The truth about the Koch brothers appears in detail on the DeSmog Blog, (one of TIME's Top Ten Blogs) The Koch brothers' have clandestinely funded a long-running, multi-million dollar climate denial campaign, using denier-for-hire "scientists" just the tobacco industry did, when they were denying that smoking causes lung cancer. The Koch pseudo-science campaign has also been exposed in Scientific American ("Dark Money" and "How to Win Friends and Bamboozle People About Climate Change.") The Koch brothers are a threat to this county and to humanity.
29
Any reader with a long view of American politics saw this coming. Their first attempt at wresting control of the GOP failed. Their 2nd attempt with the Tea Party has, like Frankenstein's monster, developed a will independent of it's master. So it is inevitable that they would move beyond simply buying Republican elections and instead attempt to buy both sides of the aisle.
Their underlying motives are the same. Less taxes for the super rich, and less regulation of industry with the potential to do grievous harm to the environment.
Donations to UNCF, underwriting NOVA and other such endeavors are simply tax write offs for them.
Anyone who thinks they are concerned with personal liberty or any other such principle is willfully deluded.
Their underlying motives are the same. Less taxes for the super rich, and less regulation of industry with the potential to do grievous harm to the environment.
Donations to UNCF, underwriting NOVA and other such endeavors are simply tax write offs for them.
Anyone who thinks they are concerned with personal liberty or any other such principle is willfully deluded.
17
Nowhere in America's founding documents will one find the word democracy". Those who founded the republic, despite their soaring rhetoric, were men seeking to better themselves and protect the members of their class.
So it remains today with "the elites" pulling the strings of each of our two political parties in order to keep their control over we "the rabble". The elites and their servants are able to "keep the lid on" by means of "manufactured consent". Really not much different than North Korea, except we eat better.
Anyway folks, as long as Americans slumber, we will remain under the thumb of folks with names like Koch, Soros, Rockefeller and Geffen.
So it remains today with "the elites" pulling the strings of each of our two political parties in order to keep their control over we "the rabble". The elites and their servants are able to "keep the lid on" by means of "manufactured consent". Really not much different than North Korea, except we eat better.
Anyway folks, as long as Americans slumber, we will remain under the thumb of folks with names like Koch, Soros, Rockefeller and Geffen.
9
If they really want to change their image, they will have to change their actions. Stop buying political influence and paying for candidates' campaigns, and start using their money for actual humanitarian purposes. Anythng else is just more lipstick on the pig.
15
What is disturbing is the calculated purchase of political offices by the Koch Brothers. With a $100 billion of wealth, they can distort the already lopsided political playing field. More transparency is welcome, but let's hope the changes are honest and above board. Our democracy depends on some integrity in the political process.
6
If David had donated the big wad of money to renovate The NY State Theater at Lincoln Center (which is what I and a lot of others still call it, refusing to call it the David Crook, sorry, I meant Koch, Theater) and insisted that it remain The NY State Theater at Lincoln Center, I'd have a bit less (not much) enmity for him and his family dynasty. These filthy rich people like the Kochs and Waltons, Oprah, Martha Stewart, Donald Trump (and all of their lesser known non-celeb counterparts) etc. don't get much praise from me for any of the contributions to charity. As Rosie O'Donnell once said of her giving the earnings from her magazine to charity, she said to the interviewer "How much money does one person really need?". In other words, yes, nice to be comfortable and not have to worry about money and bills, but these people just shove their wealth in the faces of everyone else and think they can buy anyone and endless power only to benefit their interests. These people are not out for the good of all fellow Americans, but to continue to get more and more. They are all like Midas. I have little respect or admiration for any of them. Hey, in the end, we all die and rot in the grave (unless cremated).
21
Some start the rottenness early.
4
What they do speaks so loudly that I can't hear what they say.
27
Grandma, what big teeth you have: The Kochs are a pack of night-wolves now dressing themselves up in the clothing of the lambs they've fleeced so we can be impressed with how warm and fuzzy they look.
31
How come there is nothing about oil and carbon emissions in this article?
It's great that they are investing in their community and supporting philanthropic initiatives.
But that has nothing to do with the negative image they have. The negative image arises out of their climate-change denialism, and their financing of a massive propaganda and political machine designed for the express purpose of defeating all attempts to either use clean energy for fuel or reduce CO2 emissions caused by oil pollution.
Sorry but I have to file this under "fluff piece".
The NYT can do much better than this.
It's great that they are investing in their community and supporting philanthropic initiatives.
But that has nothing to do with the negative image they have. The negative image arises out of their climate-change denialism, and their financing of a massive propaganda and political machine designed for the express purpose of defeating all attempts to either use clean energy for fuel or reduce CO2 emissions caused by oil pollution.
Sorry but I have to file this under "fluff piece".
The NYT can do much better than this.
40
Good comment. But climate-change denial is only one of a whole spectrum of issues that need to be thoroughly aired. The candidates the Kochs support, because they accept millions in contributions, are effectively agents of the Kochs. The candidates are like spokespersons in commercials, paid to speak for the sponsors. I want to know what the Kochs think with regard to every issue the candidates bring up, and also with regard to issues likely to become critical not only during the campaigns, but after election.
6
Look at the candidates and then look at their financial backers, then decide.
12
The bottom line is the Koch brothers do more good for this country than all the commenters here combined. They do far more than their fair share, I think they are allowed to have and support a political perspective.
3
You're not paying attention. They are the single largest financiers of climate change denial. Their companies are some of the largest polluters of our environment. They co-created ALEC and use it to push voter suppression, union busting, and a litany of anti-worker laws. Thru ALEC and other astro-turf "grassroots" organizations they fund, American have become 20 times more likely than any other citizens in western civilization to be killed by gunshot. They are practicing a modern form of Papal dispensation. Yes, they spread a little money around for the public good. They spend far, far, FAR more money to maintain their economic power at the expense of every American that works for a paycheck.
26
@ S. Cooper
"They are the single largest financiers of climate change denial."
Good for them, human caused climate change is nothing more than a scam an is reminiscent of Revelation in the bible both are faith based prophecies.
"They are the single largest financiers of climate change denial."
Good for them, human caused climate change is nothing more than a scam an is reminiscent of Revelation in the bible both are faith based prophecies.
1
As any good libertarian would tell you, that's great, the system should be that the rich guys help out everyone else if they so choose (emphasis on that last part). However, when the rich guys start majorly (emphasis on majorly) influencing government and public policy, that's another story. That's scary, and shouldn't be allowed. We're a democratic republic, not a plutocracy. Your statement about their "political perspective" is a wee bit of an understatement.
5
Koch Bros BRAVE Spotlight? Are you kidding me?
The Koch Bros, like sleazy dictators in backward nations, are buying the media to turn around their deservedly squalid reputations.
Next we will be seeing them kissing puppies and petting babies--such sweet, philanthropic billionaires.
These guys are spending almost a billion dollars--1 percent of their dough--to take over the country. Thats a lot of money, but its still a bargain.
The Koch Bros, like sleazy dictators in backward nations, are buying the media to turn around their deservedly squalid reputations.
Next we will be seeing them kissing puppies and petting babies--such sweet, philanthropic billionaires.
These guys are spending almost a billion dollars--1 percent of their dough--to take over the country. Thats a lot of money, but its still a bargain.
48
Anyone with any bit of intelligence will not be fooled by these wolves in sheeps clothing. They had manipulated the people of this country for long enough. We need real change. Not another Bush (god, no!) and not a mouthpiece like Hilary Clinton. We need fresh ideas and a candidate who is one of the real people. Someone who won't be bought and paid for by the likes of the Kochs or a Super Pack. I'm behinda candidate who has been in Washington fighting tirelessly for the middle class - not the billionaire class. Chek out Bernie Sanders.
24
I'm with you!
But take a step back: the Kochs are from Kansas, where they do not really seem or feel out of place - more middle-of-the-road, even though their father founded the John Birch Society. It is here on the coasts and in isolated liberal enclaves that they pop into stark relief as ultra right wing nutjobs. Ask anyone in Oklahoma or Texas if they believe the Kochs are radical rightists and you will get the answer: either NO, or WHO?
But take a step back: the Kochs are from Kansas, where they do not really seem or feel out of place - more middle-of-the-road, even though their father founded the John Birch Society. It is here on the coasts and in isolated liberal enclaves that they pop into stark relief as ultra right wing nutjobs. Ask anyone in Oklahoma or Texas if they believe the Kochs are radical rightists and you will get the answer: either NO, or WHO?
4
The article and the NYT top picks scarcely touch on the Koch brothers unique role in funding campaigns to cast doubt and confusion about climate change Today's GOP there's not even admit the single most serious issue mankind has faced. Most life as we know it will not survive the century.
Reaching this far, crossing these tipping points, was not inevitable. The public as a whole was more knowledgeable and serious about the climate 20 years ago and had doubt not been cast in the way that it was, we might have faced up to this when we could have still turned things about.
I cannot fathom any short term gain, ideology or greed that could bring an educated and likely well-informed person to deliberately deny global climate change just to block needed regulations. So I cannot imagine a punishment harsh enough for these evil men.
http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/research/koch-industries-secretly-fund/
Reaching this far, crossing these tipping points, was not inevitable. The public as a whole was more knowledgeable and serious about the climate 20 years ago and had doubt not been cast in the way that it was, we might have faced up to this when we could have still turned things about.
I cannot fathom any short term gain, ideology or greed that could bring an educated and likely well-informed person to deliberately deny global climate change just to block needed regulations. So I cannot imagine a punishment harsh enough for these evil men.
http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/research/koch-industries-secretly-fund/
23
Concluding that no one can amass the millions that the Kochs have,I have compiled a list of some of the products made by Koch Industries which I boycott, No more Georgia Pacific for me!
30
To see the real Kochs read this:
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/inside-the-koch-brothers-toxic...
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/inside-the-koch-brothers-toxic...
21
So you didn't like it. :-)
Au contraire, RS does excellent investigative reporting, such as their great expose of Gen McChrystal, and their many excellent analyses of the causes of the 2008 housing bubble. RS and Al Jazeera are really doing the hard-hitting investigative journalism that the NYT and the major TV networks used to do back in the 1960s, before they got co-opted by the BIg Corporates. The NYT should gets its groove back and start doing some more tough invetigative reporting again.
11
Rolling Stone lost their soul and credibility at UVA. Journalists? Not even plausible.
Put down the pitchforks everyone. It's nice to gang up on the Koch-Ness monster but as a democracy everyone is allowed to express their views - including Charles and David Koch. No one is up in arms against Hollywood and celebrities lending their support to candidates - why? they are using their resources earned (fame) or inherited (beauty) to further their cause. It just so happens the Koch's resources include money and they are using their money the way they please as allowed for in a democracy. That said, 60,000 jobs is nothing to scoff at - they could have very easily led dissipated lives like their other two brothers but decided to focus their efforts on building scalable businesses. This alone is objectively admirable. They are concretely adding jobs in regions and sectors apathetic, indulgent hipsters will not visit let alone invest in. Totally spirit of 1775. It's a little alarming that their charitable choices are now being vilified by the champions of democracy - I think if there is a sheen of dissonance it's probably because they are - rightly - scared for their lives. They must be thinking of 1789.
2
Why do your heroes lobby against regulations on formaldehyde, a proven carcinogen? Other developed countries recognize its danger--but in the US we have the Kochs--major manufacturers of formaldehyde.
I wouldn't be surprised if their lobbying for formaldehyde was done under the auspices of some tax-exempt organization--some kind of sleazy think tank or whatever.
If building scalable businesses, regardless of products produced, is laudable, then you must be a big fan of the tobacco industry. Values?
I wouldn't be surprised if their lobbying for formaldehyde was done under the auspices of some tax-exempt organization--some kind of sleazy think tank or whatever.
If building scalable businesses, regardless of products produced, is laudable, then you must be a big fan of the tobacco industry. Values?
12
People can express their views but shouldn't be able to use billions of dollars to make their views the law of the land. Pretty Hollywood types and ugly Koch brothers can buy elections because the Repubs want it that way. The Dems tried to pass election reform but the Repubs blocked it.
The Kochs fund the party that wants to take civil rights away...and make the Earth uninhabitable....Period.
The Kochs fund the party that wants to take civil rights away...and make the Earth uninhabitable....Period.
17
I'm with you on this David - alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen. Let's take the pitchforks to the vineyards and microbreweries shall we?
1
Koch Brothers Brave Spotlight to Try to Alter Their Image. Oh, so they are going to lie?
20
Whatever spin they want to try to appear to be "nice guys," some of us will never be convinced. A few smiley photos and warm and fuzzy Hallmark-style soft focus videos just won't do it.
14
The US needs to get rid of charitable deductions.
I'm sick and tired of subsidizing people like the Kochs who turn every thing they feel like into some kind of tax-exempt or tax deductible scam.
So-called charitable deductions give yet more power to the rich. They can even set up their own "charities".
I give to charities, and yes, I take tax deductions for this. But I'd infinitely rather have the deductions removed. I recognize that my tax deductions give me unfair powers that I should not have.
The Koch Bros have always sold themselves as philanthropists. Whenever I come across this self-promotion, I feel like puking.
I'm sick and tired of subsidizing people like the Kochs who turn every thing they feel like into some kind of tax-exempt or tax deductible scam.
So-called charitable deductions give yet more power to the rich. They can even set up their own "charities".
I give to charities, and yes, I take tax deductions for this. But I'd infinitely rather have the deductions removed. I recognize that my tax deductions give me unfair powers that I should not have.
The Koch Bros have always sold themselves as philanthropists. Whenever I come across this self-promotion, I feel like puking.
26
When the wealthy get deductions for charitable giving, we are subsidizing an antidemocretic phenomenon: the rich get to decide what social goods will be supported and which will not. Those decisions should belong to the public at large which makes its views known via the democratic process--elections, referenda, etc..
16
Yes, Steve B, thats it.
Whaddahya, some kind of Commie?
Haven't you heard of the benefits of noblesse oblige, where our aristocrats-without-title lead and we peons follow?
Haven't you heard of the benefits of noblesse oblige, where our aristocrats-without-title lead and we peons follow?
2
Reading these hateful comments, I wonder how many of the writers imagine themselves to be reasonable open minded people with able to question their own certainty--people with a liberal temperament.
3
I kicked the tires at Cato and they burst.
12
Kochs lobby against stricter formaldehyde regulations.
Kochs manufacture formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde causes cancer and kills people.
Therefore: the Kochs knowingly kill people for their own profit.
(Japan and Europe have much stricter regulations on formaldehyde or else prohibit it.)
Kochs manufacture formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde causes cancer and kills people.
Therefore: the Kochs knowingly kill people for their own profit.
(Japan and Europe have much stricter regulations on formaldehyde or else prohibit it.)
26
It is difficult to have any positive impression of the moneybags behind "Americans for Prosperity" and their endless attack ads.
24
Want to alter their image: How about they just retire and GO AWAY. As for all their commercials on the Media: I do not belive one word of any of it. And the fact that they are spending short of one billion dollars to BUY the government that THEY want is, to me, beyond redemption. And it would be nice if someone could find out just how many State and Federal politicians they already have on the payroll!
17
How many ya got?
Check the ALEC registration lists
1
Is this article a practical joke? Oh please, don't even try it. This is insulting to anyone's intelligence. So, the Koch brothers throw, what is for them, chump change at the UNCF, make noises about prison reform and this makes them the good guys? Obama praised them? I don't care if the Easter Bunny praised them. I speak as a Black woman with HBCU's on both sides of my family history--educational and personal. Is this purely pr or "keep your friends close, but your enemies closer"? Who among their employees will benefit from prison reform? Are there any strings attached or fine print with the educational funding? The timing of this is an interesting coincidence. Within the last two days I've seen the documentary, Citizen Koch, on dvd, which included a panel discussion with the film makers among the bonus features. Very illuminating. These men are worse than I thought.
14
I agree with you, in that I believe their work to "overhaul the Justice System" will likely privatize correctional facilities (or halfway houses, or the like) and they will likely be set up to run these facilities.
3
The wolves are now putting on sheeps' clothing.
13
I don't think the sheep suits are going to fit them very well.
It is pretty easy to describe yourself as a libertarian if you are wealthy (inherited), male and white. When they say "libertarian", I hear "greedy".
21
Excuse me, but is this The New York Times or a massage parlor? As usual, the Kochs get their money's worth.
13
They became interested in criminal justice after "an overzealous prosecution of federal clean air and hazardous waste laws." Overzealous by whose standards? Spiffing up these images is going to take a LOT of spit and polish.
14
There was a time not long ago when the popular liberal narrative was that conservatives were the purveyors of incivility, intollerence and hate speach. That narrative was never correct, but after reading many of these comments the conservatives look like pillars of civility compared to progressives. I don't like the power billionaire donors of BOTH PARTIES obtain in our present political process. I believe we all agree on that point. However the seething hatred towards the Kochs that drips from many of these comments is completely intollerant, uncivil and hateful. It would behoove your cause to tune it down a bit.
2
We will tone it down when they tone down their sociopathic rapacious greed and uncaring for their fellow Americans.
12
Lifelong New Yorker:
Thank you for making Larry's point.
Thank you for making Larry's point.
We are just returning the insults to our intelligence by people who always blame us for doing it first.
8
The Kochs push Stand Your Ground laws that Jeb Bush signed and which helped acquit George Zimmerman in the murder of Trayon Martin ... thanks Charles and David for turning our country into Mad Max:
"But ALEC’s fortunes began to change with the killing of Trayvon Martin and the resulting attention to the danger of “stand your ground” laws, one of many initiatives ALEC spread from sea to shining sea. Some corporate sponsors, including Amazon, Coca-Cola, General Electric, Kraft, McDonald’s and Wal-Mart, quit ALEC. On Tuesday, the Guardian newspaper published a trove of internal ALEC documents showing how grim its situation has become.
