioners that they should refrain from receiving Holy Communion if they voted for Barack Obama because the Democratic president-elect supports abortion and supporting him "constitutes material cooperation with intrinsic evil."[See Source] It became apparent that no matter what President Obama does the extreme racist Religious Right Nazis were going to criticize, obstruct, and commit sedition in this writers view. Here in the recent, we can add the 47 senators letter to Iran which constitutes treason under the Logan Act. The bottom-line is we have hoards of people walking around who call themselves Tea Party Patriots who are nothing more nothing less than brainwashed Nazis repackaged as American Patriots.
Thereis a rolling tide of disgruntled citizens in America today. We have the Southern Nationalists in South Carolina. There is another group called the “Indomitables.” this Neo-Confederate group advocates leaving the Union by any means possible and training for the coming conflict as of the rendition of this article. [See Article]
These Groups Want To Take This Country Back To The Days Of The Civil War!
” The league believes the “godly” nation it wants to form should be run by an “Anglo-Celtic” (read: white) elite that would establish a Christian theocratic state and politically dominate blacks and other minorities.[The LOS]
The LOS was formed by a group of Southern University professors but don't let that fool you. This organization is run rampant with racist, poor, uneducated white people who denounce the Federal Government, Northern, and Coastal States as part of the 'empire.' To these right-wing radicals, if you are not with them, you're constituted as nothing more than a perverted ungodly minion of society.[See Source]
Mike Hill[LOS]
“If the scenario of the South (and the rest of America) being overrun by hordes of non-white immigrants does not appeal to you, then how is this disaster to be averted? By the people who oppose it rising up against their traitorous elite masters and their misanthropic rule. But to do this we must first rid ourselves of the fear of being called ‘racists’ and the other meaningless epithets they use against us. What is really meant by the [anti-racist] advocates when they peg us as ‘racists’ is that we adhere to ethnocentrism, which is a natural affection for one’s own kind. This is both healthy and Biblical. I am not ashamed to say that I prefer my own kind and my own culture. Others can have theirs; I have mine. No group can survive for long if its members do not prefer their own over others.”
— Mike Hill, Web essay
Where Did This Hate Come From And Who's Behind It?
One might ask where did all this hate come from? Back last year here in the House of Public Discourse we answered that question. [Read:Why Do Poor Uneducated White People Vote Republican?] In short, the rise in right-wing hate is why! These so-called secessionists have simpleton minds. You factor in a dedicated decades-long media strategy with the 30 plus-year-old political device known as the Southern Strategy and what results is ' loony tunes' wanting to play army in the woods and re-fight the Civil War. These self-proclaimed defenders of the American way are nothing more than self-absorbed deluded people with an ax to grind for their shortcomings. [ See:Personality Traits Of The Right Wing Extremist] Factor in cognitive dissonance and a heaping tablespoon of " Right-Wing Authoritarian Followers Syndrome," and what we have is a multitude of Timothy McVeigh's running around now with the go-ahead to open carry their weapons.
Right-Wing Authoritarianism Explained
Persons of color, immigrants, and liberal-minded Americans are all perceived to be part of the out-groups destroying the American way. This reality has been promoted in right-wing hate talk radio, and news organizations like Fox News. These fringe groups and mindsets have always been prevalent in American culture. However, with America electing a person of color as president, these subversive groups have escalated. In fact, hate crimes are becoming so common in America today it barely gets any media attention at all. The reason for this as these crimes become more common most people tend just to tune them out like we do those car salesman ads. What the problem is, is that these racist right wing haters listen to these media outlets, and the results have been deadly. This message of hate has proven to cause dull-witted individuals to act out their hate towards what the individual perceives to be a violation of the American way.
There is no question in this writer's mind that hate radio and commentators like Rush Limbaugh and Fox News Sean Hannity and others have radicalized the American right.
Then Along Comes Known Racist and Nut-Case Ron Paul Encouraging Secessionist Groups.
Former U.S. Congressman Ron Paul from Texas told the National Journal that there should be more secessionist movements in America.
Ron Paul
"It's something that I think is going to grow because the failure of the federal government is going to get much worse," he said. "When the bankruptcy evolves, and maybe some of these pension funds are confiscated, and the wars never end, and bankruptcy comes forth, people [will say], 'Hey, we're getting a bad deal from this. Why don't we leave?' "
Paul went on to say.
"I think what is most important is we have a concrete right to secede," Paul said. "Even if we never had any secession, or any state declare independence, we would be so much better off because there would always be this threat. Once the threat of a state leaving was removed, it was just open-door policy for the federal government to expand itself and run roughshod out over the states because the states couldn't do much."
