“The Koch brothers’ political operation has increasingly come to resemble its own political party — and later this month in San Diego, it will hold what amounts to its most ambitious convention to date,” Politico is reporting.
“Many of the dozens of rich conservative invitees are expected to write huge checks to a pool of cash distributed among Koch-approved groups, potentially boosting the Kochs’ 2012 spending plan beyond their historic $395 million goal. And it’s also a chance for the Kochs to show off their increasingly robust political machine, including a growing voter database project called Themis that played a major role in conservatives’ recent efforts in Wisconsin and in which POLITICO has learned Koch operatives have discussed investing $20 million.
“It’s part of an ambitious expansion of the billionaire brothers’ political operation that includes the recruitment of new donors and fundraisers into their network by a development team led by summit emcee Kevin Gentry, and their recent hiring of in-house political operative Marc Short to oversee the spending of funds raised at the summits.
“The expansion is also reflected in Charles and David Kochs’ bid to take over the libertarian Cato Institute as well as their operations steering cash to groups that aren’t commonly thought of as Koch affiliated. The 60 Plus Association, American Energy Alliance, American Future Fund, Americans for Limited Government and National Right to Life have all received funds through the Koch donor network.”
The rest of the article is here.
Filed under: Uncategorized
$400 million. $400 million.
Lets face it guys, democracy itself cannot survive Citizen’s United. If this race is about one thing, it is really about who controls the Supreme Court. With governance frozen at the federal and state level, and financially emasculated at the local level, the only thing that stands between government by corporation and the freedom of the people is the United States Supreme Court.
“…the only thing that stands between government by corporation and the freedom of the people is the United States Supreme Court.”
The first image that popped up in my mind after reading this was a circa 80s Coke can with a pubic hair strategically placed on the lip.
There’s a New Yorker article this week (haven’t read the while thing yet) on the history of the Supreme Court, focusing on its relative powerlessness at the beginning and how it gradually became the momentous decision-maker that it is today.
As we’ve discussed on this blog before, the Supreme Court needs to be reformed, starting with term limits so we are not stuck for life with unfortunate nominees like Clarence Thomas.
I would be afraid to be changing judges in today’s climate. We need a better electorate which means we need better schools. It isn’t enough to get your family into Grass Valley Charter when most others attend schools that focus on repeating information instead of critical thinking skills.
Greg, you and I should talk. I recently spoke w/ the superintendent of Twin Ridges about the Nevada County schools problem, and there are great opportunities along with great challenges ahead. But there is a clear path for change.
Much debate on meaning of Constitution, but despite dismissive looks from people, I’ve maintained, in reality, the constitution means nothing more than five people (obviously SCOTUS justices) say it means at any particular time. And I believe the Senate realizes this w/o admitting it by the contentious confirmation battles for all Federal judge nominees. Prime examples being Dred Scott & Citizens United.