Hey Big Oil...Wanna Buy a Politician? Tennessee is trying to make it EASIER!

[Seawytch]

In Tennessee, lawmakers are trying to replicate the corporate takeover of the federal government by lifting the state’s own ban on direct corporate contributions and raising the amount of money PACs can contribute. The bill was sponsored by three Republican legislators and was approved by committees in both the House and Senate on party-line votes. The Knoxville News-Sentinel reports:

Direct corporate donations to political candidates will be legalized in Tennessee and the amount that can be given by all contributors will be raised by about 40 percent under legislation approved by House and Senate committees Tuesday.

For political action committees, for example, the maximum donation will increase from $7,500 to $10,700 and adjusted upward for inflation in future years. Corporations will be treated as if they were PACs under the bill, SB1915.

[...]

“It’s going to be like an arms race with Democrats and Republicans trying to compete for this corporate cash,” [House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike] Turner said.​

ThinkProgress » Tennessee GOP Votes To Allow Corporations To Contribute Directly To Candidates

TN bill to allow corporate contributions advances - BusinessWeek

 

[Robert]

In Tennessee, lawmakers are trying to replicate the corporate takeover of the federal government by lifting the state’s own ban on direct corporate contributions and raising the amount of money PACs can contribute. The bill was sponsored by three Republican legislators and was approved by committees in both the House and Senate on party-line votes. The Knoxville News-Sentinel reports:

Direct corporate donations to political candidates will be legalized in Tennessee and the amount that can be given by all contributors will be raised by about 40 percent under legislation approved by House and Senate committees Tuesday.

For political action committees, for example, the maximum donation will increase from $7,500 to $10,700 and adjusted upward for inflation in future years. Corporations will be treated as if they were PACs under the bill, SB1915.

[...]

“It’s going to be like an arms race with Democrats and Republicans trying to compete for this corporate cash,” [House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike] Turner said.​

ThinkProgress » Tennessee GOP Votes To Allow Corporations To Contribute Directly To Candidates

TN bill to allow corporate contributions advances - BusinessWeek

Why do that they've already got GE...right?

 

[PoliticalChic]

In Tennessee, lawmakers are trying to replicate the corporate takeover of the federal government by lifting the state’s own ban on direct corporate contributions and raising the amount of money PACs can contribute. The bill was sponsored by three Republican legislators and was approved by committees in both the House and Senate on party-line votes. The Knoxville News-Sentinel reports:

Direct corporate donations to political candidates will be legalized in Tennessee and the amount that can be given by all contributors will be raised by about 40 percent under legislation approved by House and Senate committees Tuesday.

For political action committees, for example, the maximum donation will increase from $7,500 to $10,700 and adjusted upward for inflation in future years. Corporations will be treated as if they were PACs under the bill, SB1915.

[...]

“It’s going to be like an arms race with Democrats and Republicans trying to compete for this corporate cash,” [House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike] Turner said.​

ThinkProgress » Tennessee GOP Votes To Allow Corporations To Contribute Directly To Candidates

TN bill to allow corporate contributions advances - BusinessWeek

When are you guys going to wake up?

Big Oil isn't the problem, Big Green is!

Need evidence? Why haven't we drilled in ANWR? Why doesn't the United States use its assets the way every other nation does?
Open your eyes.

 

[Mr. H.]

Why the reference to "Big Oil". Tennessee ranks way down there re: oil and even natural gas production.

In fact- "Big Oil" is practically a non-player when it comes to onshore lower 48 production.

Oh wait- you're just a stupid Liberal crack head.

Nevermind.

 

[Seawytch]

When are you guys going to wake up?

Big Oil isn't the problem, Big Green is!

Need evidence? Why haven't we drilled in ANWR? Why doesn't the United States use its assets the way every other nation does?
Open your eyes.

Oh rrreeeeaaaallllyyyy? Care to provide the amount of campaign donations by all this "Big Green"

I'll come back later today (gotta work to subsidize big oil ya know) with campaign contributions from BIG OIL and we'll do a little "side by side". What say?

 

[Seawytch]

Why the reference to "Big Oil". Tennessee ranks way down there re: oil and even natural gas production.