The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree!
There is little doubt that potential 2016 presidential candidate Rand Paul(R-KY) thinks like his father on this issue like many others. What perplexes the House of Public Discourse is that unlike his whack father, Rand Paul has a far greater chance of getting the GOP nod than his father ever did! I would like to be a fly on the wall hearing these two " peas in a pod," discussing this radical position with which the elder Paul has taken and gone public. See, as reported by the House of Public Discourse, Rand Paul has made a science of " talking out of both sides his mouth," and " wearing two faces under one hat."
What a prospect. We have a GOP front runner that comes from the land of secession, Texas, who very well could be one low voter turnout away from the presidency.
This article is part 2 of a series of articles we are researching and writing here in the House of Public Discourse. [Join Our Facebook Group] In part one we posed the question, The American Experiment Is Under Crisis! The fact that these secessionist groups and the subsequent domestic violence associated with it are growing by the day is proof positive that our nation is in a crisis. In part 3 we will look at how sectionalism is rearing its nasty head again and is very much a root-cause for our nation's current polarization.
With the big emphasis being on counterterrorism, since 9/11, what has gone unnoticed has been the rising number of events amounting to Domestic Terrorism done in the same time frame.
People who commit "acts against the state," and draw their inspiration from U.S. inspired ideologies and movements have killed American citizens and damaged property across the country. The Department of Justice [DOJ] and the FBI do not officially list domestic terrorist organizations but have them listed as a "threats" category. Crimes in the name of ideologies supporting animal rights, environmental rights, anarchism, white supremacy, anti-government ideas, black separatism, and anti-abortion beliefs were all labeled as " threats to public safety.[See Source]
Domestic Terror Groups Are On The Rise In America.
All too often, we hear in America just how awful Jihadi terrorism is and very little is made of the rising events of domestic terrorism and the horror they invoke as well. What's disheartening, these events are on the rise with no end in sight. In the last decade, there has been a steady increase in hate groups across America. There are your usual players the "Klan", and Neo-Nazis organizations. However, spectacularly where the biggest rise came from was the so-called " Patriot Movement." There have been two-dozen incidents of Domestic Terrorism since 9/11, and there appears to be growth in the anti-government extremist activity according to several watchdog groups.
A large number of these new-age domestic terrorists use non-traditional tactics, suicide bombings or airplane hijackings, which are old-school to these modern-day terrorists. Needless to say, they have been engaged in vandalism, trespassing, and 'Tax Fraud," for example. Much like the Jihadists, Domestic Terrorists are Internet savvy and use the source as a base for operations.
Many domestic terrorists rely on the
concept of leaderless resistance. This involves two levels of activity. On an
operational level, militant, underground, ideologically motivated cells or
individuals engage in illegal activity without any participation in or direction
from an organization that maintains traditional leadership positions and
membership rosters. On another level, the above-ground public face (the
“political wing”) of a domestic terrorist movement may focus on propaganda and
the dissemination of ideology—engaging in protected speech[See Source]
Is terrorism becoming just another form of politics?
One of the main issues we have in combating domestic terrorism is one of a proper definition. Different federal agencies use different criteria to define or describe Domestic Terrorism. Our research also found no real clear data showing just how many incidents have occurred or how many plots have been foiled. Also, there seems to be poor inter-agency communication regarding intelligence gathering with no set standard in place. This intercommunication goes to the state and local areas as well. You cannot get a precise, comprehensive, and public answer as to why from the government.
The FBI generally relies on two fundamental sources to define domestic terrorism. First, the Code
of Federal Regulations characterizes “terrorism” as including “the unlawful use of force and
violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population,
or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.”6
Second, 18 U.S.C.
Section 2331(5) more narrowly defines “domestic terrorism” and differentiates it from
international terrorism and other criminal activity.7
This definition comes from Section 802 of the
USA PATRIOT Act (P.L. 107-52). According to 18 U.S.C. Section 2331(5), domestic terrorism
occurs primarily within U.S. territorial jurisdiction, and domestic terrorism involves
(A) ... acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United
States or of any State;
(B) appear to be intended—
(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping.... [See Source]
In fact, the Bureau’s practical, shorthand definition of domestic terrorism is “Americans attacking Americans based on U.S.-based extremist ideologies.
