21st Century Robber Barons-Part 2
In Part 1 we talked about what was taking place at the turn of the century. It is always good to take a look at history because it gives us insight into the present. It is important not to forget, especially since today, we are faced with a similar struggle. Essence Restored says, "Since the 1980’s with the election of Ronald Reagan the country has gone further and further in favor of business leaders and the wealthy and taken away more and more rights, opportunities, and wealth from the middle and lower classes. In fact, the income disparity now is the greatest it has been since the 1920’s. Perhaps, it is time for another age of progressive and labor movements. Those in power will listen if enough people rise up against the greed that has come to define our system. It is time to quit buying into the lies, fears, and false promises of those seeking to enrich their own wealth. Let us follow the path of history and limit the power and strength of the modern day robber barons."
But will we? What is so disturbing to me is that we have the information, yet we are allowing history to repeat itself. We will complain to each other, but we won't do anything. In Part 2 I'm going to show some modern day robber barons and give the links to read more about each. My intent is to inform, educate, and hopefully open eyes in the hope that 'we the people' finally rise up and say "enough "!
The Kochs And Their Weapons Of Mass Distraction
Capitol Hill - “When it comes to assault on American freedoms, few terrorists — if any — are more dangerous than Charles and David Koch — the energy magnates who use their checkbooks as weapons of mass distraction to finance threats against Democracy.” http://www.capitolhillblue.com/node/40038
Countrywide's Many 'Friends'
Two U.S. senators, two former Cabinet members, and a former ambassador to the United Nations received loans from Countrywide Financial through a little-known program that waived points, lender fees, and company borrowing rules for prominent people.
Senators Christopher Dodd, Democrat from Connecticut and chairman of the Banking Committee, and Kent Conrad, Democrat from North Dakota, chairman of the Budget Committee and a member of the Finance Committee, refinanced properties through Countrywide’s “V.I.P.” program in 2003 and 2004, according to company documents and emails and a former employee familiar with the loans.
http://www.portfolio.com/news-markets/top-5/2008/06/12/Countrywide-Loan-Scandal/index.html
Hedgie John Paulson, 21st Century Robber Baron?
International Political Economy Zone - "Like the robber barons of yore, John Paulson has made an outrageous fortune--in his case by taking out credit default swaps against issuers of subprime mortgages. The $15 billion he netted has been called The Greatest Trade Ever ." http://ipezone.blogspot.com/2011/02/hedgie-john-paulson-21st-century-robber.html
Robber Baron Redux
The Big Oil Company Execs
Oil executives -- aka robber barons -- from left, BP America Chairman Robert Malone; Shell Oil President John Hofmeister; Chevron Vice Chairman Peter Robertson; ConocoPhillips Executive Vice President John Lowe; and ExxonMobile Senior Vice President J. Stephen Simon, are sworn in on Capitol Hill.
In Conclusion
These are just a few of the modern day robber barons. They are not doing anything that hasn't been done before. The question is, are 'we the people' ever going to do anything to change the plight of the average American, or just continue to whine and be victims. When do we stop taking what any politician says at face value? When do we start researching how they actually vote on important issues, rather than believe what they say in a campaign speech? When do we start asking some hard questions, and demand truthful answers? When do we stop putting them in office? When do we hold them accountable? Robber barons are essentially bullies, and I was taught there is only one way to handle a bully.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-perkins/robber-barons-and-the-ban_b_418845.html
