The takeover is complete (M Ivins)

[katty]

excerpt:

http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=20887

The interesting thing about Lay and Skilling is they weren't trying to evade the rules, they were rigging the rules in their favor. The fix was in -- much of it law passed by former Sen. Phil Gramm of Texas, whose wife, Wendy, served on the board of Enron.

Where does that sense of entitlement come from? What makes a Ken Lay think he can call the governor of Texas and ask him to soften up Gov. Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania on electricity deregulation? Not that being governor of Texas has ever been an office of much majesty, but a corporate robber wouldn't think of doing that if it were Brian Schweitzer of Montana or Bill Richardson of New Mexico.

The extent to which not just state legislatures but the Congress of the United States are now run by large corporate special interests is beyond mere recognition as fact. The takeover is complete. Newt Gingrich and Tom DeLay put in place a system in which it's not a question of letting the head of the camel into the tent -- the camels run the place.

It has all happened quite quickly -- in less than 20 years. Laws were changed and regulations repealed until an Enron can set sail without responsibility, supervision or accountability. The business pages are fond of trumpeting the merits of "transparency" and "accountability," but you will notice whenever there is a chance to roll back any of New Deal regs, the corporations go for broke trying to get rid of them entirely.

I'm not attempting to make this a partisan deal -- only 73 percent of Enron's political donations went to Republicans.

[MADem]

1. Gramm ran like hell--he got while the gettin' was good

He knew if he hung around, he'd be hung out to dry. He was angling for a university job, and figured if he waited, he'd have no shot. If I remember, he didn't get the gig, anyway....

[OneBlueSky]

2. this is the biggest challenge we face . . .

taking control of our government away from corporations and returning it to the people . . . (and it's BOTH parties, not just the Repugs) . . .

Reclaim Democracy.org -- Restoring Citizen Authority Over Corporations
http://www.reclaimdemocracy.org/

Our Hidden History of Corporations in the United States
http://www.reclaimdemocracy.org/corporate_accountability/history_corporations_us.html

Corporate Personhood
http://reclaimdemocracy.org/personhood/

a major part of this challenge is taking back control of our elections from corporations . . .

What Would Democratic Elections Look Like?
http://reclaimdemocracy.org/political_reform/democractic_elections_primer.html

[eleny]

3. That's why it's so important that we have a chance to win governorships

There was a post here at DU just the other day about how we have a shot at being in control of 60% of governorships after the mid term elections.

[hootinholler]

4. We need a corporate citizen test...

A defined set of criteria that when met result in tax breaks. A sliding scale of taxation if you will.

Some proposed metrics:
* U.S. based?
* Ratio of middle class jobs in U.S. to foriegn.
* Ratio of non-principle salary and bonus to worker.

I'm sure you brilliant people can think of better ones.

We need to reward coporations that yield the most benefit to the most citizens and tax the hell out of those that don't.


-Hoot

[lostnfound]

5. A great idea. nt

[liberalla]

6. Excellent ideas!

...they should be included in the Democratic platform.
Candidates could really campaign on this idea/issue!