What is confusing is the term "U.S. based ideologies." The FBI 's definition seems to be straightforward. However, a closer evaluation of many so-called domestic terrorist organizations reveal they have international roots. In addition, they still have active followings abroad. There is ambiguity on how these incidents are handled, categorized, and reported.
Decades Upon Decades of Endless Struggle.
As the fight against racism took shape in America, the forces of injustice became brutal. This brutality enacted a heavy toll on " life and limb." This struggle continues to this day. The well-published murders of three civil rights workers in Philadelphia, MS, is but just one of many examples of this brutality.
Since 9/11, there have been more American deaths by Domestic Terrorists than Islamic Extremists.
Anti-Government sentiment is on the rise and rebellion is in the air. The important thing to remember is that acts of domestic terror are not new to the American culture, but the fact they are on the rise is troubling. What we are seeing is the "Christian Right, Return To Its Racist Past."
1995--Ex-Military turned Domestic Terrorist Timothy McVeigh= Oklahoma City Bombing
1996--Ex- Army Explosive Specialist turned Domestic Terrorist Eric Rudolph= Centennial Olympic Park Bombing
The Centennial Olympic Park bombing was a terroristbombing on July 27, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, during the 1996 Summer Olympics, the first of four committed by Eric Robert Rudolph, former explosives expert for the United States Army. Two people died, and 111 were injured.
There Were Zero Muslims Terror Attacks In U.S., In 2012.
Prof. Charles Kurzman
UNC School of Sociology
“Counter-terrorism policies have involved surveillance — not just of Muslim-Americans, but of all Americans and the fear of terrorism has justified intrusions on American privacy and civil liberties all over the internet and other aspects of our lives. I think the implications here are not just for how we treat a religious minority in the U.S., but also how we treat the rights & liberties of everyone.” [See Source]
Since the 9/11 terror attacks, 33 Americans have been killed by Islamic Terrorists, during that same time frame, 180,000 people were murdered in America. What is more shocking and more troubling is the 66 Americans killed by " Mass Shootings, " which is twice the number who died at the hands of Islamic Terrorists.
Right-Wing Extremism Is More Of A Threat To Public Safety Than Al Quaeda.
Common Sense tells us we must have some system in place to detect those who would do harm to the public safety. Most sensible Americans agree that a fair percentage of our tax revenue should go towards this purpose for the common good. And there have been success stories of foiled attempts.
Terrorist incidents from American Muslims is on the decline for the third straight year. After an uptick in 2009, there were 18 plots in 2011 involving 21 U.S. Muslims. And it’s not just violent plots: Fewer Muslim-Americans are getting indicted for money laundering, material support for terrorism, and lying to investigators. There were 27 people indicted on those terror-support charges in 2010, eight in 2011 and six in 2012. [See Source]
You would think the conservatives in America would be performing " ring-around-the-roses," however, factions within their party are screaming " Big Brother," at the Obama Administration. With the anti-government fear being what it is today, there have been many groups to organize and more or less radicalize themselves. Right-Wing Extremists are not just racist and hate groups. they also include the people with the mindset that rejects federal authority. The so-called Tea Party-Patriot Movement is a good example. The data is indisputable. Right-Wing Extremism is fueling Domestic Terrorism in America.
We The People must demand our government to stop ignoring home-grown terrorist organizations. If protecting someone's personal freedoms to be a domestic terrorist endangers the overall public safety, we must apply the common good and wants to override such injurious activity. Of course, your right-wing gun nuts are going to scream governmental overreach. In the meantime, some whacked-out ex-military holy warrior is going to get in his mind to go "Save America" and shoot up the foreigner's place of worship. Case In Point:
Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting
Wade Michael Page
On August 5, 2012, Wade Michael Page fatally shot six people and wounded four others in a mass shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Page was an American white supremacist and United States Army veteran from Cudahy, Wisconsin. All of the dead were members of the Sikh faith.[See Source]
You hear this hate garbage all over right-wing radio, and the internet is ablaze with anti-government revolution in the air narratives. Evidently some people take the message to heart and we have dead people to prove it. Domestic Terror, the deadliest game that more and more Americans seem eager to play. Extremism is the fuel that ignites this fire. One study found that most law enforcement personnel equate extremism with terrorism. Bottomline is there is a " lack of uniformity" in the way domestic terrorist activities are litigated in America. By using the term, 'Extremist' allows prosecutors, policymakers, and investigators the mobility to discuss terror-like activity without labeling it as " Terrorism." We will cover just "What Is an Extremist" in our next edition[ Read: Personality Traits Of The Right Wing Extremist]
Recently the infamous Koch Brothers held their annual " Who Wants To Be President," convention in Palm Springs, California. It's a gathering of the who's who of Millionaires and Billionaires in America. The primary focus of the conference is to decide who will be the Koch Brothers' " puppet on a string" for the upcoming 2016 Presidential race. ABC's Jonathan Karl moderated the discussion between the prospective presidential hopefuls.