It reported that the group has lost almost 400 state legislators in the past two years and more than 60 corporations. Its income fell a third short of projections in the first six months of this year. To raise money, the documents showed, ALEC considered expanding its policy portfolio to gambling, and, concerned about potential tax problems with its designation as a 501(c)(3) charity, it is considering 501(c)(4) status, which would allow it to lobby more openly."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dana-milbank-alec-stands-its-gro...
ALEC is the Koch's legislative lobbying group.
"But ALEC’s fortunes began to change with the killing of Trayvon Martin and the resulting attention to the danger of “stand your ground” laws, one of many initiatives ALEC spread from sea to shining sea. Some corporate sponsors, including Amazon, Coca-Cola, General Electric, Kraft, McDonald’s and Wal-Mart, quit ALEC. On Tuesday, the Guardian newspaper published a trove of internal ALEC documents showing how grim its situation has become.
It reported that the group has lost almost 400 state legislators in the past two years and more than 60 corporations. Its income fell a third short of projections in the first six months of this year. To raise money, the documents showed, ALEC considered expanding its policy portfolio to gambling, and, concerned about potential tax problems with its designation as a 501(c)(3) charity, it is considering 501(c)(4) status, which would allow it to lobby more openly."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dana-milbank-alec-stands-its-gro...
ALEC is the Koch's legislative lobbying group.
17
Living in Minnesota, I associate the Kochs with the Rosemount refinery, a facility that was in violation of air quality standards more than 330 days annually year after year. When challenged by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, their response was, "You are lucky to have us here." After a whistle blower told the MPCA of the refinery's efforts to forge data on ground water contamination studies in monitoring wells, the Kochs tried to fire him. It was only after some heavy fines and penalties that they decided to change their image: now they have "Blue Planet" gas - what could be more eco-friendly? Dave Koch has given $100M to MIT for cancer research. How many cancers have the activities of these guys caused in these local communities over the years?
20
Their attempts to repaint their image is just a publicity stunt. The public largely equates the Koch brothers with the fallout from the Citizens United decision. What good is throwing a little bit of money at the cause of criminal justice reform if, at the same time, you are putting your foot on African American necks by throwing billions of dollars at organized efforts to suppress black voter turnout? And what good are your charitable contributions if at the same time you are pouring money into groups that are actively trying to block Medicaid expansion. That said, the Koch brothers have deep pockets. Perhaps they have just enough money to allow them to wee all over we common people and convince us that the wee is actually rain.
24
The ONLY way for those 2 Koch brothers to 'alter' their IMAGE is to enlist the services of the ISIS Butcher to behead both of them and start over.
7
Steve, this is the NY Times not the Daily News, and even the Times shouldn't have to put up with your particular class of classless jerkiness.
5
The Koch Bros softening their image with the help of the NY Times. I looked for the words 'John Birch Society' in this piece. Couldn't find them. Looked for the words 'EPA violations.' Couldn't find them, either. What's happening to y'all? Have you forgotten how to do a Google search?
14
The NYT mention Senator Robert Byrd-D, WV many times without mentioning the KKK. Hasn't even campaigned to strip his name off memorials. Very opened minded folks.
1
You haven't looked for the JBS founders in the right places.
http://www.jbs.org/fred-koch
http://www.jbs.org/fred-koch
The Kochs are interested in oil and gas, everything else is window dressing:
"The two Democrats, State Senate President John Morse and state Senator Angela Giron were recalled after voting for Colorado’s new gun law that imposed universal background checks on gun purchases and limited magazines to 15 rounds. They also voted for renewable energy measures that contributed to the effort to unseat them and elicited an influx of money from the Kochs. ... Although the lion’s share of publicity for the recall surrounded background checks, an underlying source of discontent was the Koch brothers’ opposition to Colorado’s stronger renewable energy standards. ... a recipient of Koch donations, said “the whole purpose of doing this is to preserve and protect the energy sector that we feel is very much under assault.”
http://www.politicususa.com/2013/09/12/alec-koch-brothers-show-subvert-d...
The Kochs are also funding efforts to take Federal lands and put them in state hands, where they can more easily bought and extracted:
"Two Colorado Republicans began pushing a Koch bill calling for “joint jurisdiction” with the Federal government over national forests and Bureau of Land Management land. ... the Colorado Republicans’ effort is a first step in a much more ambitious scheme; seizing and handing authority over federal land to the Koch brothers."
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/04/02/colorado-republicans-pushing-koch...
"The two Democrats, State Senate President John Morse and state Senator Angela Giron were recalled after voting for Colorado’s new gun law that imposed universal background checks on gun purchases and limited magazines to 15 rounds. They also voted for renewable energy measures that contributed to the effort to unseat them and elicited an influx of money from the Kochs. ... Although the lion’s share of publicity for the recall surrounded background checks, an underlying source of discontent was the Koch brothers’ opposition to Colorado’s stronger renewable energy standards. ... a recipient of Koch donations, said “the whole purpose of doing this is to preserve and protect the energy sector that we feel is very much under assault.”
http://www.politicususa.com/2013/09/12/alec-koch-brothers-show-subvert-d...
The Kochs are also funding efforts to take Federal lands and put them in state hands, where they can more easily bought and extracted:
"Two Colorado Republicans began pushing a Koch bill calling for “joint jurisdiction” with the Federal government over national forests and Bureau of Land Management land. ... the Colorado Republicans’ effort is a first step in a much more ambitious scheme; seizing and handing authority over federal land to the Koch brothers."
http://www.politicususa.com/2015/04/02/colorado-republicans-pushing-koch...
10
Q. What do you call a pig with lipstick on its face?
A. It's STILL a Pig !
A. It's STILL a Pig !
7
Ugh!! Skip the Koch PR. Just keep reminding me of the brands I need to avoid.
14
Check the list of the corporate supporters of ALEC
4
The Koch brothers believe they are right. Most people do. But just because you believe your right and rich dosen't mean you are right! That is why we have a "Democratic Republic".
I also agree with alot of of what they say, and political people say what you want to hear, now the Koch brothers are learning to be politicans. Good for them, maybe in the process they will learn their view of the world is not the only view.
I also agree with alot of of what they say, and political people say what you want to hear, now the Koch brothers are learning to be politicans. Good for them, maybe in the process they will learn their view of the world is not the only view.
1
"Alter their image" sounds so much more, uh, professional than "con people."
However, as usual the one-syllable word "con" is so much more accurate than the professional euphemism. The Koch's are trying to con people, and they're going for the long con.
I hope they fail.
However, as usual the one-syllable word "con" is so much more accurate than the professional euphemism. The Koch's are trying to con people, and they're going for the long con.
I hope they fail.
9
The Koch Brothers have their publicists in high gear and appear to be the new teddy bears we should all love. I cringe going to Lincoln Center or the Hospital for Special Surgery as I see their names on the buildings. There is no amount of money they can spend to undo the harm they have inflicted on this country and the majority of citizens. They are the worst people in the world and deserve all of the ire they receive. Justice reform is their only redeemable platform and I am sure it is more about the costs and the long term poverty it causes to the African American community. We have put all of the men in jail for nonsense offenses and made it impossible for them to work and support families. Time to try something new...but the Koch brothers have none of the answers. They are taking us down the wrong path. We need higher taxes, investment, universal healthcare, preschool, afterschool tutoring and enrichment and infrastructure. We need universal access to long term family planning and birth control and IUDs for any woman that wants one. We cannot continue to hate abortion and make family planning difficult. We need to be open and honest and encourage young ladies to wait until 25 and use and IUD. No judgment here....just be responsible until you can afford your future.
7
Sheep in wolves clothes. Period.
3
These Brawny guys cannot afford enough P.R. cover their deeds and history. They are unhappy not because of “distortions” of their record but because of its accuracies. Their “justice” campaign is designed to flex public muscle. They can walk tightropes and tackle and block. They are the Brawny guys. Forget that behind this curtain they own so much of America that they will not miss the millions and millions spent on the Republican right wing. Just attend to President Obama’s campaign in their favor which they employ to convince more voting against interests.
7
If leopards can't change their spots, what makes us think that that the Koch brothers can change who they are?
9
Come out of the shadows Koch Bros. ... let the world know which politicians you are funding and why - stop being such cowards.
10
Ah yes, the new Koch image......Is it perception trying to "Trump" reality?.....Or is it reality trying to "Trump" reality?.....Can't have it both ways, or can we?.....But then again if "corporations are people" anything in the smoke and mirrors world can be real.
5
Who do these old fascists think they are kidding? They still seem to believe that some fake PR efforts are going to distract from the fact that the Kochs are trying to buy the government of the United States and turn the country into a laboratory for imposing their insane political ideas. The American people should not tolerate this kind of arrogance and evil. Even if they meant well, which is highly unlikely, plutocracy in any form has to be opposed and defeated. We cannot let these demented old plutocrats from turning our nation into their own private feudal estate.
17
That last sentence should read: We cannot let these demented old plutocrats turn our nation into their own private feudal estate.
2
One earlier commentator mentions the $500 million the Kochs have contributed to non-political organizations. If I were worth $100 BILLION, it would embarrass me to be so stingy as to contribute 0.5% of my wealth. I regularly see people of very limited income and wealth help others in greater need to a greater degree.
The 1%-ers are notoriously tight with their money. Many pay a much smaller slice of their much larger income in taxes than do the less fortunately born. These are the true "takers" in society. The French had a solution for the let-them-eat-cake mentality.
The 1%-ers are notoriously tight with their money. Many pay a much smaller slice of their much larger income in taxes than do the less fortunately born. These are the true "takers" in society. The French had a solution for the let-them-eat-cake mentality.
13
As Charles Dickens knew, there is no one so loathsome as a very wealthy man, who can so easily afford to be generous, who is nonetheless greedy and stingy.
12
In my mind, the Koch brothers are cowards, who don't have the gumption to run for office, state their case to the American people, and try to change the system with the support of the voters. Instead, they slink around in the shadows and silently corrupt the political process with their vast wealth. Then, they think they can sweep the nature of their corruption of the political process under the rug with a PR campaign. They seem to think that just because they employ 60,000 people, the American public owes them respect, despite the fact that the version of capitalism they seek is one in which "liberty" means they get to continue polluting the planet with their coal fired power plants and oil and gas business.
They are no different than the Robber Barons of the Gilded Age, no matter how many charities they support. They want to buy the U.S. government to further their own business interests, and no good will arise from that.
They are no different than the Robber Barons of the Gilded Age, no matter how many charities they support. They want to buy the U.S. government to further their own business interests, and no good will arise from that.
14
This goes to show that money can buy just about anything.
4
The Koch Brother's Philanthropic syndicate is a well-oiled strategic-leverage machine. From the new Koch Plaza in front of New York's Metropolitan Museum to the United Negro College Fund, there is a consistent thread: getting the highest reputational returns for the lowest cash cost (net of generous tax credits). Koch's petrochemical empire's influence is unparalleled in lobbying for fossil fuel and other polluting industries where the barons have perfected the strategy of "doing the minimum to get by" described in Sun Tzu's Art of War.
As François de la Rochefoucauld once said, “Self-interest speaks all sorts of tongues, and plays all sorts of roles, even that of disinterested". Stay tuned, the observed mutation "toward a greater openness" goes beyond cultivating image. This beachhead into "enemy territory" may be a harbinger of an aggressive strategy to earn the hearts and minds of soft Democrats and the silent majority.
As François de la Rochefoucauld once said, “Self-interest speaks all sorts of tongues, and plays all sorts of roles, even that of disinterested". Stay tuned, the observed mutation "toward a greater openness" goes beyond cultivating image. This beachhead into "enemy territory" may be a harbinger of an aggressive strategy to earn the hearts and minds of soft Democrats and the silent majority.
16
The problem is not what the Kochs think and believe, it is their use of wealth to influence the media, public debate and perception from their ivory tower that is distasteful. I am no supporter of Donald Trump, but at least he is putting his money where his mouth is and STANDING.
Overturn Citizens United and let the Kochs stand for election if that is what they want. That their (and others) money has become a part of our political process is a folly that history will not treat kindly.
The Kochs are deserving of our scorn.
Overturn Citizens United and let the Kochs stand for election if that is what they want. That their (and others) money has become a part of our political process is a folly that history will not treat kindly.
The Kochs are deserving of our scorn.
68
The Koch brothers aren't doing anything that George Soros, labor unions, and Hollywood buundlers have been doing for decades. Make no mistake - they're under the microscope because their politics make some of us uncomfortable.
2
If you had even bothered to do the most basic research,you would know that George Soros was most definitely NOT to the manner born, as the Kochs were. He and his family escaped the Nazis in WWII, lucky to survive the Holocaust, and he made it to England. Mr. Soros PROMOTES DEMOCRACY through his Open Society Foundations, a network of partners, projects and foundations in dozens and dozens of countries around the world that advocate and support tolerance, human rights and democratic ideals, the absolute antithesis of what the Koch Brothers do. You also don't see his name branded all over cultural and medical institutions as a payoff to deflect criticism.
Clearly, despite all evidence to the contrary, you simply refuse to believe the truth about people like George Soros. Is he perfect? Nope. But to equate him and the things he has accomplished with the Koch Brothers is just cynical propaganda.
Clearly, despite all evidence to the contrary, you simply refuse to believe the truth about people like George Soros. Is he perfect? Nope. But to equate him and the things he has accomplished with the Koch Brothers is just cynical propaganda.
6
Their "politics" is control of the United States through the corrupt purchase of government at every level. That is not making your case publicly and letting the chips fall where they will. It is rigging the entire game through aggressive bribery. The Kochs are monsters, pure and simple.
3
The Times never really answers the question of why the Kochs need to play nice. Why should they care? What do they need the public for? Could it be that they didn't manage to keep a black man out of office even after all of the millions they spent?
Earth to Kochs: you don't fool anybody, even if you can buy most of them.
Earth to Kochs: you don't fool anybody, even if you can buy most of them.
20
Smoke & Mirrors.........
I know a guy who works in a PR firm that specializes in managing public perception of fast moving high rollers that have stepped on a few toes, & on a few people, on what they consider "the way up"...... He gets paid big bucks for "make overs".
Unfortunately a lot of people will buy into the make-over, at least for enough time to allow the Koch heads to continue their marauding through the next election cycle, then it will start all over again.
Take care of yourself, your friends, even strangers on occasion........live simply & life will be o.k. They will have their say/way no matter what is exposed, so vote against them but live in your own movie
Be kind, be noble, and when necessary be brave!
I know a guy who works in a PR firm that specializes in managing public perception of fast moving high rollers that have stepped on a few toes, & on a few people, on what they consider "the way up"...... He gets paid big bucks for "make overs".
Unfortunately a lot of people will buy into the make-over, at least for enough time to allow the Koch heads to continue their marauding through the next election cycle, then it will start all over again.
Take care of yourself, your friends, even strangers on occasion........live simply & life will be o.k. They will have their say/way no matter what is exposed, so vote against them but live in your own movie
Be kind, be noble, and when necessary be brave!
6
I've always been very poor in math, but if the Koch Bros. are worth $100 billion, then the $25 million given to the United Negro College Fund isn't much. The money the middle class gives to nonprofits has to be a bigger percentage of our income and we aren't getting the same tax benefits for it.
Oh well, let's hope the notion of Karma is true...
Oh well, let's hope the notion of Karma is true...
10
Good point KS... It's like Joe, with a networth of $20,000, buying a $5 box of Girl Scout cookies... Koch wants to buy respect, Joe wants the chocolate mints.
1
Oddly way more neutral language than the NYT Hillary articles.
5
Anyone fighting for personal liberty is my brother. I think they are great Americans and am grateful that someone will stand up for individual liberty.
Yes, that includes standing against the fatwas of the global warming theocracy.
Yes, that includes standing against the fatwas of the global warming theocracy.
2
The Koch's stand for personal liberty only so much as it is convenient for their own agenda. If your personal liberty stands in the way of their latest fossil fuel development, their lawyers will quickly disabuse you of any notions of equality with the Koch family.
I can understand why one might be skeptical of claims of anthropogenic global warming. I would hope that you would exercise the same skepticism towards anything the Kochs profess to be their 'principles'.
I can understand why one might be skeptical of claims of anthropogenic global warming. I would hope that you would exercise the same skepticism towards anything the Kochs profess to be their 'principles'.
1
All the men and women who have fought to protect democracy are being ridiculed by this financial overthrow of our government. The Koch Brothers can not find a rich enough color to gloss over the damage they are doing and have done. If they want to start making a change, have them abide by the spirit of our one person one vote democracy. Their efforts to buy elections is deplorable.
11
Simple as this: a democracy cannot function if too few of its citizens have too much influence and power. Even less so, a republic, which is what we really are.
And it's not even a republic now -- fast becoming an oligarchy. Are the Kochs ignorant of this, or dismayed? I doubt it.
And it's not even a republic now -- fast becoming an oligarchy. Are the Kochs ignorant of this, or dismayed? I doubt it.
6
As I am a registered optimist I see this as "crossing the aisle" for the Koch brothers and President Obama compliments about their support at the NAACP justice reform meeting. There goes the Rodney King moment when he asked, "Can't we all just get along?"
As far as my realism, I do think they are in Scott Walker's Campaign Fund and have months ago deemed him as their candidate. Warren Buffet and George Soros can pick up the slack for the Dems.
Thank you Koch Bros and let myself and others Vote for Hillary.!!
As far as my realism, I do think they are in Scott Walker's Campaign Fund and have months ago deemed him as their candidate. Warren Buffet and George Soros can pick up the slack for the Dems.
Thank you Koch Bros and let myself and others Vote for Hillary.!!
1
Simply put, despite the attempts of Wall Street wizards to prove otherwise, there is, at any given time, a finite amount of available cash. There is no way that two individuals amass a fortune of 100 billion dollars except at everyone else's expense.
8
Maybe if they gave us our democracy back, we'd consider it.
8
The big lie is that these guys are "libertarians."
They are straight-up fascists. Of course libertarianism as it is currently defined often appeals to the same people as fascism, so….
They are straight-up fascists. Of course libertarianism as it is currently defined often appeals to the same people as fascism, so….