In fact- "Big Oil" is practically a non-player when it comes to onshore lower 48 production.

Oh wait- you're just a stupid Liberal crack head.

Nevermind.

Does it matter? Do you really support ANY corporations or organizations having MORE influence in politics than they already do? I think most Americans want to LIMIT this kind of thing and yet the amount of money allowed to influence our elected representatives just keeps increasing by leaps and bounds.

 

[del]

Why the reference to "Big Oil". Tennessee ranks way down there re: oil and even natural gas production.

In fact- "Big Oil" is practically a non-player when it comes to onshore lower 48 production.

Oh wait- you're just a stupid Liberal crack head.

Nevermind.

Does it matter? Do you really support ANY corporations or organizations having MORE influence in politics than they already do? I think most Americans want to LIMIT this kind of thing and yet the amount of money allowed to influence our elected representatives just keeps increasing by leaps and bounds.

shouldn't you be at the driveup window subsidizing big oil?

 

[Mr. H.]

Why the reference to "Big Oil". Tennessee ranks way down there re: oil and even natural gas production.

In fact- "Big Oil" is practically a non-player when it comes to onshore lower 48 production.

Oh wait- you're just a stupid Liberal crack head.

Nevermind.

Does it matter? Do you really support ANY corporations or organizations having MORE influence in politics than they already do? I think most Americans want to LIMIT this kind of thing and yet the amount of money allowed to influence our elected representatives just keeps increasing by leaps and bounds.

Ok here's my take. Politicians deal with numerous issues that can be quite complex and difficult to summarize and digest. Often times their vote on a particular legislative motion would make no difference in the outcome. Yet it's their duty to be informed and to make decisions that are best for their constituents and the country as a whole.

Contributions are all about "access". Face time, quality time. I've done my share of lobbying and 90% of the time you have no choice but to meet with a "staffer" who in turn passes along your information (if you're lucky). The heavy hitters with the big bucks are the ones who gain quality access and the privilege of building an argument one-on-one.

That's it.

Now- who does it really come down to? It comes down to the politician him/herself who actually votes on the floor of Congress. So if you want to do any fingerpointing then look to the people to whom these contribution funds are directed.

The issue isn't where this money comes from, or the size of the contributions.

 

[PoliticalChic]

When are you guys going to wake up?

Big Oil isn't the problem, Big Green is!

Need evidence? Why haven't we drilled in ANWR? Why doesn't the United States use its assets the way every other nation does?
Open your eyes.

Oh rrreeeeaaaallllyyyy? Care to provide the amount of campaign donations by all this "Big Green"

I'll come back later today (gotta work to subsidize big oil ya know) with campaign contributions from BIG OIL and we'll do a little "side by side". What say?

I note that you have sidestepped the indicia of each, Big Oil and Big Green....

Or do you claim that the restrictions on the oil companies drilling is mere coincidence...

 

[whitehall]

"Corporate takeover of the government"? I imagine lefties disapprove of the people taking over the government every election day. Anyone can incorporate. Corporations are not the enemy except in the disturbed minds of neo-socialist Americans.

 

[Seawytch]

When are you guys going to wake up?

Big Oil isn't the problem, Big Green is!

Need evidence? Why haven't we drilled in ANWR? Why doesn't the United States use its assets the way every other nation does?
Open your eyes.

Oh rrreeeeaaaallllyyyy? Care to provide the amount of campaign donations by all this "Big Green"

I'll come back later today (gotta work to subsidize big oil ya know) with campaign contributions from BIG OIL and we'll do a little "side by side". What say?

I note that you have sidestepped the indicia of each, Big Oil and Big Green....

Or do you claim that the restrictions on the oil companies drilling is mere coincidence...

I didn't sidestep anything, but I see you are doing quite the dance. Show where "big green" spends more money than fossil fuel companies. I'm guessing you didn't because you can't.

Why was this moved to energy...just because it has "big oil" in the title? Do mods READ before they move?

 

[Dr.House]

Why the reference to "Big Oil". Tennessee ranks way down there re: oil and even natural gas production.

In fact- "Big Oil" is practically a non-player when it comes to onshore lower 48 production.

Oh wait- you're just a stupid Liberal crack head.

Nevermind.