The overall narrative of the event is to schmooze the Koch Brothers for their money.
This activity is not how our democracy should work. This activity is how our democracy has been corrupted. It's well known that the Koch's have a political infrastructure across the United States that buys politicians and uses this leverage to manipulate public policy. It was reported in the New York Times that the Koch's will be spending more money on the 2016 election than both parties [See Article] What's sad is that many who follow politics will not be shocked by this information.
What Would Our Founding Fathers Think About The Koch Brothers?
Jefferson To Kercheval
Source: Library of Congress
"Those seeking profits where they are given total freedom will not be the ones to trust to keep the government pure and our rights secure." [Thomas Jefferson]
There is a long history in America of those seeking to amass vast fortunes as being the source of corruption in our governance. One must take into account the year this correspondence was written. In 1816 England, there was no such thing as a middle class. You had a minuscule percentage who were rich and a large group of working people that constituted the working poor. Yes, there were a few people who were doctors, lawyers, and shop owners that made up a minor middle class, but for the most part in England you had no middle-class influence whatsoever. Sounds like America today?
One of Jefferson's main points in this letter was that by keeping the people undereducated and poor, it abated them from calling their oppressive oligarchy government into account for these inequalities. We see this taking shape in America today. In the Republican Party and its Tea-Party and Libertarian factions, there is a "go fend for yourselves" attitude. Jefferson made reference to the abusive state of man against man, and we see this being played out daily in our news feed. To the point, Jefferson and the rest of the founding fathers would be turning over in their graves. The modern-day Republicans, the ones with any intellect, are still misguided and follow the flawed philosophy of Thomas Hobbes.[See Source] In Jefferson's letter to Kercheval, he [Jefferson] was explicit in his disagreement with Hobbes.
Thomas Jefferson To James Madison 1785 Letter Concerning Equality In America [See Letter]
Thomas Jefferson
"Another means of silently lessening the inequality of property is to exempt all from taxation below a certain point and to tax the higher portions of the property in geometrical progression as they rise. "
One of Jefferson's main points even back in 1826 in a letter to William B Giles was that America was already moving towards an Aristocracy.
Jefferson, an old man at the time, pointed out that some in the John Adams wing [Federalist] looked to a single and splendid government of an Aristocracy, founded upon banking, corporations, under the guise and cloak of their favorite branches of manufacturing, commerce, and navigation. The modern-day examples would be the oil barons, defense industry, and Wall Street, riding and ruling over the plundered plowman and the everyday people of this nation. If the overgrown wealth of an individual, for example Father Koch, who helped start the John Birch Society, is to be deemed dangerous to the state, is the best corrective measure the law of equal inheritance to all in equal degree? An inheritance tax.
The United States of Koch, And Why Is It Wrong For America?
Everyone has heard of the Koch Brothers, even a casual observer of politics, right? Wrong! A George Washington University poll conducted in 2014 found that 52% of likely voters have never heard of the Koch Brothers. [See Source] This fact does not surprise this writer. 70% of the American people don't take part in the political process so keeping up with politics is not the order of the day for most Americans. What is upsetting is that these people haven't a clue how these two brothers have a daily impact on their lives. The Koch Brothers have more wealth [100 Billion combined] than the bottom 40% of Americans put together. What is now Koch Industries Inc, began as Wood River Oil and Refining Co in 1940. Based in Wichita, Kansas, Koch Industries is one of the largest corporations in America. They have many subsidiaries involved in manufacturing, trading, and investments. The Brothers own 84% percent of Koch Industries, a massive company and conglomerate with investments in oil, fertilizer, electronics components, and even toilet paper. The firm employs over 50k people in the U.S. and 100k worldwide.[See Source]
So the next time you go to the bathroom to do your business you very well could be wiping your butt with the Koch Brothers. Many questions come to this writer's mind concerning the Koch Brothers. Why don't they just go on making their billions? Why do they feel the need to inject themselves into our government at such an overwhelming level? Is it the power? Do they feel with this wealth they have accumulated they have the right to lord it over us mere minions of society? Most people involved in politics know the importance of Television ads during an election cycle. Even though there is some debate on the topic, many Americans base their choice on a candidate by these ads. An example of this would be Jesse Ventura, ex-wrestler who won the Minnesota Governor's race based mainly on his award-winning Televisions ads. Undoubtedly, Television ads play a significant role in a political election.
