Why we talk about the Kochs

[xchrom]

http://grist.org/politics/why-we-talk-about-the-kochs/

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Are we all too focused on the Koch brothers? That’s the argument of a feature in the current issue of Newsweek by veteran political reporter Matt Cooper. Cooper claims Charles and David Koch’s influence is overstated by Democrats, who raise money by fearmongering about the brothers’ nefarious plots, and by the media, which loves any pair of eccentric billionaires.

“With the Democrats possibly losing control of the Senate, Harry Reid, their leader in that chamber, has gone after the Kochs with what seems like unprecedented language against private citizens,” Cooper complains, noting that Reid called the Kochs “un-American” for “trying to buy America.” Here is Cooper’s argument in a nutshell:

Professionals in both parties have a vested interest in building up the already substantial impact of the Kochs. Republicans see them as loyal Americans coming to the rescue, while Democrats get a higher return on their solicitations simply by invoking the Koch name. Neither side has an incentive to say, “Yes, Koch money is a big deal, but it’s not determinative.” And neither side has an incentive to say the obvious: “Even if you believe that it’s crazy to allow that much private money in politics, the Kochs are playing by the rules.” It’s like cockfighting: Don’t hate the player, hate the game. The Koch geyser of money may be unusual but “un-American”? Oh, please.

As a writer for one outlet that talks about the Kochs frequently, let me explain why we do so: The Kochs threaten to destroy American democracy, regardless of their views. And, as it happens, their extreme and self-interested positions are taking over the Republican Party.

[Jesus Malverde]

1. One thing about the focus on the Kochs.

Is we neglect the Jaimie Daimons, Lloyd Blankfeins and other financial pirates who are doing as much or more damage to the nation as the kochs.

From what I understand about the Kochs is they are industrial rather than financial titans which means they have businesses that provide value to the country as opposed to the financial titans who only exploit the markets and the peoples.

Both are bad but our focus on Kochs is misguided. Harry has apparently mentioned these guys so many times....

"More than 100 times on the Senate floor in the past few months, the Senate’s top Democrat has invoked Charles and David Koch"

In my mind thats about 50 times too many when there are plenty of other financial rapists who should get their minutes of shame in the public limelight.

[LuvNewcastle]

2. You're right about that.

In fact, Jamie Dimon gets treated like royalty when he comes to testify before Congress. Of course, Goldman Sachs contributes to Democrats too, so nobody's going to say anything about him. It's the same as Blankfein. Practically all of Congress stinks of bribery and corruption, and until the corruption ends, either by an amendment or a change in the Supreme Court, it won't make a damn bit of difference whether or not the Kochs continue to manipulate politics and policy.

[randr]

3. The Koch Brothers attempt to mask their nefarious intervention into American policy

has placed the spot light on them. They have chosen to influence public debate from the back rooms with the help of recent court rulings giving the rich and powerful a larger roll in decision making.
There was a day when people with political agendas did the American thing and ran for office; letting the people decide if ones ideas were worthy. That day is long gone and the transparency of public debate is a thing of the past.
The Koch brothers are merely the poster boys for the new American kleptocracy.

[Gothmog]

4. The Koch Brothers are evil and hate sunshine

We need to shine a light on the activities of the Koch brothers. The fact that the Koch Brothers hate sunlight is a good reason to discuss their activities