Does it matter? Do you really support ANY corporations or organizations having MORE influence in politics than they already do? I think most Americans want to LIMIT this kind of thing and yet the amount of money allowed to influence our elected representatives just keeps increasing by leaps and bounds.

Let's limit Big Union too while we're at it... You game?

 

[PoliticalChic]

Oh rrreeeeaaaallllyyyy? Care to provide the amount of campaign donations by all this "Big Green"

I'll come back later today (gotta work to subsidize big oil ya know) with campaign contributions from BIG OIL and we'll do a little "side by side". What say?

I note that you have sidestepped the indicia of each, Big Oil and Big Green....

Or do you claim that the restrictions on the oil companies drilling is mere coincidence...

I didn't sidestep anything, but I see you are doing quite the dance. Show where "big green" spends more money than fossil fuel companies. I'm guessing you didn't because you can't.

Why was this moved to energy...just because it has "big oil" in the title? Do mods READ before they move?

"...Show where "big green" spends more money than fossil fuel companies."

Why?

I've regularly noted that those on the Left are unable to perform what Dr. Sowell refers to as the ability to think beyond 'stage one'...

Let me help: what is the purpose of the funds of which you speak? To get politicians to perform as they wish...

Starting to see the point? Restrictions on drilling, the aim of 'Big Green.'
You wouldn't deny that, would you?

Well, which get's their wish, Big Oil, or Big Green?

So, whether the distribution of contributions can be documented, or if there is some other quid pro quo, the politicians are made to perfom exactly as the Left/'Big Green' conglomerate wishes.
Undeniable, eh?


A lesson you could have learned from the Wizard of Oz....look behind the curtain.
Wise up.


Stay tuned for your next lesson: exactly who and why Big Green is a major syndicalist player.

 

[uscitizen]

All cross state line political contributions should be banned.

 

[Samson]

Why the reference to "Big Oil". Tennessee ranks way down there re: oil and even natural gas production.

In fact- "Big Oil" is practically a non-player when it comes to onshore lower 48 production.

Oh wait- you're just a stupid Liberal crack head.

Nevermind.

Does it matter? Do you really support ANY corporations or organizations having MORE influence in politics than they already do? I think most Americans want to LIMIT this kind of thing and yet the amount of money allowed to influence our elected representatives just keeps increasing by leaps and bounds.

Let's limit Big Union too while we're at it... You game?

As long as we don't touch the $14 Trillion debt, I think we got a deal.

 

[Seawytch]

Why the reference to "Big Oil". Tennessee ranks way down there re: oil and even natural gas production.

In fact- "Big Oil" is practically a non-player when it comes to onshore lower 48 production.

Oh wait- you're just a stupid Liberal crack head.

Nevermind.

Does it matter? Do you really support ANY corporations or organizations having MORE influence in politics than they already do? I think most Americans want to LIMIT this kind of thing and yet the amount of money allowed to influence our elected representatives just keeps increasing by leaps and bounds.

Let's limit Big Union too while we're at it... You game?

Absolutely, 100%. I'm for limiting ALL contributions, banning ALL lobbyist money and making ALL donations completely transparent. (I'm also for popup videos on political ads that fact check them). How 'bout you?

 

[Seawytch]

I note that you have sidestepped the indicia of each, Big Oil and Big Green....

Or do you claim that the restrictions on the oil companies drilling is mere coincidence...

I didn't sidestep anything, but I see you are doing quite the dance. Show where "big green" spends more money than fossil fuel companies. I'm guessing you didn't because you can't.

Why was this moved to energy...just because it has "big oil" in the title? Do mods READ before they move?

"...Show where "big green" spends more money than fossil fuel companies."

Why?

I've regularly noted that those on the Left are unable to perform what Dr. Sowell refers to as the ability to think beyond 'stage one'...

Let me help: what is the purpose of the funds of which you speak? To get politicians to perform as they wish...

Starting to see the point? Restrictions on drilling, the aim of 'Big Green.'
You wouldn't deny that, would you?

Well, which get's their wish, Big Oil, or Big Green?

So, whether the distribution of contributions can be documented, or if there is some other quid pro quo, the politicians are made to perfom exactly as the Left/'Big Green' conglomerate wishes.
Undeniable, eh?