Low and Behold, Here Comes Citizen United!
The Supreme Court decision in 2010 to allow unfettered amounts of dark money into our political process has enabled the Koch Brothers to be like a " kid in a candy store." It has allowed the Koch's and other Billionaires like them to set up they're own political mechanism separate from the political parties. They [Koch Brothers] started providing massive sums of money directly to a candidate of their choice and creating their media campaigns to sway public opinion toward their views. In the 2014 election cycle, " Americans For Prosperity," a Koch Brothers political front group, aired more than 17,000 broadcast TV ads, compared with only 2,100 aired by Republican Party groups. What this reveals to us is the overall influence these brothers had in the 2014 Mid-Term Election. Under Citizens United, the Koch Brothers, Super-Pacs, and Corporations can lie because they are not held to any standard. They can bold-faced lie on a Television Ad without any recompense.
Scott Walker Gov.(R-WI)
Even though most Americans disapprove of the Citizens United decision, our elected politicians refuse to overturn it with legislation. If we are going to have this unlimited amount of money allowed into the political process it's the position of the House of Public Discourse, we must have full disclosure. We[The House] suggest this should be the responsibility of the person running for public office. We The People need to know just whose hip-pocket these candidates are in. In jest, we need these candidates walking around in NASCAR suits wearing the logos of just who is sponsoring their campaigns.
However, the way the system of things is set up now the Koch Brothers can spend millions to billions on a political election. They don't have to be honest or accurate; they can just simply spatter the right-wing media echo chamber with untruthful propaganda. We have the " Roberts Court" to thank for this most unhealthy addition to our political process.
Now that the 2014 mid-term election dust has settled, where do Democrats go from here? With the Republicans celebrating their commanding victory and winning control of the Senate, this reality has led to finger-pointing and excuses from status-quo Democrats.Some have blamed the voting machines, while others have blamed the questionable voter ID laws and voter suppression gimmicks enacted by red-state controlled legislatures and right-wing appointed Judges. Of course, the gerrymandering of voting districts undoubtedly played a huge factor in the election. Many Democrats who did vote were angered by the fact that 75% of qualified eligible voters stayed home..See Article
Shortly, after taking this political butt-kicking Senate Democrats assembled to hash out and take an assessment with what went wrong.
This discussion took place in the old Senate chamber room which led long-time Democratic Sen. Diane Feinstein from California to remark,
Old Senate Chamber Room
“One of the things about the old Senate chamber is, you don’t need a microphone. People speak very frankly and very much from the heart, and it was really kind of a heartrending three hours of discussion of what happened and why it happened and where we should go now in the minority.” [See Source] According to our source, no agreement was identified that pinpointed the problems that have led many Republicans to claim a mandate from the election results. Moreover, there was no plan reached on how the party should respond to this elections outcome. Some Democrats blame the outcome on the unpopularity of President Obama., while others like Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) blamed it on the lack of trust in government that is prominent in today's society.
Sen.Chris Murphy (D-CT)
“And when you have a country that has a deep distrust of government, it creates a problem for those of us who think there are some good things that government can do if efficiently run,” Murphy said.
“That is a real challenge for us going forward,” Murphy added. “How does our party communicate in an era where millions of voters don’t believe that government has a positive effect in their lives? I don’t have the answer to that question. I don’t.”
Progressive referendums win across the country even as Republicans beat Democrats in major races..
The House of Public Discourse would take issue, however, with that premise. The Republicans' victories in the 2014 mid-term elections are evidence of a right-wing ideological mandate for America. This past month's election outcome doesn't reflect public opinion or reflect the public sphere.
In fact, it was the results with strong evidence to back up the GOP's efforts to change the rules of government that gave ridiculous advantages to big business, with the advocacy of many conservative "special interests," throwing vast sums of money at politicians 'gone wild.' Sprinkle in a taste of voter suppression and you have the chemistry for a nightmare come true for Democrats. But while the left was getting a stomping in the election results, Progressive referendum issues won in all regions of the country. This storyline has been vastly unreported by the mainstream media. Some of these referendum issues represent significant victories for Progressive support in all areas of our nation. Impressive!
What should be encouraging for progressives is the place where these victories were won.
Red and Purple states which indicate the citizens are not as conservative as Fox News might have one think. See Source
So, Where Do We Go From Here?