13
Changing perception of one's image is one thing, changing one's position is quite another. There's no change in position here, certainly insofar as the Koch brothers' agenda goes. Should a republican gain the Whitehouse, we'll see tax cuts for the rich, a massive truncation of social safety net programs, the undoing of the ACA and the categorical policy denial of climate science research, not to mention the end of efforts to rein it in. Here's what I say to the Koch brothers: Nothing has changed and I could care less what sort of PR you pump out about yourselves. And hell no to your agenda.
8
There's a saying in advertising that I think applies here: Nothing kills a bad product faster than good advertising. The only way for this PR charm offensive to work requires them to come out of the holes where they've been hiding and expose themselves to sunlight. No amount of sunscreen can protect them from the consequences.
3
I don't choose to see my country governed like the sorry state of Kochtopia/Kansas. These Richsters know that their economic model is not viable for the masses, but it sure works for them. Democracy has been sold to the highest bidder and we all know it. Forget the PR fluff and Trump hair spray; we are going to get as much government as those Kochs can buy.
8
Putting lipstick on a pig doesn't make it a peacock. They want to concentrate wealth in the top minuscule percentage of the country, turn the nation into a labor camp of low wage jobs for the masses. It's their way of cutting down on the use of resources. Just deny them to the vast majority. We are in a post-capitalist society now, and their attempts to keep things as they are is coming to an end. And if they don't give up their quest to concentrate wealth amongst their friends, it will be taken from them by force, eventually.
8
No matter what image these Koch Brothers try project, they deem themselves above the law, and will never cease manipulating laws, research and people around them to achieve their aims. They will wear sheep's clothing if they think it will benefit their causes, but their nature hasn't changed from predatory.
They are libertarians way out, set on their ways to undermine the government and continue to pollute the planet and fight any fines imposed on their factories.
Nice image indeed!
They are libertarians way out, set on their ways to undermine the government and continue to pollute the planet and fight any fines imposed on their factories.
Nice image indeed!
9
“Charles obviously is a classical liberal, who believes in the Bill of Rights, and limited but necessary government.” The conflict with this position is that most conservatives only support limited government when it doesn't allow rights they oppose, such as same-sex marriage and women's reproductive rights.
3
The Koch brothers aren't trying to alter their image, they're trying to alter reality to fit their image of what it should be. They're just buying up politicians as mouthpieces to try to create the perception of reality that suits their image.
10
These guys are the Robber Barons of the second Gilded Age which they are determined to continue to create. They are John J. Gould with more media savvy. They are the smiling face of the John Birch Society that their father helped create. Their ideas are self serving and elitist. I will automatically vote and work against any candidate they support -- Democratic or Republican. They are corruption personified. But, in an America in which 24% of Republican's support Donald Trump anything is politically possible.
6
They've done a lot more harm than they will good with these small efforts to make them look caring. All they care about is their money and themselves.
5
This is so scary and I hope the American people are not so easily duped as to not see the true agenda of these guys. To quote 2 Public Enemy songs: Don't Believe the Hype & Fight The Power…these should be the anthems for the American people this election season…..when Bernie Sanders is in the Whitehouse we will have a chance to rebuild and end the out right buying of our govt & resources by these greed driven literal merchants of death & destruction.
4
But only if Bernie has a Democratic Congress to work with.
Kinder, gentler oligarchs.
1
How can you erase history? Just take a look at their positions on global warming and education and how they have poisoned the well. The people they support are also despicable.
http://www.kbucket.com/main/view_kbucket/38
http://www.kbucket.com/main/view_kbucket/38
14
It's hard to see the multi-billionaire Koch brothers as misunderstood victims who are really great humanitarians. They have led the corporate takeover of the democratic voting process and have supported policies that have led to needless wars and increasing wealth inequality. I admire their love of freedom, but it is possible to be free and compassionate toward one's fellow human beings. Let's look at the victims the Koch brothers have created, and then see who is worth our sympathy and understanding.
4
So finally they learn that money can buy goods and politicians, but not the peoples' respect. Sticking your name on buildings may make you even more despised.
1
I've heard that leopards are trying the same ruse!
6
Don't believe a word they say - just don't buy it, both literally & figuratively.
6
a new york times article detailing the "lighter side" of their political deviancy; mission accomplished. at least mid-summer circulation is low and few people will read this thinly disguised public relations piece.
4
Back some time ago, I can recall a short documentary on the billionaires that reside in multi-million dollar condos on Park Avenue of which the Kochs were part. Every summer they would load up their two or three SUVs and head to their summer home in the Hamptons. In doing so, every time they would insist on the door man and other workers in the lobby to help them load the vehicles. Not once did the Kochs every consider offering any of these people a tip for their services.
Yep, really compassionate guys.
Yep, really compassionate guys.
2
You let people like those staff people nickel and dime you like that and pretty soon you're not a multi billionaire any more. And how would that feel?
It's the reality, not the perception that's the problem. The Koch Brothers and their sycophants are in denial about that.
You can't buy our minds. Those of us who have our eyes open see what you want desperately to hide....
You can't buy our minds. Those of us who have our eyes open see what you want desperately to hide....
10
The Kochs remind me of two criminal masterminds in the fabled Gotham: The Joker and The Penguin. Both tried to buy the votes of the citizens with PR campaigns, only to be foiled by a just warrior and a few good men. To whom do right and good people turn in our darkest hour? Perhaps it will be Brooklyn's own son: Bernie Sanders.
10
America's very own House of Medici.
8
Though the Koch Brothers and I share very different positions on many issues, I do not blame them for their tactics. How many of the folks railing against the Koch brothers here wouldn't jump at the chance to use their millions to influence the political process if they had it?
No one should wield this much power simply because of their wealth. I don't care which side of the isle they support. The country needs institutional change. A good start would be overturning Citizens United.
However you feel about their politics, attacking the Kock Brothers personally is anger misdirected.
No one should wield this much power simply because of their wealth. I don't care which side of the isle they support. The country needs institutional change. A good start would be overturning Citizens United.
However you feel about their politics, attacking the Kock Brothers personally is anger misdirected.
4
I wouldn't. If you think someone else shouldn't do it, then you shouldn't either. Otherwise, you're just a hypocrite or you're upset that they have the power and you don't. No, that's just called life.
"How many of the folks railing against the Koch brothers here wouldn't jump at the chance to use their millions to influence the political process if they had it?"
Excellent, but troubling point. Easy to see how being really well-off can lead to some cognitive distortion about ascendance. Makes one wonder about self-susceptibility.
Excellent, but troubling point. Easy to see how being really well-off can lead to some cognitive distortion about ascendance. Makes one wonder about self-susceptibility.
These guys want people who expose animal cruelty to, not only be prosecuted and put in jail, but put on the terrorist watch list as well.
THAT is who the Koch brothers are - the rest is pure malarkey.
They are the dregs of society. There is nothing lower - period.
THAT is who the Koch brothers are - the rest is pure malarkey.
They are the dregs of society. There is nothing lower - period.
9
Sorry boys - you're going to have to get the dictionary to remove your picture, which is right next to the definition of "heartless, greedy scum".
13
So the wolves are now donning the wool.
11
In Kansas, anyone with brain knows the Koch brothers are really the KOOK brothers. They have bought the Governor and all the state GOP legislators who can't do anything but follow the Kook's orders.
15
If the Koch brothers instruct Scott Walker and their other candidates to clam up about the same-sex marriage ruling, I'll consider buying Stainmaster carpet. Until then, I'm restricting myself to Mohawk when I buy new carpet.
8
Ugly and shameful: profiting from fuel extraction from the ground.
Downright Satanic: influencing government to protect and perpetuate fuel mining.
Good and praiseworthy: not having anything to do with fuel extraction.
Angelic: influencing government for just policy that penalizes fuel extraction and redistributing the penalty to the entire economy (the people).
Downright Satanic: influencing government to protect and perpetuate fuel mining.
Good and praiseworthy: not having anything to do with fuel extraction.
Angelic: influencing government for just policy that penalizes fuel extraction and redistributing the penalty to the entire economy (the people).
2
We the People of the United States... uh, sorry... I mean we the Koch Brothers and all we can buy.
I'm pretty sure the United States got rid of kings for a reason. Time to get rid of Citizen's United and the unwanted influence of Those Who Would Be Kings money. The Koch Bros are doing the equivalent of shouting down anyone that doesn't agree with them buy buying up huge amounts of commercial air time and running their version of the "truth." Pravda under the Soviet USSR would be proud. No amount of revision will fix that they are rotten and self centered.
I'm pretty sure the United States got rid of kings for a reason. Time to get rid of Citizen's United and the unwanted influence of Those Who Would Be Kings money. The Koch Bros are doing the equivalent of shouting down anyone that doesn't agree with them buy buying up huge amounts of commercial air time and running their version of the "truth." Pravda under the Soviet USSR would be proud. No amount of revision will fix that they are rotten and self centered.
13
Even snakes remain snakes when they change their skins.
12
The Kochs have generations of extreme-right anti-democratic, planet-killing traditions.
Their $100 billion is probably the filthiest and most harmful stash of loot on the planet.
Their own brother calls Charles and David Koch "crooks."
The Kochs should envy the reputation of the lion-killing dentist, for they are far far fouler.
Their $100 billion is probably the filthiest and most harmful stash of loot on the planet.
Their own brother calls Charles and David Koch "crooks."
The Kochs should envy the reputation of the lion-killing dentist, for they are far far fouler.
13
SJK - Mark Lobel gave a good response to your question about libertarianism. There's also a very short answer, and that is that libertarianism appeals to those who are already the best off. It's like the guy safely in the lifeboat yelling "every man for himself" as the ship sinks behind him and his fellow passengers struggle to swim in the cold ocean waters.
16
Libertarianism: I have a right to blow cigarette smoke in your face; you have the right not to breathe.
1
Whether one agrees with the Koch brothers or not (for me, depends on the issue involved), it is interesting that last year they were regularly criticized for their secretive operations. So they responded by becoming open and letting folks know what they were up to. Given other comments here, it appears that they can't win.
2
You aren't very realistic if you think they are truly open.
They can't lie and expect us to let them get away with it. They cynically pander to fundamentalist Christians while they themselves do not share their views or values. Because they know fundamentalists are like bulls. Just wave the right red cape in front of them and they unthinkingly attack.
unknow who is truly open. obviously I know more about them than you. but fact it I know more about them than I used to because of what they have revealed and I think transparency is generally a good thing.
It's called a "whitewash".
Charles G. Koch + David H. Koch = Donald Trump
"If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts." ~ ALBERT EINSTEIN
Charles G. Koch + David H. Koch = Donald Trump
"If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts." ~ ALBERT EINSTEIN
5
The Koch brothers simply look at their political and philanthropic spending as a return on investment. They are willing to spend close to a billion dollars in this Presidential cycle and for that they want plenty in return. Don't think for a minute that what is in their best interest, is in yours. This is a government founded on the principal of for the people and by the people, and not founded to be for sale to the highest bidder.
6
There is an old saying that I think is appropriate for the
Koch brothers new image initiative: "A leopard never changes its spots."
Koch brothers new image initiative: "A leopard never changes its spots."
4
Since time immemorial, it has been the way of the power elite to placate the masses with entertainments, games, and petty favors to put a nicer gloss on their greedy, dominating ways.
The Roman emperors used gladiators to please the masses, modern day oligarchs use philanthropy. But except in rare cases, that does not stop them from their destructive ways.
I will believe the Kochs when they accept the science of climate change.
The Roman emperors used gladiators to please the masses, modern day oligarchs use philanthropy. But except in rare cases, that does not stop them from their destructive ways.
I will believe the Kochs when they accept the science of climate change.
6
The Kochs are the biggest threat to national security there is. Their subversion of our democracy and their antiworker agenda has driven many Americans into poverty. Their contamination of the environment has sickened and killed thousands and made many properties worthless. They are the ringmasters behind ALEC , climate deniers and the tea party. Even PBS isn't safe from their tentacles. Call them what they really are, anti-American traitors, who should be treated as such, because their policies have done more harm to us than any radical group overseas.
12
oh and done more thing Red voters, The Richest of the Rich Corporate Tea Party is not grass roots and if you do not know that by now the Koch's have ONE BILLION dollars to purchase God to sell that idea to you.
Red voters always willing to vote for their demise when they hear the words ...GOD, GUNS and NO TAXES.
Only problem is....the no taxes plan is not for you but them. You the red voter get handed their tax bill while defunding your kid's school to fund their tax free lives then pay Rubio, Walker, Jindal and Cruz to proclaim public education and higher education is a Bad Idea for Americans.
WHY" when 2 of them attended Harvard. The paid Rich henchmen can always sell Hypocrisy to the uneducated Red voter willing to eat dirt, lose a job if you say the magic words. God. Because God loves the Rich's welfare even when it creates YOUR welfare.
Wake up before your Koch Brownback Plan mired in fake altruism sells out America for the likes of China.
Red voters always willing to vote for their demise when they hear the words ...GOD, GUNS and NO TAXES.
Only problem is....the no taxes plan is not for you but them. You the red voter get handed their tax bill while defunding your kid's school to fund their tax free lives then pay Rubio, Walker, Jindal and Cruz to proclaim public education and higher education is a Bad Idea for Americans.
WHY" when 2 of them attended Harvard. The paid Rich henchmen can always sell Hypocrisy to the uneducated Red voter willing to eat dirt, lose a job if you say the magic words. God. Because God loves the Rich's welfare even when it creates YOUR welfare.
Wake up before your Koch Brownback Plan mired in fake altruism sells out America for the likes of China.
5
Here we go again. Facts will never interfere with "progressive" true believers. The comments here are right out of a comic book with the Koch brothers being the evil geniuses bent on world destruction.
2
Everybody would do well to revisit Eric Hoffer's "The True Believer", assuming they have already read it.
They are the ridiculous narcissists who believe God loves them so much He will bail them out of anything.
Vote for Trump. The Better Billionaire!
2
maybe having a lot of money sometimes you just get BORED and this gives these KOCHs something new to do just for the laughs amongst themselves.........this will last all of a weekend
1
If they want to change my image of them, they need to change the policies they support, particularly with respect to climate change.
I have seen some of the ads, which strike me merely as an effort to cover-up their environmental crimes and only worsens my impression of them. These are bad, bad people.
I have seen some of the ads, which strike me merely as an effort to cover-up their environmental crimes and only worsens my impression of them. These are bad, bad people.
4
Tea party extremists with deep pockets and multiple hidden agendas. Look closely at the what they actually do, not what they say. The only possible reason they would be showing any "softer side" is that their political actions are having a substantial negative impact on their business income. Learn where these people take your money and take your business elsewhere.
5
You can't put lipstick on a pig.
7
Hillary Clinton or the Kock brothers?
1
NEITHER!
The maddening aspect to the Koch's drive to install their own handmaidens is that controlling abortion rights or other "social issues" legislatively runs totally contrary to strict libertarianism which advocates government get the heck out of our lives. Period. The Kochs could care less about gay marriage and simply tolerate governing from the pulpit in places like Kansas and Wisconsin as long as their economic "conservative utopias" burn the current bureaucracies to the ground so that privatization can move in and reap the benefits. One need look no further than my home state of Kansas to see the results of this Faustian Bargain. Just a couple of good ol' boys. You bet.
9
The worst thing about the Kochs is that they don't know how awful they are. Money might not buy elections, but it buys time and influence...and that's the reason Congress works for the super-rich and not for the people. The Kochs are the problem that think they're the solution.
8
"...they don't know how awful they are." Well, of course they don't. John Birch Society folks never do. And don't believe for a second that in their hearts, they remain John Birch Society loyalists.
Unless and until the Kochs go public with their donor list, don't expect me to think of them as benevolent. They are rich, selfish, and secretive. A domestic axis of evil.
9
These appalling men think that they can hide what they are. They can't. They are greedy, malicious and mendacious. No amount of water in the Metropolitan Museum can clean up the other dirt they finance.
8
And Winifred Wagner always said Hitler loved little children. . . .
11
"After two elections in which Democrats and liberals sought to cast them as the secretive..."
"Democrats...are preparing to spend millions...to paint the Koch's political efforts as cynical and self-interested."
These quotes from the article demonize Democrats while the Koch's are described as "private" rather than secretive and victims of "misinformation" from apparently evil, manipulative forces. Let's get real.
The Koch's have spent hundreds of millions of dollars successfully undermining our political process and therefore our democracy. They want small government because small government means fewer workers employed by the government flooding the workforce so that private employers can better control their workers and pay them less. It has nothing to do with freedom from government and everything to do with enriching the already rich and enslaving the workforce. The Koch's can buy college curricula and ad time all they want but they aren't fooling most of us.
"Democrats...are preparing to spend millions...to paint the Koch's political efforts as cynical and self-interested."
These quotes from the article demonize Democrats while the Koch's are described as "private" rather than secretive and victims of "misinformation" from apparently evil, manipulative forces. Let's get real.
The Koch's have spent hundreds of millions of dollars successfully undermining our political process and therefore our democracy. They want small government because small government means fewer workers employed by the government flooding the workforce so that private employers can better control their workers and pay them less. It has nothing to do with freedom from government and everything to do with enriching the already rich and enslaving the workforce. The Koch's can buy college curricula and ad time all they want but they aren't fooling most of us.
11
If they want to improve their image then stick to their business and stay out of politics and telling the rest of the country how they should live their lives.
4
They're still the spawn of a founder of the John Birch Society. No amount of inherited wealth can scrub that stain away.
14
Simply compare how another well-known multimillionaire (Bill Gates) decided to pay back the societal structure that enabled his wealth and the supposed "classic liberal morality" of the Kochs is exposed as nothing but a manipulative smokescreen to mask their corrupt and unprincipled actions.
11
These boys are bad news. Third-generation immigrant teredos in our ship of state, and they need to be flushed out of it. Neither of them, nor any of their male ancestors has ever worn a uniform in the service of this country, and their grandfather apparently got his seed money building Stalin's oil industry.