A lesson you could have learned from the Wizard of Oz....look behind the curtain.
Wise up.


Stay tuned for your next lesson: exactly who and why Big Green is a major syndicalist player.

So you think that this made up monster "big green" has some evil goal. What would that be exactly? Now, I've been involved in the green movement for a long time and the primary goal that I'm aware of is to get us off our addiction to the finite resource known as oil...an addiction that has been enabled by Exxon, BP, Shell, etc. and the politicians they pay for. The big green monster you seem to fear has a goal of placing energy in the people's hands, not in the hands of conglomerate corporations that only want to make an obscene amount of money, rape and pillage the planet and then run away from the devastation they cause.

Please show me where this green monster has the same kind of monetary influence on our elected representatives (with money) that fossil fuel companies do.

 

[PoliticalChic]

I didn't sidestep anything, but I see you are doing quite the dance. Show where "big green" spends more money than fossil fuel companies. I'm guessing you didn't because you can't.

Why was this moved to energy...just because it has "big oil" in the title? Do mods READ before they move?

"...Show where "big green" spends more money than fossil fuel companies."

Why?

I've regularly noted that those on the Left are unable to perform what Dr. Sowell refers to as the ability to think beyond 'stage one'...

Let me help: what is the purpose of the funds of which you speak? To get politicians to perform as they wish...

Starting to see the point? Restrictions on drilling, the aim of 'Big Green.'
You wouldn't deny that, would you?

Well, which get's their wish, Big Oil, or Big Green?

So, whether the distribution of contributions can be documented, or if there is some other quid pro quo, the politicians are made to perfom exactly as the Left/'Big Green' conglomerate wishes.
Undeniable, eh?


A lesson you could have learned from the Wizard of Oz....look behind the curtain.
Wise up.


Stay tuned for your next lesson: exactly who and why Big Green is a major syndicalist player.

So you think that this made up monster "big green" has some evil goal. What would that be exactly? Now, I've been involved in the green movement for a long time and the primary goal that I'm aware of is to get us off our addiction to the finite resource known as oil...an addiction that has been enabled by Exxon, BP, Shell, etc. and the politicians they pay for. The big green monster you seem to fear has a goal of placing energy in the people's hands, not in the hands of conglomerate corporations that only want to make an obscene amount of money, rape and pillage the planet and then run away from the devastation they cause.

Please show me where this green monster has the same kind of monetary influence on our elected representatives (with money) that fossil fuel companies do.

1. To be 'involved in the green movement' means- and I mean this in the kindest way- that you have been a dupe. Tricked. Used.
Your good intentions have been manipulated.

2. "addiction to the finite resource known as oil."
That is like saying that you see oxygen as an addiction and we must learn to do without it.
Just as silly.

3. "...placing energy in the people's hands, not in the hands of conglomerate corporations..."
I have often noticed the kindergarten-level of understanding of our economy incorporated (pun intended) into the worldview of greeniacs.
You see, corporations are made up of people, and the majority of Americans , in one way or another, profit from the oil companies...via service and via investments.
No matter how you slice it, the industry is already in the hands of the people.

4. Consider this. The ulterior aims of folks behind the 'green movement' are not to benefit this great nation; quite the contrary. Roadblocks to the economy, industry, the standard of living, foreign policy, etc. all run counter to the interests of the nation.

The 'green movement' is often referred to in the pejorative as the 'Watermelon Movement.' green on the outside, and red on the inside.

Think about it.

 

[uscitizen]

Does it matter? Do you really support ANY corporations or organizations having MORE influence in politics than they already do? I think most Americans want to LIMIT this kind of thing and yet the amount of money allowed to influence our elected representatives just keeps increasing by leaps and bounds.

Let's limit Big Union too while we're at it... You game?

Absolutely, 100%. I'm for limiting ALL contributions, banning ALL lobbyist money and making ALL donations completely transparent. (I'm also for popup videos on political ads that fact check them). How 'bout you?

I am also for applying the truth in advertising laws to political advertisements.

And for all candidates having to provide a resume that is rewuired by law to be factual or they are kicked out of the running.
Heck you have to provide an accurate resume to fry burgers.