For starters, 'Dark Money' must go. The Constitutionality of Citizens United must be challenged whenever and wherever a court and Judge will listen. Our research found that 31% of money donated to political candidates and Causes where " under the table," secret money. What is being lost in this debate is that the business of influence peddling in our nations' capital is nothing new. There is a long history of corruption in political campaigning in America. One of the major push backs we often hear is the comment " makes no difference," " both parties are the same." No matter how simplistic, that comment may seem, it has some validity.
What Have Lobbyist Done To My Country?
The Citizens Untied case has given fresh "red-meat" to an already wolfish bunch. However, my research has found that surprising amounts of people do not know just what Lobbying is much less how it functions. On a personal level we all lobby for things.One of the first examples of how lobbying found its way into our public discourse revolves around President Grant. [See Source]
With modern day capitalism in vulture mode, it was the same mindsets back in President Grants' day that set the tone. They[Lobbyist] "bird-dog" President Grant learned his habits and the rest is history, though some dispute this version. Legend would have it that he[Grant] called them Lobbyists. . There is no doubt that President Grant was " spot-on," with this reference. Lobbyists "hang out " in the halls of the Congress and other venues as well.
Lobbyist Are Advocates.
Here are some facts. In the realm in which lobbyists roam, they see themselves as mediators. Lobbying by no means is a new endeavor. The term lobbyist was used in pre-America Europe. The term lobbyist has been very slippery to define. It was not until the Lobby and Disclosure Act of 1995 passed did any real oversight or definitions come into place. This Act was later amended and updated in 2007. The purpose of this legal instrument was for the government to define lobbyists. This law is necessary because next to lawyers, lobbyists, and the Lobby Industry, have an atrocious image. The lobbyists will get paid from the groups or factions or maybe a Corporation or two. Their goal is to make friends with elected officials who could write favorable legislation for the groups' interest. We The People have been powerless to stop this activity. Moreover, controversial rulings by the Supreme Court have determined corporations as people. Is there even need for further example, for there are many? Over the years, we have seen scandal and a sense of poshness from lobbyists. These stories are legend and too numerous to name. Unfortunately, the operation of the Lobby industry has reached criminal proportions. In fact, one of the very few bipartisan views when polled in this country held by members of both Democrat and Republican parties, is their disdain for lobbyists. What's dangerous is the Lobbyist is often the writer of the legislation to be presented by an elected official after enormous amounts of money have been spent. This factor is a perfect mix for the perfect political storm. And we have the aforementioned " distrust in government," to show proof thereof. The Corporate Lobby spends billions to ensure their preferred arrangements become U.S. law.
Should We Ban Lobbying?
Here's where it gets crazy. For a practice so often associated with corruption, it may surprise many that it's a Constitutional right. Within the 1st Amendment, we are allowed to "petition the government for a redress of grievances." Every large corporation in America has lobbyist pushing their agendas. The Pharmaceutical Lobby is an example. Private Insurance Corporations are heavily involved in the practice. Big Oil and Gas are mainstays. Defense Contractors like Halliburton have been greasing palms in Washington for decades. Largely unabated There is profit in active lobbying. Don't fool yourself. The money these corporations recoup from actively written law in their favor is " biblical" in terms of greed. However, the way jurisprudence is constructed around controlling lobbyist it lends itself to loopholes.
Case In Point.
Politician turn Lobbyist
One of the major trends we see are politicians turning lobbyist after their days in Washington.Newt Gingrichis not considered a lobbyist because of these loopholes. Gingrich has been getting paid to push private agendas forever. We see all too often [in writer's view], politicians who have received undisclosed amounts of money take position with said Lobby firm after their careers in Washington are over. Critics of lobbying fault the system as a reason for the corruption and abuse. The problem we here at House of Public Discourse identify is that current laws are ambiguous. We must recognize and put parameters on activity that can evolve from an honest campaign contribution into a bribe. The Obama administration have taken steps to curtail this abuse.[See Source] One thing is for certain; the bills U.S. Senators are passing into law are not being written by the elected officials in many cases, but, by Lobbyists paid to push a particular agenda. Our research tells us that is one truth Lobbyists don't want John Q Public to know.
In closing, Citizens United has just thrown gas on an already blazing wildfire. The mere fact that elected officials recently voted down efforts to do away with Citizens United, against the interest of their own constituents provides prima facie evidence beyond any reasonable doubt for the answers to the question, Where Do Democrats Go From Here? 1. Repeal Citizen United!