10
It seems to me that the Kochs are not shy about naming certain things after themselves when it may be perceived as charitable to do so. I bristle each time I am forced to read "David H. Koch" spread across the screen before viewing the wonderful "Nova" on PBS. They seem to take delight in sponsoring PBS and NPR while all the time working to defund these public information stations completely. All their propaganda to "re-educate" us on their magnanimity will not change their behind the scenes activities. The leopard doesn't change his spots and neither do the Kochs.
13
They are taking a page out of an old playbook.....disinformation basically, just like the tobacco companies, Hitler etc.
They have the same mentality as they had in the 1950s, when their father was bankrolling the John Birch Society. They have the same mentality that they had in the 1970s and 1980s, when they were leading the Libertarian Party. And now they think we're stupid enough to buy this "aww, shucks, we're just regular folks!" PR spin? No, they haven't changed. Their goals and motivations haven't changed. They are ideologically driven by a very, very dangerous and extremist agenda.
14
Koch brothers' 'libertarian' ideology is, essentially, anti-American in the extreme. A 'libertarian' cannot truly tolerate any form of democracy because it would ultimately lead to rule by those who represent ALL of the people instead of by our sociopaths who believe themselves to be superior to others.
A 'libertarian' inevitably follows a belief system in which we are each, and all, utterly irresponsible for any of the rest of us because only the most arrogant deserve to live. That's an adolescently cute but absolutely clueless reading of human nature. Actual humans are not, and never have been, individually sustainable. We are a VERY social species or we quite simply wouldn't exist. We are a VERY cooperative species or we certainly wouldn't exist. When we begin to deny those qualities without which we wouldn't exist, our social structures - created to formalize social cooperation - disintegrate and the most sociopathic rush in by the hundreds of thousands to take advantage of that disintegration. The societies in which that has happened over our history as a species are societies which fail miserably and catastrophically...because in the abandonment of the social imperative no society can possibly exist.
Ultimately, we all advance more or less together or we all disappear together.”
A 'libertarian' inevitably follows a belief system in which we are each, and all, utterly irresponsible for any of the rest of us because only the most arrogant deserve to live. That's an adolescently cute but absolutely clueless reading of human nature. Actual humans are not, and never have been, individually sustainable. We are a VERY social species or we quite simply wouldn't exist. We are a VERY cooperative species or we certainly wouldn't exist. When we begin to deny those qualities without which we wouldn't exist, our social structures - created to formalize social cooperation - disintegrate and the most sociopathic rush in by the hundreds of thousands to take advantage of that disintegration. The societies in which that has happened over our history as a species are societies which fail miserably and catastrophically...because in the abandonment of the social imperative no society can possibly exist.
Ultimately, we all advance more or less together or we all disappear together.”
15
Go to Wichita! Walk around the downtown area, which I did last fall. The only well-maintained building is a private bank. There's also a nice hotel. But the other businesses are just scraping by. Go to Kansas. Look around. The Kochs and their friends have made a mess of their home state and they are trying hard to export that mess to where you live.
18
White rich and clueless is no way to go through life.
14
Koch brothers socially liberal?? This is totally ludicrous. See who they fund for president:
1) Scott Walker is vehemently opposes gay marriage. He said he swore an oath to uphold the state constitution and he supports "marriage between one man and one woman" and does not know if homosexuality is a choice. He opposes abortion, even in cases of RAPE and INCEST!
2) Jeb Bush is against gay marriage and in a May 18, 2015 interview, said he doesn't believe it's a constitutional right. Jeb also opposes the right of a woman to make decisions about abortion except in the extreme case of rape or incest.
3) Marco Rubio, “People who disagree with the traditional definition of marriage have the right to change their state laws." So no Federal protection for a fundamental human right. And he wants to roll back the Supreme Court protection of women's rights by banning abortion after 20 weeks.
4) Ted Cruz on 29, 2015 had some unsolicited advice for the states on the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage: Ignore it. Ted Cruz's 2016 bid epitomizes the GOP's new abortion extremism.
5) Rand Paul disagrees with the Supreme Court decision to give full equality to gays and briefly appears in a new documentary that argues gay rights are a threat to Christianity. Rand Paul declared that abortion access for rape victims isn’t worth talking about.
So if David Koch is a liberal on gay rights and social issues why does he fund politicians with obscene anti-gay and anti-women views?
1) Scott Walker is vehemently opposes gay marriage. He said he swore an oath to uphold the state constitution and he supports "marriage between one man and one woman" and does not know if homosexuality is a choice. He opposes abortion, even in cases of RAPE and INCEST!
2) Jeb Bush is against gay marriage and in a May 18, 2015 interview, said he doesn't believe it's a constitutional right. Jeb also opposes the right of a woman to make decisions about abortion except in the extreme case of rape or incest.
3) Marco Rubio, “People who disagree with the traditional definition of marriage have the right to change their state laws." So no Federal protection for a fundamental human right. And he wants to roll back the Supreme Court protection of women's rights by banning abortion after 20 weeks.
4) Ted Cruz on 29, 2015 had some unsolicited advice for the states on the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage: Ignore it. Ted Cruz's 2016 bid epitomizes the GOP's new abortion extremism.
5) Rand Paul disagrees with the Supreme Court decision to give full equality to gays and briefly appears in a new documentary that argues gay rights are a threat to Christianity. Rand Paul declared that abortion access for rape victims isn’t worth talking about.
So if David Koch is a liberal on gay rights and social issues why does he fund politicians with obscene anti-gay and anti-women views?
19
Implementation of the Koch Manifesto is their goal and they intend to achieve it buying legislators in every state and the Congress. We have been warned...Here's a few of their nefarious goals:
•Oppose all personal and corporate income taxation, including capital gains taxes.
•Repeal of all taxes on the income or property of private schools
•Repeal federal campaign finance laws and abolish Federal Election Commission.
• Oppose any tax-supported plan to provide health services, including those which finance abortion services.
•Terminate immediately all criminal and civil sanctions against tax evasion
•End to all subsidies for child-bearing including all welfare plans and the provision of tax-supported services for children.
•Oppose all government welfare, relief projects, and ‘aid to the poor’ programs.
Abolition of --
EPA
Energy department
Postal Service.
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
FAA
FDA
Medicare and Medicaid
Transportation Dept.,
•Privatize America's railroad system, public roads
Privatize inland waterways and water distribution systems
•Repeal OSHA
• Repeal minimum wage laws.
•Government ownership, operation, regulation, and subsidy of schools and colleges should be ended.
•Condemn compulsory education laws
•Oppose compulsory insurance or tax-supported plan to provide health services, including those which finance abortion services.
• Deregulation of the medical insurance industry.
•Repeal Social Security system.
We've been warned...
•Oppose all personal and corporate income taxation, including capital gains taxes.
•Repeal of all taxes on the income or property of private schools
•Repeal federal campaign finance laws and abolish Federal Election Commission.
• Oppose any tax-supported plan to provide health services, including those which finance abortion services.
•Terminate immediately all criminal and civil sanctions against tax evasion
•End to all subsidies for child-bearing including all welfare plans and the provision of tax-supported services for children.
•Oppose all government welfare, relief projects, and ‘aid to the poor’ programs.
Abolition of --
EPA
Energy department
Postal Service.
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
FAA
FDA
Medicare and Medicaid
Transportation Dept.,
•Privatize America's railroad system, public roads
Privatize inland waterways and water distribution systems
•Repeal OSHA
• Repeal minimum wage laws.
•Government ownership, operation, regulation, and subsidy of schools and colleges should be ended.
•Condemn compulsory education laws
•Oppose compulsory insurance or tax-supported plan to provide health services, including those which finance abortion services.
• Deregulation of the medical insurance industry.
•Repeal Social Security system.
We've been warned...
22
There wouldn't be a rather large once-mighty nation left to protect or defend. That leaves the Kochs to pay the Bush wars monthly bill of $12 Billion...well, they can afford it.
These men are libertarians who believe in the abolition of Medicare and Social Security (they don't pay into either one and don't need either one but the rest of us do); privatization of the water supply, the railroad system, public roads, the national highway system, and the postal service; the end of corporate taxation, all criminal sanctions against tax evasion, and minimum wage laws; the end of all public welfare, relief programs and aid to the poor. They can get new haircuts and call themselves liberals all day but they won't fool anyone who's paying attention.
12
The best way to fight the Koch Brothers is to hit them in the only place they value... Right in the wallet.
A partial list of Koch Brother Products to avoid:
-Angel Soft
-Angel Soft Ultra
-Brawny paper towels
-Dixie products
-Insulair cups
-Mardis Gras napkins
-Perfect Touch cups, paper products
-Quilted Northern
-Sparkle paper towels
-Vanity Fair napkins & paper towels
-Zee Napkins
A partial list of Koch Brother Products to avoid:
-Angel Soft
-Angel Soft Ultra
-Brawny paper towels
-Dixie products
-Insulair cups
-Mardis Gras napkins
-Perfect Touch cups, paper products
-Quilted Northern
-Sparkle paper towels
-Vanity Fair napkins & paper towels
-Zee Napkins
22
There's an app that will help you avoid their products:
http://www.buycott.com/campaign/239/avoid-koch-industries
http://www.buycott.com/campaign/239/avoid-koch-industries
Here in WI. we understand that Koch is a totally self-sustainIng parallel govt. run much like a turn-key franchise. When they target a State for take-over they roll into town with all the resources to flip every component of a State Govt. It is swift with no turning back. Scott Walker was chosen as their proxy by a Wi. partner while he was in his failed attempt at completing college. From the beginning he has been funded, guided, and scripted thru every election. The success of the Koch Franchise has returned great ROI and is poised, thru critical mass for the final run on the White House. They would like you to believe they are benevolent Dictators.
15
I find their personal politics abhorrent. But the larger point is that no single person or family should have so much influence over our national elections. It seriously compromises our democracy.
15
If the Koch brothers want people to like them, they should try getting their industrial waste out of our air and water, and their money out of our representative's pockets. All this Libertarian jargon is nothing more than a greedy rationalization for seeking political favors that enrich themselves at the expense of the public.
16
Sorry. Poison in a new bottle is still poison.
19
Until congress has the determination and fortitude to rewrite campaign finance laws we will be forever under the thumbs of people like the Kochs. Parading smiling faces across television screens as various Koch employees try to put a human face on their empire is insulting the intelligence of voters.
10
Agree. But those who would re-write the laws are on their payroll.
The devil assumes many poses and names throughout history -- Mr Scratch, Old Nick, the Old Gentleman, Beelzebub, prince of darkness, father of lies -- but whatever the PR spin of his minions, his role and basic actions are always the same, as are the LIES and fundamental dishonesty!
Any doubt?
Read the blatant disinformation spouted by Mark Holden, 'general counsel of Koch Industries':
“Charles obviously is a classical liberal, who believes in the Bill of Rights, and limited but necessary government ... ”
a "CLASSIC LIBERAL"???
Whatever else, the Koch's may be, they're definitely NOT "liberals" of any shape or form (classic, neoclassic, etc).
So, WHY the need to compulsive LIE and conceal true nature? Oh right, that's just what the devil and his gang ALWAYS do, no matter who they hobnob with or corrupt with their lucre!
Any doubt?
Read the blatant disinformation spouted by Mark Holden, 'general counsel of Koch Industries':
“Charles obviously is a classical liberal, who believes in the Bill of Rights, and limited but necessary government ... ”
a "CLASSIC LIBERAL"???
Whatever else, the Koch's may be, they're definitely NOT "liberals" of any shape or form (classic, neoclassic, etc).
So, WHY the need to compulsive LIE and conceal true nature? Oh right, that's just what the devil and his gang ALWAYS do, no matter who they hobnob with or corrupt with their lucre!
3
@NY'er, please check your facts. "Classic liberal" is a known and accepted description of a belief in natural rights and limited government. The term "liberal" as is commonly used today and conflates with "progressive" is a relatively modern interpretation of the term. Many of the most highly regarded thinkers such as Hume and Smith. This term is not new and, in the context it was written, it is 100% correct.
If the Chinese Communists need to be worried about the "masses" this morning; the Koch Brothers should worry about The French Revolution.
8
"After two elections in which liberals sought to cast them as the secretive face of the G.O.P...."
SOUGHT to cast them? Talk about pandering to the right. The Koch Brothers ARE the defining segment of the dark, destructive, backroom face of the GOP, along with ALEC.
David Koch just came out with his pick for president: Scott Walker. Gee, what a surprise. The puppet he and his brothers "elected" with their incendiary carpet-bombing, anti-union smears that the delusional people of Wisconsin bought. Look at austerity-driven Wisconsin now: a fiscal mess, right to work laws that now include weekends (soon to be mandatory, no doubt), and a state full of people who don't know what hit them. All Koch financed.
The Kochs plaster their names all over cultural institutions in New York and elsewhere to keep the powerful from criticizing them. They are a notoriously fractious "family," whose toxic empire generates obscene amounts of pollution (the 13th highest in the U.S.), and includes a death settlement over a pipe explosion that killed two Texas teens. They are doing their rabid best along with ALEC to destroy elected democracy in America. I am sorry to see the paper of record willing to purvey this whitewash.
They are parasites who can buy legislation and legislators and pretty much anything except for my vote.
Don't buy into the mirage. Bad for America. Bad for democracy. Very bad for ordinary Americans. I wish we could export them.
SOUGHT to cast them? Talk about pandering to the right. The Koch Brothers ARE the defining segment of the dark, destructive, backroom face of the GOP, along with ALEC.
David Koch just came out with his pick for president: Scott Walker. Gee, what a surprise. The puppet he and his brothers "elected" with their incendiary carpet-bombing, anti-union smears that the delusional people of Wisconsin bought. Look at austerity-driven Wisconsin now: a fiscal mess, right to work laws that now include weekends (soon to be mandatory, no doubt), and a state full of people who don't know what hit them. All Koch financed.
The Kochs plaster their names all over cultural institutions in New York and elsewhere to keep the powerful from criticizing them. They are a notoriously fractious "family," whose toxic empire generates obscene amounts of pollution (the 13th highest in the U.S.), and includes a death settlement over a pipe explosion that killed two Texas teens. They are doing their rabid best along with ALEC to destroy elected democracy in America. I am sorry to see the paper of record willing to purvey this whitewash.
They are parasites who can buy legislation and legislators and pretty much anything except for my vote.
Don't buy into the mirage. Bad for America. Bad for democracy. Very bad for ordinary Americans. I wish we could export them.
11
The Kochs' want to alter their image? Is that the only thing that matters? How about altering their entire philanthropy for JUST causes that would make a real difference in our citizens' lives instead? Contributing $889 to Republican Coffers is not philanthropy. It is plainly a buy-out of legislators to pursue their agenda which is keeping the 99% shackled with no chance of escaping. They get to make billions while they throw a few pennies to some liberal charities. It is shameful they are touting their generosity and magnanimity. Hypocrites !!! Their Image !!! I guess image is everything.
5
And pigs can fly.
5
We've seen this before.
"[The] servile instincts [of slaves] rendered them contented with their lot, and their patient toil blessed the land of their abode with unmeasured riches. Their strong local and personal attachment secured faithful service ... never was there happier dependence of labor and capital on each other. The tempter came, like the serpent of Eden, and decoyed them with the magic word of 'freedom' ... He put arms in their hands, and trained their humble but emotional natures to deeds of violence and bloodshed, and sent them out to devastate their benefactors." -- Jefferson Davis, The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government (1881)
"[The] servile instincts [of slaves] rendered them contented with their lot, and their patient toil blessed the land of their abode with unmeasured riches. Their strong local and personal attachment secured faithful service ... never was there happier dependence of labor and capital on each other. The tempter came, like the serpent of Eden, and decoyed them with the magic word of 'freedom' ... He put arms in their hands, and trained their humble but emotional natures to deeds of violence and bloodshed, and sent them out to devastate their benefactors." -- Jefferson Davis, The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government (1881)
1
Call me cynical, but I wouldn't trust the Koch brothers as far as I can throw them. Their throwing chump change at charities and "good" causes can only fool chumps, like the American people, a people who are seduced by the wealthy and wanna be like them.
11
The fact that they have the will - and are legally able - to spend $889 million for the 2016 elections is frightening. Two multi-billionaire brothers spending almost a billion dollars to help the Republican party, whose candidate will no doubt try to paint the Democratic nominee as beholden to special interests.
8
The Koch brothers are Satan personified.
2
Who needs friends when you have enemies like the economically clueless US left? The Koch brothers created the Tea Party [1]. The reason that the Tea Party has been so successful is because almost all Americans, including those on this forum who fondly think of themselves as progressives, liberals or lefties, have the same knee-jerk opposition as the Tea Party wing-nuts to the introduction of a federal GST or VAT which would apply to all goods and services, with the exception of food and other basic commodities.
When the NYT's 2008 Nobel Laureate for economics and regular contributor Paul Krugman tried on his NYT blog in November 2010 to explain to NYT readers the benefits of a federal VAT, he was howled down by readers [2].
Those American so-called liberals who oppose a federal VAT or GST will never understand this. You are playing right into the hands of the Koch Brothers and Grover Norquist. They must be laughing all the way to the bank.
1) http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2013/02/07/tobaccocontrol-20...
2) http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/why-im-soft-on-sales-taxes/
When the NYT's 2008 Nobel Laureate for economics and regular contributor Paul Krugman tried on his NYT blog in November 2010 to explain to NYT readers the benefits of a federal VAT, he was howled down by readers [2].
Those American so-called liberals who oppose a federal VAT or GST will never understand this. You are playing right into the hands of the Koch Brothers and Grover Norquist. They must be laughing all the way to the bank.
1) http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2013/02/07/tobaccocontrol-20...
2) http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/why-im-soft-on-sales-taxes/
1
The Koch Brothers don't believe pregnant women have civil liberties. Unlike Barry Goldwater, a true libertarian who supported abortion rights as a basic civil right, the Koch's hang with the radical Right which has done everything from doctoring tapes in order to attack Planned Parenthood (as well as hacking into PP databases to get the names of clients and donors) to harassing women at abortion clinics. They support the candidacies of many GOP pols who are trying to make abortion illegal in this country. They are more Ron Paul than Ayn Rand or Walter Block.
