This article exposes some reasons as to why we have a painfully ineffiecient government.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/28/koch-weekend-meeting-fires-up-debate-over-politics-influence/
It seems like there should be some sort of law regulating these types of get-togethers. I have a problem with secret meetings that can influence political decision making. I mean, what are they going to do with 2 billion dollars that they cant do with 1? It just feels sleazy, and stunningly arrogant. Maybe I am over reacting, but I have a very hard time believing that these people have my best interests in mind during these meetings. Mr. Cantor or any other politician should not be allowed to participate in these types of meetings. Just the mere possibility of impropriety should have no place in politics, but I guess if I want things to change, I better win the lotto.
Sorry this was late today, I was on dad duty this morning!
Wow, this just reinforces my belief that no one is truly a neutral agent. I believe that when the money increasingly concentrates itself it the hands of the minority, that minority will buy representation, and redivert government resources to their interests versus where it is actually needed. The statement that this meeting will create jobs seems like an over idealistic ruse. This meeting will probably translate to great tax cuts and other such benefits. I find that if the meeting is really as a wholesome as they claim it to be, there would be cameras allowed.
ReplyDeleteThe immense secrecy of these meetings do rouse some suspicion. If the intentions were so wholesome and for the benefit of all then there is no real reason for them to keep it so secret. I mean what they do with their private money, corporations etc., they can still do with cameras in the room. This is a democracy after all. But here's also the conundrum - since it is a democracy then they have the right to do whatever they want, in whatever fashion they want.
ReplyDeleteBeing corporate titans, their interests will lie with less regulated, capitalist ideas and they will want the economy to recover and grow. That is a given and so I really do not see why there needs to be a controversy behind this. After all, as long as no laws are broken they also have the right to propagate their own political beliefs. These secret meetings are just their way of political activism!
I also do no see why there needs to be controversy behind this. These billionaires have every right to propagate their own political beliefs, wouldn't you? If cameras are present or not nothing illegal is happening, so I think it should be up to them if they want it to be public. Besides, if cameras were forced to be present I'm sure these guys would not have discussed some of the issues that they would behind closed doors. I personally think there are many other more important issues to focus our news on.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem a little suspicious that these meeting are held secretly, but "Those that are attending the conference believe that everyone benefits from the prosperity that emerges from free societies," Pfotenhauer said. "This gathering is meant to discuss strategies for promoting policies that will help grow our economy, foster free enterprise and create American jobs." Why does it always seem that these huge decisions by corporate giants are intended to have our good fortune and well-being in mind at the beginning, but never seem to work out that way? It just seems easier to label it as that and not follow through. But, in the end, it is their 2 billion dollars to work with, so I guess they can hold meeting and choose to do what they want, as they see it. Unfair, but that's the way of the world.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with Ashley, but my head with Matt on this issue. We have secret meetings all the time, this just happens to be worth a boat load of money. Publicizing meetings violates privacy. Doesnt this sort of thing happen on a microscopic scale all the time?
ReplyDeleteI'm with matt and laura.. it's somewhat shady not allowing public acess, but these are business people, not political representitivs. I'm curious to discover what they talk about and what policies are addressed, but I would like to believe they will behave in the interest of the American public. I really don't think these billionaires are meeting to make up ways to benefit themselves.
ReplyDeleteI also think that there is unnecessary controversy behind these "secret meetings". If these billionaires want to meet in private to discuss what they want to do with their money, I think they have a right to do so. Like Matt said, there are many more important issues that should be focused on in our country.
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