Beware the Kochs hiding in libertarian clothing!
Beware the Kochs hiding in libertarian clothing!
6
To quote another uber-rightist: Put lipstick on a pig, and it's still a pig.
6
"Charles obviously is a classical liberal " I think the PR spin is overblown. This is newspeak and a little scary that something so untrue would make the new york times.
9
If you're able to ignore the ongoing middle-class spriral into poverty, corporate tax breaks, endless wars, the crumbling infrastructure, a shrinking government that only exists to protect the interests of corporate billionaires who export our jobs, right-wing ideologically driven courts, massive cuts to higher education, union busting, serial pollution, science denial, political bribery, unbridled greed, and propaganda factories designed to mislead and divide the American People, these soft-focus television spots are for you.
7
"Conservatives" like the Koch claim the life in the U.S. under Barack Obama is like life in the former Soviet Union under Stalin.
Yet the truth is that the Koch Brothers aspire to re-create the U.S. in the image of "communist" China, Putin's Russia and Iran, by using the worst practices of each of those fascist countries.
Yet the truth is that the Koch Brothers aspire to re-create the U.S. in the image of "communist" China, Putin's Russia and Iran, by using the worst practices of each of those fascist countries.
5
They should know about Stalin's Russia since their daddy made a fortune there….call that all American? I don't.
I bet right now MN dentist Walter Palmer wants to rebrand himself, too. Good luck, folks.
Rotten is as rotten does. If the Kochs have their way, democracy will be as dead as Cecil.
Rotten is as rotten does. If the Kochs have their way, democracy will be as dead as Cecil.
14
Seems like desperation due to a lack of candidates in the GOP. They are pretty sure at this point they're going to lose the election.
1
It's all well and good that the brothers contribute to many laudable charities and groups. However, if it quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck it's probably a duck and they are far right-wing ducks. They are intent on buying control of state, local and national government, to force feed their agenda on the rest of us.
68
The Koch's have 100 Billion dollars and their whine is that the federal government is in their way, limiting their freedom.... good grief. I don't want your utopia and you don't want mine. So we get something in the middle, and that is what makes us the best country!
10
The Koch brothers invest "tens of millions" to build a grass-roots activist network. Maybe this explains why the Koch brothers political activities are described as cynical and self-interested Grass-roots organizations (in the real world) grow on their own, not with the heavy investment of people seeking a specific outcome from the peoples' efforts.
4
Even with lipstick, a pig is still a pig.
9
The Kochs are not the evil persons the left characterizes them as. Nor are they the vaunted persons the right characterizes them as. Life is more complex than that. I like some of the things they stand for and loathe others.
Each side needs to recognize the virtues and vices the Kochs possess, look at both the good and the not so good things they have done, and form opinions based on facts rather than empty conservative and liberal rhetoric that seems to pervade American politics and life these days.
Each side needs to recognize the virtues and vices the Kochs possess, look at both the good and the not so good things they have done, and form opinions based on facts rather than empty conservative and liberal rhetoric that seems to pervade American politics and life these days.
15
Fair enough.
Having looked at the good and not so good, my opinion is that the scales are heavily weighted towards the not so good.
Having looked at the good and not so good, my opinion is that the scales are heavily weighted towards the not so good.
You are way too reasoned and fair to be commenting here. Please take your logical thinking and go somewhere where this kind of thinking is understood, let alone appreciated.
2
The Koch's don't think people should get paid for their work as they are against the minimum wage. The Koch's also were instrumental in ending the mass transit projects in New Jersey and Florida by inviting the newly elected Governors of those states to a symposium where they were instructed to kill this projects to show that the Gov's mean business. In Florida that meant no high speed rail to alleviate traffic on a dangerous roadway and also meant 20 years of work went down the drain. Koch's can spin all they want to. Their actions will always speak louder.
1
The last 35+ years of very effective obscuration of their hands (and others) in the systematic destruction of this nation to create the fantasy nation they claim to believe used to be (but actually never was) has shown that they are very good at PR and very bad at being Americans.
What they and their coconspirators have done to America is actually more of a destruction/deconstruction of our government so they cannot be governed, than it is actual taking control of things. Rest assured that which they think they need to control, they have it or are working to get control of it.
To my mind there has not been a cabal of people with the necessary money, access and power interested in changing our government for their own benefit since the Confederacy and this cabal is way better at it than they were. Instead of destroying us so they can go their own way they have crippled our government with imposed ineffectualness so they can do as they please without much fear of real & proper governmental control being asserted over them.
To paraphrase Forest Gump “Evil is as Evil does”. To be clear even Hitler was a regular guy in his personal life nice to dogs, kind to children, built hospitals, expressing interest in the people around him. He even painted some.
Judge by the totality of their actions not just their words or the images the PR folks push. Even in this article the pictures are meant to show a certain “image”.
What they and their coconspirators have done to America is actually more of a destruction/deconstruction of our government so they cannot be governed, than it is actual taking control of things. Rest assured that which they think they need to control, they have it or are working to get control of it.
To my mind there has not been a cabal of people with the necessary money, access and power interested in changing our government for their own benefit since the Confederacy and this cabal is way better at it than they were. Instead of destroying us so they can go their own way they have crippled our government with imposed ineffectualness so they can do as they please without much fear of real & proper governmental control being asserted over them.
To paraphrase Forest Gump “Evil is as Evil does”. To be clear even Hitler was a regular guy in his personal life nice to dogs, kind to children, built hospitals, expressing interest in the people around him. He even painted some.
Judge by the totality of their actions not just their words or the images the PR folks push. Even in this article the pictures are meant to show a certain “image”.
3
Those two Koch brothers are the very embodiment of the evil superrich. Spending $889 million to elect a sea of bigoted, right-wing crusaders to Congress next year - who will support the Koch fossil-fuel interests to further enrich the Koch brothers. As the West Antarctic ice sheet melts, California turns into a desert, and island nations drown.
Jerks.
Jerks.
9
"Koch Brothers Brave Spotlight to Try to Alter Their Image"
The headline makes a bold assertion that is not backed up by any facts in the article.
The headline makes a bold assertion that is not backed up by any facts in the article.
2
The words "to try" hardly speak to assertion.
“Charles obviously is a classical liberal, who believes in the Bill of Rights, and limited but necessary government,” a Koch spokesman is quoted as saying.
Ha! When a couple of super-rich guys and their buddies get together and try to buy TOTAL control of the government for their own ends, there's another name for that. He's a classical "fascist," a right-wing totalitarian.
I lived through World War II. I was only a youngster, then, but I have a vivid memory of it. Believe me, fascism is not pretty.
There is only one, effective response to the Koch's: boycott all their companies, as well as their companies' suppliers and customers. And make it stick!
Ha! When a couple of super-rich guys and their buddies get together and try to buy TOTAL control of the government for their own ends, there's another name for that. He's a classical "fascist," a right-wing totalitarian.
I lived through World War II. I was only a youngster, then, but I have a vivid memory of it. Believe me, fascism is not pretty.
There is only one, effective response to the Koch's: boycott all their companies, as well as their companies' suppliers and customers. And make it stick!
11
Altruism isn't altruism if the actions are designed to benefit the benefactor.
If the Koch Brothers are interested in improving their reputations, they can halt funding political operations that subvert the democratic process by promoting deceitful propaganda, gerrymandering, lobbying and voter suppression.
If the Koch Brothers are interested in improving their reputations, they can halt funding political operations that subvert the democratic process by promoting deceitful propaganda, gerrymandering, lobbying and voter suppression.
25
You can put lipstick on a pig . . .
31
You can put lipstick on a pig -- but it's still a pig and in this case, pigs would be preferable to the Koch brothers, lipsticked or otherwise because the pigs have more integrity.
2
Like calling the current administration competent.
You should be grateful that patriots like the Kochs have neutralized the destructive influences of such progressive ilk as Public Service Unions and George Soros. When conservatives level the playing field liberals howl.
You should be grateful that patriots like the Kochs have neutralized the destructive influences of such progressive ilk as Public Service Unions and George Soros. When conservatives level the playing field liberals howl.
How about you take your billionaire money and put it back in your wallet, and stop buying my government?
67
You mean like the Clinton's and their foundation and their donations from foreign governments in return for an unstated quid pro quo. You libs r so hypocritical.
1
nothing short of a name change to "New Coke" will alter my impression of these guys.
17
Maybe making paranoia look good is harder than they thought.
26
The character assignation by the Left of these brothers is really pathetic. It just shows how petty some folks on the Left are in order to score a few points for their political agenda. The Koch brothers foundation has donated close to $500million to medical research and I was recently in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts where I was in W.I. Koch Gallery. Is seems to me, that we the people should be praising these folks.
8
What do you think their ratio of good works funding is to political manipulation funding?
As long as they fund cynical, manipulative political tactics and seek to suppress voting, their good works go for naught.
As long as they fund cynical, manipulative political tactics and seek to suppress voting, their good works go for naught.
21
William Koch has zero to do with his two crazy brothers.
Just because they gave some money to medical research doesn't make them good people, it just makes them people with a lot of dough who periodically do something decent with it but basically spend their time and money undermining democracy and attempting to by elections and ultimately "owning" our government.
Just because they gave some money to medical research doesn't make them good people, it just makes them people with a lot of dough who periodically do something decent with it but basically spend their time and money undermining democracy and attempting to by elections and ultimately "owning" our government.
4
@ Amy,
To paraphrase Forest Gump “Evil is as Evil does”. To be clear even Hitler was a regular guy in his personal life nice to dogs, kind to children, built hospitals, expressing interest in the people around him. He even painted some.
Judge by the totality of their actions not just their words or the images the PR folks push. Even in this article the pictures are meant to show a certain “image”.
BTW What medical corporations are they also invested in or own? They didn't "donate" that money it was an investment in their own business interests disguised as a "donation".
To paraphrase Forest Gump “Evil is as Evil does”. To be clear even Hitler was a regular guy in his personal life nice to dogs, kind to children, built hospitals, expressing interest in the people around him. He even painted some.
Judge by the totality of their actions not just their words or the images the PR folks push. Even in this article the pictures are meant to show a certain “image”.
BTW What medical corporations are they also invested in or own? They didn't "donate" that money it was an investment in their own business interests disguised as a "donation".
4
It would matter little which party benefits from such support as has been given by the Koch brothers - what's being called aggressive politics can never be moral. The stench of such campaigning is permanent.
There's a philosophy best expressed as "what's the point in having money if you can't buy a government with it?" We can only hope that there may come a pendulum swing away from the gullibility that allows so many votes to be thus purchased.
There's a philosophy best expressed as "what's the point in having money if you can't buy a government with it?" We can only hope that there may come a pendulum swing away from the gullibility that allows so many votes to be thus purchased.
29
So the Koch brothers go out front to tell us how wonderful they are while they continue to use their front organizations (ALEC, Americans for Prosperity, Center for American Progress, etc.) to destroy the nation. They should only crawl back under the rock from which they came!
47
The Koch brothers have a vested interest in the continuation of unabated pollution of the troposphere. The youngest brothers, David and William, are 75. They simply do not care that they are destroying the lowest layer of the atmosphere for profit. That profit is far more important to them than the air that the rest of us will be forced to breath once they are gone, and that pollution will be here long after they're no longer breathing.
32
And the sooner they stop turning our good Oxygen into CO2 the better off we'll all be.
Meine lieben Brüder Koch oder mijn geliefde broeders Koch,
It usually takes longer to repair the brand (name) than to besmirch it.
Viel Glück und Veel Geluk
It usually takes longer to repair the brand (name) than to besmirch it.
Viel Glück und Veel Geluk
10
This is even more dangerous than their current buying of American elections, because "low information" voters will not mis-trust these men who are making it their job to dismantle the entire federal government. http://www.sanders.senate.gov/koch-brothers
22
They are free to try to change their image but there's no way to change the fact that they literally try to buy elections.
21
It's too late. Their brand is irretrievably damaged. Let them throw out their billions on pr, the public knows too much about them. Plus, they support Scott Walker, so how can they come across as compassionate? He brags about closing Planned Parenthood and preventing unions from collective bargaining.
However, it's good to see them scared, probably about Trump, too -- why else would they care about this?
However, it's good to see them scared, probably about Trump, too -- why else would they care about this?
23
The Koch "brand" may be beyond repair to nytimes readers, but for the
majority of voters as indicated in the Koch polling, they have "no opinion"
and are ripe for the requisite brainwashing that can occur through the
magically persuasive powers of Madison Avenue. Don't kid yourself.
These guys are engaging in the classic shell game of "look how we
donate to the arts and education" so that they can continue to buy
politicians who'll eliminate their tax bills and enable the continued poisoning of the planet.
majority of voters as indicated in the Koch polling, they have "no opinion"
and are ripe for the requisite brainwashing that can occur through the
magically persuasive powers of Madison Avenue. Don't kid yourself.
These guys are engaging in the classic shell game of "look how we
donate to the arts and education" so that they can continue to buy
politicians who'll eliminate their tax bills and enable the continued poisoning of the planet.
It all comes down to what we want America to be. Do we want a country that is owned and controlled by a tiny percentage of super wealthy citizens, with the rest of us living a second class (at best) existence? In other words, do we want severe economic inequality? This is the Koch vision, an oligarchy. Or do we want a country in which everyone's vote counts, where there is a healthy middle class and access to opportunity for everyone regardless of where they are born or how much money their parents have? This is a representative democracy, and it is possible only if controls are put on rampant capitalism.
Right now we do not need to reduce the size of government. We need to do just the opposite. By that I mean we should be spending money on infrastructure, education, research, and green energy, to list a few pressing needs. We are falling behind the other developed countries of the world in these respects. And yes, this will mean higher taxes for the likes of the Koch brothers and their companies. Don't be fooled by their PR; they are the same greedy guys they've always been.
Right now we do not need to reduce the size of government. We need to do just the opposite. By that I mean we should be spending money on infrastructure, education, research, and green energy, to list a few pressing needs. We are falling behind the other developed countries of the world in these respects. And yes, this will mean higher taxes for the likes of the Koch brothers and their companies. Don't be fooled by their PR; they are the same greedy guys they've always been.
139
They want government control for the little people, and none for themselves. That's how they will make government "smaller." And, surprise, the little people will get to pay for their own servitude management. Remember Leona Helmsley? That's a broadly held belief.
8
Very well said Jeff, almost couldn't have said it better my self, tho i would add ...health and rising, upwardly striving/mobile middle class present in the society and "rampant, relentless, backstabbing, heartless greed" in addition to "rampant capitalism"
1
They want to "rebrand" themselves all while buying an election for their own self interests? You have got to be kidding me. People should research online how entrenched they are in all kinds of think tanks and happy sounding organizations like "Americans for Prosperity." They have been smart and played the long game by buying their way into small towns with local elections with often disastrous results for the people.
People need to wake up! This is the new plutocracy watered generously by the Supreme Court in the Citizens United ruling. If we want our democracy back, forget the repackaging of the plutocratic Kochs, champion campaign finance reform. All speech is not free as witnessed by the BILLION dollars the Kochs plan to spend to get the president of their choice into office.
People need to wake up! This is the new plutocracy watered generously by the Supreme Court in the Citizens United ruling. If we want our democracy back, forget the repackaging of the plutocratic Kochs, champion campaign finance reform. All speech is not free as witnessed by the BILLION dollars the Kochs plan to spend to get the president of their choice into office.
22
An important step to take to determine realistic recompense for work efforts and for business development efforts is to evaluate the amounts of muscular and also neurological physical energy it takes to do a job; and then to compare that to the take-home wages employees receive. Another important step to take is to evaluate the amounts of muscular and neurological physical energy it takes to manage a business, to own a business, and to invest in a business; and evaluate these outcomes in relationship to wages managers earn, bonuses managers earn, income owners earn, and income investors earn. Then look at the disparities in relationship to wages, bonuses, incomes and investment incomes of the aforementioned subgroups of people in order to adjust for disparities in money earned in relationship to muscular and neurological outputs that are used to carry out the respective job and business role tasks. Then evaluate what it costs to have basic necessary nutrition, housing, safe neighborhoods, education, transportation, time off from work, and medical care; and then factor those costs into the aforementioned income differences. There will be the need for adjustments. These will still leave those with high incomes and significant amounts of wealth much more money and wealth than they need for leading healthy and effective lives, just not obscene amounts at the expense of the lives of others, and just not obscene amounts to use to buy-off others in order to get what one wants.
1
The Koch brothers are not the problem, nor from the other ideological side is Soros. The problem is us, the American people who, with all the opportunity bestowed on us by our far sighted founders with our Constitutution and government structure, have abidicated our voice through willing ignorance and voter apathy.
That apathy and willigng ignorance by at least half of us, has allowed the activist minority to gain its power, its influence to create the situation we have which is:
a capitalism, allowed to go under-regulated resulting in failing to harness its economic power for the public good rather than its natural unregulated tendancy to concentrate profit and wealth in the hands of those with the power it enables, ultimately leading to self destruction.
A Congress able to be manipulated, gerrymandered, bought and sold by those with the power and wealth in the absence of the majority to "too"busy or willingly ignorant to care.
An Executive branch too easily auctioned off to the highest bidder in the absence of high voter turnouts by those who choose not to participate or inform themselves.
A Supreme Court that over time ultimately reflects the will of those with the power in Congress and the Executive. Citizens United is the natural result.
No, it is not the Kochs, it is us. Australia fixed its similar probem nearly 100 years ago with mandatory voting as a requirment citizenship, in addition to mere privilage.
That apathy and willigng ignorance by at least half of us, has allowed the activist minority to gain its power, its influence to create the situation we have which is:
a capitalism, allowed to go under-regulated resulting in failing to harness its economic power for the public good rather than its natural unregulated tendancy to concentrate profit and wealth in the hands of those with the power it enables, ultimately leading to self destruction.
A Congress able to be manipulated, gerrymandered, bought and sold by those with the power and wealth in the absence of the majority to "too"busy or willingly ignorant to care.
An Executive branch too easily auctioned off to the highest bidder in the absence of high voter turnouts by those who choose not to participate or inform themselves.
A Supreme Court that over time ultimately reflects the will of those with the power in Congress and the Executive. Citizens United is the natural result.
No, it is not the Kochs, it is us. Australia fixed its similar probem nearly 100 years ago with mandatory voting as a requirment citizenship, in addition to mere privilage.
66
Noble sentiments, but, respectfully, you do not take into account the deliberate crippling of our educational system by those, such as the Koch brothers, in order to create just what you lament: an apathetic electorate. If our citizens are fed lies, for example that both sides are equally to blame for their problems so why vote, they will act in just such a manner: and allow the cynical rich to control their lives.
I think it is both. Us and them.
Excellent overview and, sadly, a very accurate one. You might add the initiatives to control and limit access to the ballot under the guise of voter fraud by individuals like Kris Kobach as well.
I would support all citizens voting as a requirement provided access is equal to all.
I would support all citizens voting as a requirement provided access is equal to all.
This calls to mind "the new Nixon", who was more electable; but, in his heart of hearts, was the same old Nixon.
6
Slime. Dad was co-founder of the racist John Birch Society. Born billionaires.
19
But that’s hardly surprising, given that their Koch brother's father made the family’s first fortune in the 1930s by building oil pipelines for Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.
At home, he supported racial segregation and the white supremacist John Birch Society. Dad's ideology segues into the Southern red states thought process.
At home, he supported racial segregation and the white supremacist John Birch Society. Dad's ideology segues into the Southern red states thought process.
from David Koch's 1980 Libertarian VP Run platform, (actually ran against Reagan)
What Koch Libertarians eventually want:
“We favor the abolition of Medicare and Medicaid programs.”
“We favor the repeal of the Social Security system."
“We also favor the deregulation of the medical insurance industry.”
“We urge the repeal of federal campaign finance laws, and the immediate abolition of the despotic Federal Election Commission.”
“We oppose all personal and corporate income taxation, including capital gains taxes.”
“We support the eventual repeal of all taxation.”
“As an interim measure, all criminal and civil sanctions against tax evasion should be terminated immediately.”
“We support repeal of all laws such as minimum wage laws.
“We condemn compulsory education laws … and we call for the immediate repeal of such laws.”
“We support the abolition of the Environmental Protection Agency.”
“We support abolition of the Department of Energy.”
“We call for the dissolution of the Department of Transportation.”
“We advocate the abolition of the Federal Aviation Administration.”
“We advocate the abolition of the Food and Drug Administration.”
“We oppose all government welfare, relief projects, and ‘aid to the poor’ programs."
“We call for the repeal of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.”
“We call for the abolition of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.”
What Koch Libertarians eventually want:
“We favor the abolition of Medicare and Medicaid programs.”
“We favor the repeal of the Social Security system."
“We also favor the deregulation of the medical insurance industry.”
“We urge the repeal of federal campaign finance laws, and the immediate abolition of the despotic Federal Election Commission.”
“We oppose all personal and corporate income taxation, including capital gains taxes.”
“We support the eventual repeal of all taxation.”
“As an interim measure, all criminal and civil sanctions against tax evasion should be terminated immediately.”
“We support repeal of all laws such as minimum wage laws.
“We condemn compulsory education laws … and we call for the immediate repeal of such laws.”
“We support the abolition of the Environmental Protection Agency.”
“We support abolition of the Department of Energy.”
“We call for the dissolution of the Department of Transportation.”
“We advocate the abolition of the Federal Aviation Administration.”
“We advocate the abolition of the Food and Drug Administration.”
“We oppose all government welfare, relief projects, and ‘aid to the poor’ programs."
“We call for the repeal of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.”
“We call for the abolition of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.”
22
If The Koch's were liberal democrats and wanted to buy the presidency for a democrat would you all be foaming at the mouth?
Again, the censors don't like this comment, not sure why?
Again, the censors don't like this comment, not sure why?
1
And yet behold, here;'s your comment.
1
I am against any individual or group that attempts to buy their way into control.
3
@ Laura Hunt: Nobody is foaming at the mouth; but millions of us are very concerned about the John Birchers of the World taking over and running over the rest of us, the future and the planet.
3
The Koch philosophy of libertarianism is anything but. It's fascism plain and simple. Their politicians worship at the alter of their corporate masters. Go back and look at Mussolini's speech writer's definition of fascism during World War II. It's the new Republican brand. It's truly horrifying.
15
Makes one wonder if there might be a genetic connection between the Koch and Krupp family -- shiver me timbers.
How touching. Let's play a small violin for the brothers who have been so bullied by the big bad media ganging up on them. Down, peasants, down!
11
Funny, if as many people expressed the same level of outrage and intensity over the Koch's attempts to return our society back to the feudal model as was recently demonstrated nation wide over the death of one lone lion in Africa, the Kochs ideas of economic fairness would'nt have a prayer.
6
These two are true Americans. How they choose to spend their money is their own business and they earned that money fair and square. The fact that they have been donating to libertarian causes since the 1960s and not getting much traction should give anyone critical of them pause. What if all this time they had been donating to the cause of marriage equality? Few progressives would complain. If you think their view of capitalism is "ugly" (as one reader put it) why not ask the employees of Koch Industries how they are treated? I bet a blind survey would show that employees are happy and proud of the work they do.
1
"These two are true Americans."
As opposed to false Americans like me? The word 'true' is redundant, and without that word, the entire sentence simply says they are U.S. citizens. I guess you're telling us this isn't about foreigners trying to buy the U.S. presidency.
"They earned that money fair and square". We know that they started out with nothing, do we? Oh, wait, they inherited a ton of money, so what do I / you / we know about how they "earned" that money?
Inquiring minds want to know...
As opposed to false Americans like me? The word 'true' is redundant, and without that word, the entire sentence simply says they are U.S. citizens. I guess you're telling us this isn't about foreigners trying to buy the U.S. presidency.
"They earned that money fair and square". We know that they started out with nothing, do we? Oh, wait, they inherited a ton of money, so what do I / you / we know about how they "earned" that money?
Inquiring minds want to know...
2
One reason their employees are happy is due to laws and regulations protecting their health, safety and working conditions. The brothers would repeal all such protections.
2
"True Americans" ! If they had their way they would dismantle The Constitution and run this country like the Plutocrats they are !
2
Want to change your image? Quit trying to use your money to subvert democracy and make life worse for everyone who doesn't happen to be as rich as you are. In other words, stop doing the things that got you the bad image in the first place.
119
White washing yourself does not change who or what you are. We've got your number Koch bros. We've got your number!
9
Like changing the deck chairs on the Titanic~it aint gonna work. Just look at their protege, Gov. Scott Walker, and you have all you need to know about the Kochs: anti-environment, anti-worker, anti-woman, etc.
12
But on the bright side, the Koch's have obviously realized their financial support of a particular candidate can actually lower that candidate's appeal among the general public. Eventually Republicans will realize that wealthy campaign donors taint all of the candidates they touch, that Citizens United has insulated candidates even further, and that the Party will soon lose all control over the nomination process. When that happens, Republicans will join Democrats in sponsoring a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens. If their contributors will allow them, of course.
5
"If their contributors will allow them" - Republicans don't like having to spend half their time fund-raising, but the corporations have gained $Trillions in advantages because of Citizens United, so they will fight tooth-and-nail to keep it. Since Republican candidates are, by definition, bought and paid-for, there will always be another potential candidate to be the corporations' stooge. The Republican party will either decimate the country for their corporate masters, or the American public will wake up.
Here's a thought: if you want to alter your image, use your vast wealth to help poor people instead of to try to buy politicians and elections.
8
The Koch brothers were never poor - they were born wealthy. This means they believe that everyone who is not wealthy is a loser because of their own lack of "gumption" to make it rich. Their ultimate goal is the dismantling of the federal government, including all protections - environmental, consumer, and worker, the elimination of Social Security and Medicare and all other "safety net" programs. The world that the Koch brothers want is one where they and the corporations can do anything they want, including pollute at will, fleece consumers at will (without retribution), and pay and treat employees any way they would like. They would prefer that their companies are monopolies, and that no new businesses can be created to compete with them. In summary, the Kochs are the worst of worst of "Robber barons", having no interest in giving up their wealth to the "unwashed masses", who they believe don't deserve anything but disdain.
Actions speak louder than words. The Koch's know the game. If you want to your Ideology to massive Red voters you must balance the scales to show that you are a humanitarian by giving to those opposing your views.
They have the money to fund what people like Trump even admits to doing. He is a GOP and gives to multiple Liberal Dem Candidates.
The problem is their Kansas Tax Model that is replicated in most Red States now has bankrupted Kansas and is created Welfare and Unemployment and huge Red state debt.
If the Koch's were serious why would they create a tax plan for the Rich and Corporations in their own home state that gave them ZERO % tax rate and then handed the Red residents a 300% increase in taxes to pay for it?
Why doesn't the NY Times reporter find that out?
If the Koch's simply paid 1% tax on the Billions of profit in Kansas state---the public schools shutting down and the unemployment it is causing would change. But they WON"T because this is their whole objective to buy and sell their propaganda to both parties to Obtain the Big Banana.
PLUTOCRACY. Where Corporations run the Government without Regulations and taxes and the burden falls onto all the Minions.
This Ideology is behind the largest push on Cheap Uneducated Labor this Country will ever see. They want public education GONE...Charles hates minimum wage and EPA.
I hope you like China because Cheap labor and Pollution is the end game. GOODBYE MIDDLE CLASS.
They have the money to fund what people like Trump even admits to doing. He is a GOP and gives to multiple Liberal Dem Candidates.
The problem is their Kansas Tax Model that is replicated in most Red States now has bankrupted Kansas and is created Welfare and Unemployment and huge Red state debt.
If the Koch's were serious why would they create a tax plan for the Rich and Corporations in their own home state that gave them ZERO % tax rate and then handed the Red residents a 300% increase in taxes to pay for it?
Why doesn't the NY Times reporter find that out?
If the Koch's simply paid 1% tax on the Billions of profit in Kansas state---the public schools shutting down and the unemployment it is causing would change. But they WON"T because this is their whole objective to buy and sell their propaganda to both parties to Obtain the Big Banana.
PLUTOCRACY. Where Corporations run the Government without Regulations and taxes and the burden falls onto all the Minions.
This Ideology is behind the largest push on Cheap Uneducated Labor this Country will ever see. They want public education GONE...Charles hates minimum wage and EPA.
I hope you like China because Cheap labor and Pollution is the end game. GOODBYE MIDDLE CLASS.
63
The younger members of the family asked Edelman how they could improve their image and were told that Edelman couldn't do anything for them if the brothers didn't change their politics...
2
Honestly, I don't care for the political causes the Koch's support, but at the same time, it's not like they can MAKE me vote for the candidates they like. Also, as much as I would like to see support for progressive government programs, if they hypothetically decided to do an about face an spend as much money supporting democratic candidates, I doubt there would be such an uproar (which would strike me as a bit hypocritical). If people think their political contributions or involvement on behalf of conservative politics is inappropriate, then it should be equally inappropriate when a rich donor contributes large sums to liberal groups. Similarly, the fact that they're billionaires and liberal candidates may only be able to millionaires is neither here nor there. I may not like the GOP, but make no mistake... If any of the current democratic Presidential candidates had a donor willing to provide that much financial support to their campaign, they would (and often do) find ways to take advantage of that resource. And again, all the campaigning and think tanks in the world can't force someone to vote. If you want someone to blame (as usual) it's not the bogey man, it's US, the everyday voters. If we each vote intelligently and in our own subjective self interests, the aggregate result reflects the will of the majority. The Koch's, like most people, are a mixed bag, but they're not the source of our nation's problems. Our problem is voters.
19
Unfortunately your comment about not being able to manipulation people's vote is contrary to decades of experience with brainwashing and propaganda. That Koch Brothers are free to blanket the airwaves with messaging about ONLY the things they think you'll agree with, and avoid any messaging about things they think you won't agree with.
With sufficient money, they can go a long way toward obstructing the ability for people to find out things about their activities people don't agree with.
The Kochs are an aristocratic family with no current generation experience of being a working stiff just trying to scratch out a living. They are like the aristocrats of old England sitting in their castles on their large estates dictating to the masses what is right and wrong, but like everyone else their impression of "right and wrong" is what suits them as aristocrats.
With sufficient money, they can go a long way toward obstructing the ability for people to find out things about their activities people don't agree with.
The Kochs are an aristocratic family with no current generation experience of being a working stiff just trying to scratch out a living. They are like the aristocrats of old England sitting in their castles on their large estates dictating to the masses what is right and wrong, but like everyone else their impression of "right and wrong" is what suits them as aristocrats.
2
The failure in your argument (as I see it at least) is that a billionaire donating to liberal causes is a billionaire that is willing to pay more taxes into the system (and possibly even see regulations put into place that might further limit their income, depending on what industry he/she is involved in), whereas a billionaire donating to conservative causes is a billionaire that is not willing to pay for anything for anyone else, and is interested only in hoarding all of the money for themselves.
This is one huge difference, and it should not be overlooked (imo).
This is one huge difference, and it should not be overlooked (imo).
3
They may not be the sole source of our nation's problems but they are certainly a big part of them. They support some of the worst Red State and Right Wing dangerous political ideas and politicians from Sam Brownback and Scott Walker to Rand Paul and Ted Cruz !
1
Since 1776 it seems Republicans and Democrats are living in a fantasy Political system, they pre arrange elections without respecting the Constitution and federal , state and city charters. In 21st Century every one is equal and there is no such thing as competition of ideologies as long as two parities rule continues . It is true doesn't it since the founding fathers of American democracy. Well now it doesn't work.
In order to advances the human civilizations fair competition helps grow people knowledge and laws enormously in a true democratic system. Its everyone Civic duty to uplift America even Kock Brothers should be fair when it comes to Change America with new Polotical ideologies of Human Fealty from Democracy.
In order to advances the human civilizations fair competition helps grow people knowledge and laws enormously in a true democratic system. Its everyone Civic duty to uplift America even Kock Brothers should be fair when it comes to Change America with new Polotical ideologies of Human Fealty from Democracy.
I realize that a person's views can change over time. but here is the platform, in part, that David Koch endorsed as the Libertarian Party's v-p candidate in 1980.
“We urge the repeal of federal campaign finance laws ….”
“We favor the abolition of Medicare and Medicaid programs.”
“We also favor the deregulation of the medical insurance industry.”
“We favor the repeal of the …Social Security system.”
We oppose all personal and corporate income taxation, including capital gains taxes.”
“We support the eventual repeal of all taxation.”
“We support repeal of all law which impede the ability of any person to find employment, such as minimum wage laws.”
“We condemn compulsory education laws … ”
“We support the repeal of all taxes on the income or property of private schools, whether profit or non-profit.”
“We support the abolition of the Environmental Protection Agency.”
“We call for the privatization of the public roads and national highway system.”
“We specifically oppose laws requiring an individual to buy or use so-called "self-protection" equipment such as safety belts, air bags, or crash helmets.”
“We advocate the abolition of the Food and Drug Administration.”
“We support an end to all subsidies for child-bearing built into our present laws, including all welfare plans and the provision of tax-supported services for children.”
“We oppose all government welfare, relief projects, and ‘aid to the poor’ programs ….”
A regular Utopia.
“We urge the repeal of federal campaign finance laws ….”
“We favor the abolition of Medicare and Medicaid programs.”
“We also favor the deregulation of the medical insurance industry.”
“We favor the repeal of the …Social Security system.”
We oppose all personal and corporate income taxation, including capital gains taxes.”
“We support the eventual repeal of all taxation.”
“We support repeal of all law which impede the ability of any person to find employment, such as minimum wage laws.”
“We condemn compulsory education laws … ”
“We support the repeal of all taxes on the income or property of private schools, whether profit or non-profit.”
“We support the abolition of the Environmental Protection Agency.”
“We call for the privatization of the public roads and national highway system.”
“We specifically oppose laws requiring an individual to buy or use so-called "self-protection" equipment such as safety belts, air bags, or crash helmets.”
“We advocate the abolition of the Food and Drug Administration.”
“We support an end to all subsidies for child-bearing built into our present laws, including all welfare plans and the provision of tax-supported services for children.”
“We oppose all government welfare, relief projects, and ‘aid to the poor’ programs ….”
A regular Utopia.
151
@Lew
I note they don't call for the end of government subsidization of religion in their manifesto.
I note they don't call for the end of government subsidization of religion in their manifesto.
Holy cats.
Worse. A regular Yemen.
If they succeed in even one of their frightening goals, it will spell the grotesque end to our once bright and shiny Colonists' dreams.
If they succeed in even one of their frightening goals, it will spell the grotesque end to our once bright and shiny Colonists' dreams.
Understandable that the Kochs are mounting a charm offensive, and they surely enjoy the resources to do so. Their effort does not ease my suspicion of them and their plans for 2016 underscore the dangers unleashed by Citizens United.
I stopped purchasing the consumer products made by Koch after the 2010 election. The company owns or has owned some iconic brands (Vanity Fair napkins, Great Northern and Charmin toilet tissue and many others), but I will not knowingly support the Kochs' agenda with my disposable income.
I stopped purchasing the consumer products made by Koch after the 2010 election. The company owns or has owned some iconic brands (Vanity Fair napkins, Great Northern and Charmin toilet tissue and many others), but I will not knowingly support the Kochs' agenda with my disposable income.
6
Well, they've been running those feel-good, fuzzy-warm ads on TV, hoping viewers will not already have an opinion about them. They are outrageous frauds, whose membership to the human race should be suspended, indefinitely. My mother always said, "If they'll do it at home, they'll do it when they get out." People don't lie and cheat SOME of the time, but are scrupulously honest and kind the rest of the time.
5
Reporters please keep your eyes on the prize: removal of all obstacles to the operations of these billionaires economic exploitation of oil, minerals, and forests without regard to how they destroy ecosystems and human communities.
4
These men represent everything that is wrong with this country. They don't care about people. They only care about lining their pockets. They are fascists in every sense of the word (even if they don't think so).
9
Why do they think that the pennies they toss at social justice & personal liberty issues should change our perception of them? Part of libertarianism is about personal liberties, so of course this should be of at least minor concern to them. Nothing noteworthy here.
But $20 million (or whatever pocket change they have on them) pales in comparison to the almost $1 billion they are going to hand the republican party, which cares about ...drum roll... liberty for companies to do anything they darn well please. Their priorities are crystal clear. And I, as a little person, am not one of them.
But $20 million (or whatever pocket change they have on them) pales in comparison to the almost $1 billion they are going to hand the republican party, which cares about ...drum roll... liberty for companies to do anything they darn well please. Their priorities are crystal clear. And I, as a little person, am not one of them.
5
Using your billions to buy off our democracy, to enact your toxic policies is hardly ennnobling. The Kochs deserve every bit of derision they receive. And then some. They do great harm to our country, our people and our politics. No amount of p.r. spin will alter this.
9
I am at a loss as to why people vilify the Koch brothers and their interest and influence on the American political process. This is only the logical outcome of the Free Enterprise-Capitalist system in which the driving force is to maximize return for the entrepreneurs and stockholders. This includes the influencing of govennemnt to obtain the best benefits for the capitalists. Even Adam Smith recognized is the system he described that the workers get the short end of the stick. The key to this, if it is indeed possible in our current political and social situation, is for the majority who are not major players in Capitalism to get control of the system and work at getting a reasonable share of the Country's (and the World's) wealth.
1
I don't support any of the political causes the Koch brothers support. However, I have remained mystified by the whining from the left. Why shouldn't the brothers Koch support any darned thing they please - including purchase of political candidates? If political candidates are for sale, and if people are willing to vote for candidates funded by Koch, the fault lies in us and not in the brothers Koch.
There are instances in recent history where people have voted for extremists (see Egypt and Iraq). That average Americans vote for a party that has every interest in destroying the economy, starting wars, and shafting everyone other than the top 1% - with promises to gut legislation that ensures equality to genders and races, and a woman's right to choose, and affordable healthcare - is a sign that we are no different, no better than other people who pull pretty much the same trick on the electorate.
Democrats have failed in two ways - and both are characterized by incessant crying and whining. First, when in charge, they have ruled by anecdote (trying to legislate moved solely by hard luck stories of grief) and tried to help the people and things that cannot be helped. Americans love guns; let it go democrats. Second, they have failed to engage the non-voters in ways that makes explicit the agenda of the right. B. Sanders is doing that now, and he is getting traction. Otherwise, democrats is American for effete and callow.
Kalidan
There are instances in recent history where people have voted for extremists (see Egypt and Iraq). That average Americans vote for a party that has every interest in destroying the economy, starting wars, and shafting everyone other than the top 1% - with promises to gut legislation that ensures equality to genders and races, and a woman's right to choose, and affordable healthcare - is a sign that we are no different, no better than other people who pull pretty much the same trick on the electorate.
Democrats have failed in two ways - and both are characterized by incessant crying and whining. First, when in charge, they have ruled by anecdote (trying to legislate moved solely by hard luck stories of grief) and tried to help the people and things that cannot be helped. Americans love guns; let it go democrats. Second, they have failed to engage the non-voters in ways that makes explicit the agenda of the right. B. Sanders is doing that now, and he is getting traction. Otherwise, democrats is American for effete and callow.
Kalidan
2
I think I'm in the minority, but also correct when I say that climate issues are the most significant and pressing problems on the policy agenda today, so any positive actions the Kochs may take in this world will be more than offset by their stubborn antagonism toward mature steps that we should take to address developing climate-related concerns. I don't want to give the impression of being a one issue person. I know there are many other critical, pressing problems in the world. Rather, I would stress that as serious as they may be, none is bigger than the threat that climate change poses to all life on the planet, and so however laudable the Kochs' actions may be in other areas, I view them as strong adversaries to the public interest overall.
1
Like the robber-barons of yore, the Kochs realize now that they have an image problem. I have to laugh when I see the slick ads promoting Koch Industries and featuring attractive young folks. As the architects of ALEC, the Kochs have been insidiously working on the states to undermine the Federal government. To me, they seem to be the reincarnation of the Krupp family in Germany.
6
If they want to change my opinion of them, let them withdraw their "donations" to their favorite political puppets and stop feeding their wish lists to governors to turn into laws. Let them give some of their money to help the working people whose lives of labor crank out profits for them and have all along. Other than that, it's all lipstick on an oinker. Or a couple of them.
6
The Koch brothers, Tom Steyer, Michael Bloomberg, George Soros....they all are buying influence to push their causes.
The outsize political influence of the Koch brothers is a good argument for tax regimen that would better serve the needs of distributive justice.
2
The Koch brothers' political philosophy comprises only one principle - spend a dollar wherever it will return more than one dollar to the family fortune. The best investment to date has been to persuade Republicans that middle class interests are coincident with those of the most fabulously wealthy.
That mission having been been accomplished with astonishing success, further spending wouldn't be a good investment. On the margin, some spending on other fronts now makes sense.
Other than this investment approach, they have no guiding philosophy - if it were a good investment, they would buy abortion clinics and same-sex wedding chapels.
Don't trust those smiles - didn't the wolf grin at Little Red Riding Hood?
That mission having been been accomplished with astonishing success, further spending wouldn't be a good investment. On the margin, some spending on other fronts now makes sense.
Other than this investment approach, they have no guiding philosophy - if it were a good investment, they would buy abortion clinics and same-sex wedding chapels.
Don't trust those smiles - didn't the wolf grin at Little Red Riding Hood?
67
You nailed that one down but good.
A Carpenter, you say, "they have no guiding philosophy". Oh, but they do: profit above all else. Even a human's basic welfare is a threat to their rapacious quest for it, and for their family's well-being. Their throwing billions to enhance their name is like Christmas decoration on their house to obfuscate their lust for profit.
>>Once known for grim letters to fellow wealthy Americans warning of socialist apocalypse, Charles G. Koch now...<
The Koch family fortune was made by Daddy Koch who illegally sold American technology to Stalinist Russia. What a hypocrite.
The Koch family fortune was made by Daddy Koch who illegally sold American technology to Stalinist Russia. What a hypocrite.
9
I live in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and watch all the Nats' games.
For part of each game, behind the batter against the wall is a banner ad that advertises "Koch Industries."
I started to think about that, and the more I thought about it the stranger it became. As far as I am aware, there is no product of any type that can be purchased under the name "Koch Industries." They own a lot of familiar brand name products, but their involvement tends to be invisible to the consumer.
So who is it exactly that their advertising in this venue is directed to?
For part of each game, behind the batter against the wall is a banner ad that advertises "Koch Industries."
I started to think about that, and the more I thought about it the stranger it became. As far as I am aware, there is no product of any type that can be purchased under the name "Koch Industries." They own a lot of familiar brand name products, but their involvement tends to be invisible to the consumer.
So who is it exactly that their advertising in this venue is directed to?
2
You can't change the spots on a leopard.
A wolf in sheep's clothing.
Just a couple quick thoughts on the Koch brothers trying to change the world's perception of them. Too many examples of them trying to but the voters. I wouldn't believe a word they said.
A wolf in sheep's clothing.
Just a couple quick thoughts on the Koch brothers trying to change the world's perception of them. Too many examples of them trying to but the voters. I wouldn't believe a word they said.
5
Money talks. Do not purchase Georgia-Pacific products, Chevron gas, Stainmaster carpet, American Greeting cards, and Coolmax and Cordura fabrics.
9
Here's an app to help you boycott their products:
http://www.buycott.com/campaign/239/avoid-koch-industries
http://www.buycott.com/campaign/239/avoid-koch-industries
Compare the Kochs with Jay and Nelson Rockefeller. They were philanthropists and extremely wealthy but at least the Rockefellers entered politics via the ballot box. In the case of the Kochs, not satisfied with undreamed of inherited wealth, they feel the need to achieve the same degree of political power by the shadow means of front organizations, behind-closed-door meetings, hidden contributions and now an enormous public relations campaign to conceal and soften their activities.
I don't think it is an exaggeration to call this the face of the new fascism.
I don't think it is an exaggeration to call this the face of the new fascism.
15
Their reputation is irreparable.
8
The comments are unrelenting in their attacks on the Koch brothers. They are not responsible, however, for most of the problems which afflict our country. Libertarianism is an honest philosophy,if it is consistent, and advocacy for smaller government is a legitimate position. I believe that the Kochs' positions on many civil liberty issues would be similar to those held by many commenters. There are two problems, however, which they need to address. The first is the role of government in protecting the environment. If one pollutes "upstream" and that pollution affects others, is it not the legitimate role of government to hold the polluter responsible, similarly to if one commits a tort or criminal offense against another. And should not government protect our common naturaI heritage, including habitat for those other animals with which we share this planet. think that it is. The other, though, is more a result of Citizens United, and that is the place of those in society who have great wealth having such a disproportionate influence in government policy. A good first step toward addressing many of these issues would be to have reasonable term limits for Congressmen and Supreme Court Justices.
2
"If one pollutes "upstream" and that pollution affects others, is it not the legitimate role of government to hold the polluter responsible…"
Wow -- that is some legal philosophy. So you're saying, each individual home owner should find the culprit on their own and go up against a billion dollar company and their lawyers? And the government shouldn't worry about safeguarding the environment for the people? Just like 3 Mile Island, right?
Wow -- that is some legal philosophy. So you're saying, each individual home owner should find the culprit on their own and go up against a billion dollar company and their lawyers? And the government shouldn't worry about safeguarding the environment for the people? Just like 3 Mile Island, right?
"is it not the legitimate role of government to hold the polluter responsible"
It depends on what you mean by [the government] holding the polluter responsible. The basic libertarian position on this is that the government shouldn't be regulating or directly interfering with a company's or individual's wish to pollute; but it can / should interfere indirectly through the court system: Those harmed by pollution should take the offender to court and sue them to stop polluting.
I was a libertarian as a teenager, but even back then, I couldn't buy into that logic. That's part of why I left the cult...
It depends on what you mean by [the government] holding the polluter responsible. The basic libertarian position on this is that the government shouldn't be regulating or directly interfering with a company's or individual's wish to pollute; but it can / should interfere indirectly through the court system: Those harmed by pollution should take the offender to court and sue them to stop polluting.
I was a libertarian as a teenager, but even back then, I couldn't buy into that logic. That's part of why I left the cult...
1
To MBS and Name Unknown. I regret that I was not clearer. No. I also believe that the government should safeguard the environment and that it is not up to "each individual home owner" or individual to go up against the polluter. One can be a libertarian where government acts beyond what it should do, and where it infringes on human liberty where one is not harming others, such as in criminalizing drug offenses, and believe that government does have the duty to protect the "commons" as in environmental action. One area where I would disagree with many Democrats and many Times liberals, is that for many there does not exist a human problem where a new or expanded government program is not the answer. There have been many well-intentioned government programs where the unintended consequences have been more harmful than the problem intended to be addressed.
It's amazing how one and the same the Koch brothers and the entire republican party really, truly are...
It's all about perception with these folks, the Kochs and the republicans alike. It's never about the reality of the situation, and the horrible effects that their regressive policies have on everyone else in the entire country.
When republicans lost the last presidential election, it was all about "re-branding" their cause, which (if you're paying attention) is simply codeword for: "We can still hate everyone who isn't like us, but we just need to wrap up our hate in flowery, fancy jargon, so that the masses don't catch on that we actually despise the lot of them."
Thus, "we hate gay people" becomes "sanctity of marriage." Awww, isn't that cute?
"We hate black and brown people" becomes "we need voter ID laws." Gee, that sounds good.
So on and so forth.
And now the Kochs are doing exactly what their political puppets have tried sneakily to do: re-brand themselves! Yay! Isn't that wonderful?
Sure, they'll keep donating to keep in power the politicians that sabotage the government to ruin the lives of millions and millions of everyday, hard-working Americans, but they'll also throw of a few of their hoarded dollars to some random causes here and there, just to make themselves look better than they ever have been or ever will be.
Ain't it amazing how much good press money can buy bad people?
It's all about perception with these folks, the Kochs and the republicans alike. It's never about the reality of the situation, and the horrible effects that their regressive policies have on everyone else in the entire country.
When republicans lost the last presidential election, it was all about "re-branding" their cause, which (if you're paying attention) is simply codeword for: "We can still hate everyone who isn't like us, but we just need to wrap up our hate in flowery, fancy jargon, so that the masses don't catch on that we actually despise the lot of them."
Thus, "we hate gay people" becomes "sanctity of marriage." Awww, isn't that cute?
"We hate black and brown people" becomes "we need voter ID laws." Gee, that sounds good.
So on and so forth.
And now the Kochs are doing exactly what their political puppets have tried sneakily to do: re-brand themselves! Yay! Isn't that wonderful?
Sure, they'll keep donating to keep in power the politicians that sabotage the government to ruin the lives of millions and millions of everyday, hard-working Americans, but they'll also throw of a few of their hoarded dollars to some random causes here and there, just to make themselves look better than they ever have been or ever will be.
Ain't it amazing how much good press money can buy bad people?
81
Yes, Lippity Ohmer, and they write it all off their taxes as a "business expense".
1
The biggest irony is the David Koch foundation "to support public understanding of science," used to fund "Nova" on PBS. If you spend one dollar on general science education, say, to highlight NASA's Pluto mission, and another dollar to muddy the waters about climate change, both of those dollars can still align with, or not contradict, your short-term economic interest in promoting fossil fuels.
1
This 'effort' by the Koch Bros. brings to mind a tardy attempt to turn sows ears into silk purses, as the old saying goes...
4
America, the best democracy money can buy.
6
They'll have more pull here if they addict this host to an expensive advertising campaign.
1
You mean that the "liberal" or "right-wing" media might be obliged to the billions of ad revenue?
They are just using the media by telling false stories like all the Right wing politicians do to create doubt. That sows confusion, just like they did with the climate debate, and then they can continue to destroy the planet. That is always the game plan and they have enough money to do it. But they are creating a world where soon things will collapse because of global warming and then their money won't mean a thing. You would think the rich would realize that they have the most to lose by making the world fall apart. Of course they are like teenagers who believe they are invincible when they are not.
1
Ever since David Koch and the Libertarian party lost abysmally in the 1980 presidential election they've spent billions building a grass roots and think tank network mostly with the idea of taking over the Republican party.
It appears that they are poised to do just that as they have not only the money but now the voter data. The RNC is becoming more and more irrelevant.
It appears that they are poised to do just that as they have not only the money but now the voter data. The RNC is becoming more and more irrelevant.
2
Who knows what these two famously secretive men really think and believe in? I keep hearing how socially progressive they are in their Libertarian heart-of-hearts, supposedly supporting Choice, Gay Marriage, Pot Legalization, and Legal Reform, and we've all seen their name associated with Scientifically literate 'Thinking People's shows like Nova, but then they go and give untold millions to candidates that are vehemently and viscerally opposed to all those things, and who, if elected, would work tirelessly to return us to what many of us consider to be 'the bad old days' of America's sadly troubled history on any number of fronts.
Presumably because those Far Right candidates are guaranteed to be considerably more 'business and tax friendly' to them and their fellow plutocrats than the Democrats, even if it means having to give back whatever modest gains their fellow social progressives have managed to achieve in recent decades. And, to me at least, that suggests a level of self-interest, cynicism, hypocrisy and irresponsibility that's almost worse than being a bona-fide Dark Ages Regressive like Cruz, Walker, Rubio, et al.
Presumably because those Far Right candidates are guaranteed to be considerably more 'business and tax friendly' to them and their fellow plutocrats than the Democrats, even if it means having to give back whatever modest gains their fellow social progressives have managed to achieve in recent decades. And, to me at least, that suggests a level of self-interest, cynicism, hypocrisy and irresponsibility that's almost worse than being a bona-fide Dark Ages Regressive like Cruz, Walker, Rubio, et al.
5
Just take a look at ALEC.Koch Industrie is one of it's biggest contributors...along with other Grand Old Polluters,namely Exxon Mobile.ALEC operates on a state level getting their candidates in and doing their bidding.ALEC is a corporate SUPER PAC so it is secretive and pays no taxes.They have systematically been undoing the EPA and voting rights bill.They have made voting a nightmare for democrats by demanding more thorough ID,shortening voting hours and harassing voters at polling places.By using $$ thru ALEC,they have bought state office holders,negating the old adage"one vote per citizen".Take a look at ALEC ......and then see how clean the Kochs are
7
Even Hezbollah supplies community services so that they come out looking like good guys to some. The Kochs are suppliers of fossil fuel which contaminates our atmosphere and causes global warming, of course. Denmark, for example, now generates more electricity than it needs with modern windmills, so that the handwriting is on the wall. The collapse of fossil fuel as a source of energy is inevitable but the Kochs will delay it for as long as possible by using propaganda to get people to vote against their own economic interests.
But there is also an ideological impetus to their activities. As many have noted the Kochs' dad was an original Bircher, a member of an over-the-top group who called Dwight Eisenhower a communist. Their support for far right causes reinforces that connection. They are not to be trusted to make rational, people friendly choices for the average American and their wrongheadedness about most issues are bad for all Americans.
But there is also an ideological impetus to their activities. As many have noted the Kochs' dad was an original Bircher, a member of an over-the-top group who called Dwight Eisenhower a communist. Their support for far right causes reinforces that connection. They are not to be trusted to make rational, people friendly choices for the average American and their wrongheadedness about most issues are bad for all Americans.
6
One only needs to change their public image if they believe they are doing something wrong.
It's like companies who ask you to take customer service surveys to see how they're doing - if they are treating their customers well and they know that, then there is no need for a survey.
Most companies should talk to Nordstrom about great customer service!
It's like companies who ask you to take customer service surveys to see how they're doing - if they are treating their customers well and they know that, then there is no need for a survey.
Most companies should talk to Nordstrom about great customer service!
I remember when "bircher" was a dirty word. Now the Kochs have made their family name a dirty word. Like father, like son.
11
This new image won't work on me because I'm no fool to be taken in by these two who are too damn old to change. This is another ploy to take over more of our country and get those juicy tax breaks but more importantly to have power in Washington and get their boy in the White House. Then we will see how much they have changed. One quality in conservatives is that they never ever change any idea and cannot be led to the new but cling to the old. Remember that. It also scares me that I see their name on many PBS shows as sponsors which taints the show for me as to veracity of facts. Don't swallow this poison.
4
If you want to truly understand the Koch brothers, read "Sons of Wichita." It's a very good account of why they are what they are. And what they are is incredibly selfish.
8
Koch PACS are also heavily involved in local politics and elections across the country. Even the most far flung, jerkwater town one can swab Koch DNA in the city office. Anybody care to remember Wasilla? "You Betcha!"
5
We know who they really are by the juvenile delinquents they hire to throw a monkey wrench into negotiation of the social contract.
2
Try putting a bird on your image. Or puppy eyes. Bible types know about "white-washed sepulchers" but that is probably not happy enough.
1
I was surprised to find the Koch brothers name all over the National Science Foundations research grant list, into important areas like Ocean Preservation and Global Climate Change.
For evil geniuses, they certainly seem to be sponsoring a lot of research that would not seem to align with conservative causes.
WR
For evil geniuses, they certainly seem to be sponsoring a lot of research that would not seem to align with conservative causes.
WR
4
Sorry, no sympathy from me. These guys are trying to poison the society and turn the USA into a third-world nation.
I don't want to go back to the time of Charles Dickens and I don't think most people do either.
Thankfully I don't think this spin-doctoring will work for them. Because of the internet people are learning how the ideological sausage is being made in this country, and how it originates from all these shady unaccountable propaganda organizations that ultra-wealthy have created to mold the public mind like the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute. People are starting to see that Cato isn't scholarly, it's simply a pamphleteer that gets invited to cable news pundit shows to push a pet of a billionaire oligarch.
I don't want to go back to the time of Charles Dickens and I don't think most people do either.
Thankfully I don't think this spin-doctoring will work for them. Because of the internet people are learning how the ideological sausage is being made in this country, and how it originates from all these shady unaccountable propaganda organizations that ultra-wealthy have created to mold the public mind like the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute. People are starting to see that Cato isn't scholarly, it's simply a pamphleteer that gets invited to cable news pundit shows to push a pet of a billionaire oligarch.
9
They can hire all the PR people their money can buy, but they are still part of the Republican Criminal Organisstion, and as such, determined to return the vast majority of the Americsn people to serfdom.
6
The only partly good thing about the Kochs is that they can't take their $100 billion with them.
A very high estate tax on any amount over say $100 million seems fair to me.
A very high estate tax on any amount over say $100 million seems fair to me.
2
Reading the Kochs' rationalizations, a few choice phrases entered my mind:
"Lipstick on a pig",
"Even a broken clock is right twice a day", and
"No amount of pretty paint can hide the rotted-out walls underneath it."
With one hand they try to buy the public's affection while, with the other, they try to pull the foundations of our ccountry out from under us. Shame on them.
"Lipstick on a pig",
"Even a broken clock is right twice a day", and
"No amount of pretty paint can hide the rotted-out walls underneath it."
With one hand they try to buy the public's affection while, with the other, they try to pull the foundations of our ccountry out from under us. Shame on them.
5
Don't fault them just for having money. But, they don't need to inject themselves so heavily in mis-guided reactionary politics. Further, doing so surreptitiously begs for criticism and condemnation. There are plenty of worthy causes and institutions they can give their philanthropic billions to without demanding quid pro quo politically. That's deplorable. If they really need ideas on what to do with their money; I suspect they don't, they can give some to me. They have no more knowledge of what this (and most) working American needs than Santa Claus does (though I'm still hoping for that pony).
2
Perhaps the Koch Brothers are very pleasant and charming, but their business philosophy of laizez faire capitalism is very ugly. As long as they practice it they will be putting a face on a philosophy that treats workers as commodities and rapes the earth. As the psychologists used to say "You are what you do."
I wonder who is funding the attack on Planned Parenthood?
I wonder who is funding the attack on Planned Parenthood?
18
The left has George Soros, the right has the Koch brothers, so things are even.
1
If it's slimy, dim, and suspicious, it's probably the American Taliban, funded by wealthy extremists.
2
Which politicians does he own?
Always the propaganda with those two. They just can't help themselves.
19
While I disagree with much of the Koch brothers' philosophy, they are simply taking advantage of the door opened by the Supreme Court in Citizens United. It is somewhat unfair to blame those who use the system legally----we must actively and persistently demand that our elected representatives fix the broken system. Elected officials that can be bought and owned by the highest bidders ---for their own purposes---are the problem, and only serious campaign finance reform will return the power of democracy to everyday working Americans.
61
You dpnt get it -- it is oligarchs like the Kochs' that in surprisingly direct ways create those laws using their wealth and influence on those "elected officials" you mention. You really dont get it.
13
The two state-provided political parties in the US neuter the whole political process.
" they are simply taking advantage of the door opened by the Supreme Court... unfair to blame those who use the system legally..."
It is NEVER unfair to ask the most privileged to set a high standard of moral leadership.
It is NEVER unfair to ask the most privileged to set a high standard of moral leadership.
1
Do these attempts at brand uplift sweeten the distaste of having to cross the Koch (climate denier) Plaza before entering the thereby sullied Metropolitan Museum? I don't think so.
35
- or the Koch Theater at Lincoln Center?
2
Good luck Koch boys. You'll need it, because all your inflammatory, self-righteous damage is already done.
By the way, if you think your loud condescending voices, over the years, have helped the Republican cause, it may be so. However, you've TURNED OFF so many Independents that you've pretty much nullified your cause.
By the way, if you think your loud condescending voices, over the years, have helped the Republican cause, it may be so. However, you've TURNED OFF so many Independents that you've pretty much nullified your cause.
36
not sure how those big toothy smiles will change my mind about them trying to buy the government to let them continue to pollute the planet and stop paying their taxes. social security and health care is too much socialism, even though their daddy built the family fortune by working for Joe Stalin. gosh, i'm feeling more warm hearted all ready.
45
Yeah their dad, Fred Koch, was basically a thief since he was sued, and lost, for patent infringement and barred from doing business in the U.S.. He then used those patents illegally in the Soviet Union.
2
"...the billionaire brothers Charles G. and David H. Koch want to change perceptions of their family."
Yes, but what about changing the reality?
When Duke energy actually follows environmental laws or accepts liability for damages already done (rather than fight to weaken environmental laws and deny responsibility), when campaign finance laws are not grossly manipulated by their spending and when their efforts to reduce criminal sentences primarily so they and their associates can avoid "overzealous prosecution" (read "any") of federal hazardous waste laws -- when any of these realities change then maybe the Kochs will be due for a new image. Not until then.
Yes, but what about changing the reality?
When Duke energy actually follows environmental laws or accepts liability for damages already done (rather than fight to weaken environmental laws and deny responsibility), when campaign finance laws are not grossly manipulated by their spending and when their efforts to reduce criminal sentences primarily so they and their associates can avoid "overzealous prosecution" (read "any") of federal hazardous waste laws -- when any of these realities change then maybe the Kochs will be due for a new image. Not until then.
48
No one should control as much of our social and physical resources as the Kochs. No one, no matter where they “donate” their spare change.
51
If they are so socially "liberal", why do they back these RW teadiots? Are there not a few socially liberal, fiscally conservative (as in ensuring the government meets obligations and pays its bills) that they could back. That might be closer to doing Americans some service.
11
Who is John Galt?
1
Because money is the most important thing in the world to them.
Sure, they don't hate gay people like many republicans do, but they're not gay, so they don't vote that way.
But they are rich, so guess which way they vote when it comes to their money money money money money?
They're typical selfish greedy "I got mine, screw you" republicans.
Sure, they don't hate gay people like many republicans do, but they're not gay, so they don't vote that way.
But they are rich, so guess which way they vote when it comes to their money money money money money?
They're typical selfish greedy "I got mine, screw you" republicans.
Gimme a break.
Their father, Fred Koch, was a founder of the John Birch Society.
They have supported right wing causes like ALEC and many others for years. They are major supporters of Scott Walker, their bought-and-paid-for puppet.
NOW they want to be seen as "nice guys"?
Who do they think they are kiddding? They are a pair of very rich fools who went to MIT on daddy's money and fame, with silver spoons in their mouths.
Their father, Fred Koch, was a founder of the John Birch Society.
They have supported right wing causes like ALEC and many others for years. They are major supporters of Scott Walker, their bought-and-paid-for puppet.
NOW they want to be seen as "nice guys"?
Who do they think they are kiddding? They are a pair of very rich fools who went to MIT on daddy's money and fame, with silver spoons in their mouths.
68
So, their mother really IS proud of them. How sad for the family. Apparently, sociopathy is genetic in that family. With fetal research, that can probably be remedied in future generations.
1
It's not the perception of the family that needs changing, but their actions and agenda that needs changing.
35
The Kochs complain of distortion, but there is no distortion. They are clear supporters of policies that are cold or free of evidence. If they also do A FEW good things that is great. They should do ALL good things.
17
rapacious rascals...................
14
As the saying goes "You can't put lipstick on a pig".
26
In David Brooks' op-ed today, he writes of his colleague Anand Giridharadas who gave a keynote address at The Aspen Action Forum, where he said the winners of our age "may be helping society with their foundations, but in their business enterprises, the main occupation of their life, they are doing serious harm."
Ladies and Gentlemen, here in this article lies the specific to Anand's generality.
Ladies and Gentlemen, here in this article lies the specific to Anand's generality.
19
They're no different than George Soros, except that their political affiliation makes them "monsters." The rhetoric is rather hypocritical and tiring.
3
Hilarious, considering the fact that they pledged to raise 800 million from their fellow oligarchs to buy the presidency for one of their minions. Soros is a dime in a cup in comparison. The power of "Soros" is a propaganda meme spewed forth from the fever swamp hallucinations of Glenn Beck.
39
The Koch Brothers want to destroy every iota of social progress made in the U.S.A. since at least the 19th century. They want no minimum wage, no environmental regulations, no fetters to their business interests at all, anywhere. If the Republican Party hadn't morphed into a de facto wholly-owned subsidiary of Koch Industries by accepting contributions from the Koch Brothers, their political affiliation would be less of an issue.
34
George Soros is evidently the Saul Alinski of plutocrats.
From Fiddler on the Roof "If you're rich you're really thought to know".
Just because the the Kochs have $100 billion or more that does not assure that they truly know anything about the lives of the 300 million Americans most of who work hard but in this stagnant economy are going nowhere.
The Kochs have a budget of $889 million for the 2016 election. For whose benefit? For whose agenda? Who for whose extreme right-wing beliefs? What do ordinary Americans gain from such a wealthy family that promotes it's own interest? The answer is nothing. A $25 million gift to a college, any college is a pittance. And it's a disgrace if such a donation is only to promote courses that advance the Koch's political view and agenda.
America is about a two party system, and governance under rules of law and a constitution that protects our rights under law.
Under the Koch's we would be a nation under oligarchy and plutocracy. We would be governed by the Koch's rules of corporate governance by the their corporation and for their corporation.
It's time to break up Koch Industries the way Standard Oil was broken up. Extreme wealth leads to extreme politics and dissolution of the remainder of the middle class. The Koch's threaten the American way of life, law and governance. Break up Koch Industries.
Just because the the Kochs have $100 billion or more that does not assure that they truly know anything about the lives of the 300 million Americans most of who work hard but in this stagnant economy are going nowhere.
The Kochs have a budget of $889 million for the 2016 election. For whose benefit? For whose agenda? Who for whose extreme right-wing beliefs? What do ordinary Americans gain from such a wealthy family that promotes it's own interest? The answer is nothing. A $25 million gift to a college, any college is a pittance. And it's a disgrace if such a donation is only to promote courses that advance the Koch's political view and agenda.
America is about a two party system, and governance under rules of law and a constitution that protects our rights under law.
Under the Koch's we would be a nation under oligarchy and plutocracy. We would be governed by the Koch's rules of corporate governance by the their corporation and for their corporation.
It's time to break up Koch Industries the way Standard Oil was broken up. Extreme wealth leads to extreme politics and dissolution of the remainder of the middle class. The Koch's threaten the American way of life, law and governance. Break up Koch Industries.
29
Charles Koch's new book the "Good Profit" should be entitled "Rape, Pillage, and Extract for Profit"
26
It's probably ghostwritten by the Cato Institute.
1
As indicated in this article and elsewhere, the Koch "empire" has budgeted $889 million for the 2016 election campaign. The Republicans currently control both the House and the Senate, and with judicious use of the opportunities afforded by the Citizens United decision they may be able to "buy" the presidency and then finally pursue their ultimate dream of removing what's left of American democracy and replacing it with a true plutocracy.
25
The Kochs are attempting to build a Potemkin village, behind which their factories can pollute with impunity, public education is limited to the bare minimum necessary for a service economy and tax policy ensures a permanent aristocracy.
22
I do not believe they lack the intellect to understand the hurt to ordinary people the have done world wide . So , I assume they are merely evil and this is just and attempt to mitigate the resistance to that evil . When they openly discuss their policies with those who oppose them it will seem a little more sincere .
21
Yes....well said
1
The Koch brothers will let the world see exactly what they want us to see. There is no new transparency, no change in idea, thought, or style—only new tactics. Nothing they do is based on altruism. Their only focus is using their money and their position to remake this country into their image of what it should be. What's scary is their motives aren't based on profit, but their own ideology.
14
What a joke!
9
I have a very difficult time trusting the motives of two multi-billionaires who seem to have devoted their lives -- and almost endless resources -- to stripping away what little protection and resources the struggling 99% have.
25
It's clear that some public relations shill is getting the big bucks to try and make the Kochs look like real human beings. The problem, as any seasoned PR pro will tell you, is that you can only do so much with the material you are given. You cannot make the client into something he is not. A certain German propagandist learned this when he served his master in the years leading into World War II.
Rehabilitating the Kochs is like trying to reform Donald Trump. Good luck with that.
Rehabilitating the Kochs is like trying to reform Donald Trump. Good luck with that.
14
No amount of lipbalm will change my opinion on these two... individuals.
11
Interesting is that they support exhibits at Smithsonian that emphasize evolution, they support the opera, ballet, etc. I am not impressed with their efforts to ruin the US via their support of extreme right wing, John-Birch-Society-type organizations, however.
10
So now the Koch Bros want to change their public image -- while still, no doubt, quietly and privately pouring billions into dismantling the underpinnings of public elections, Social Security, Medicare, environmental protections and on and on. How predictably cynical. They know they have enough money to bend the world to their will, and now they want the world to love them, too. Horrible, horrible, horrible.
166
And if the world (read, the voters) weren't so gullible that money (read, advertisements) rather than actual thought swayed them, maybe, just maybe, America would be a better place. We are so infused with commerce that anything else seems suspicious.
1
Why do the Kochs' risk pubic exposure at all, unless perhaps their personal egos are hurt? They have nothing to gain politically. I find this a bit inexplicable.
5
The Koch Brother literally are the poster children for EVERYTHING that is wrong and bad about Capitalism.
17
One dollar, one vote.
8
A better headline: "Koch Brothers Cynically Try to Alter their Image"
14
Re: "Mark Holden, the general counsel of Koch Industries, said the company had become active in defendants’ rights back in the 1990s, after four employees at a Texas refinery were snared in what the company viewed as an overzealous prosecution of federal clean air and hazardous waste laws. "
Um..."defendant's rights"? No, obviously they had been "active", rather, in polluting and defending polluting--and long before the 90's. (In fact, the entire "libertarian" movement is--and always was--a sham, largely invented by David Koch to mask his corporate-welfare agenda.)
Um..."defendant's rights"? No, obviously they had been "active", rather, in polluting and defending polluting--and long before the 90's. (In fact, the entire "libertarian" movement is--and always was--a sham, largely invented by David Koch to mask his corporate-welfare agenda.)
10
Long-overdue Campaign Finance Reform will go a long way in resolving this matter - bringing us toward true democracy.
8
I am surprised that the article failed to mention the Koch Bros. relationships with supreme court justices, particularly Thomas and Scalia. Both should have recused themselves from the Citizens United case.
17
All you need to do is look at where these guys have owned facilities to identify that they have skirted or violated environmental laws. Minnesota fought with them for years to get them to clean up their refinery there and stop polluting local groundwater.
After seeing the way they acted in Minnesota, I wouldn't trust them EVER!
After seeing the way they acted in Minnesota, I wouldn't trust them EVER!
13
These leopards will not change any spots. They are committed liberal haters and every dime they spend is not to support the right, but to defang the left. Not for one instance do these brothers ever consider the welfare of US Citizens.
14
Quite possibly the two most dangerous men meddling in American politics today...beside Paul Ryan.
16
These men are climate villains, and they know it. Although I don't doubt the sincerity of the libertarian beliefs, I also don't doubt that they're antagonism towards government has a lot to do with not wanting any regulations on emissions, etc. because it affects their bottom line.
11
You can boycott the Brothers Grim using this app:
http://www.buycott.com/campaign/239/avoid-koch-industries
http://www.buycott.com/campaign/239/avoid-koch-industries
7
Soulless monsters...and we are allowing these cretins to destroy our country.
19
Rebranding?
In American politics?
That's just a euphemism utilized in the vain attempt to dissuade us of the notion that "a leopard never loses it's spots".
In American politics?
That's just a euphemism utilized in the vain attempt to dissuade us of the notion that "a leopard never loses it's spots".
6
They are a perfect example of "You can get more flies with honey." And boy, have they gotten the dirty, nasty flies.
6
Oh, so it's a perception problem, is it? And all this time I thought they were just pure evil.
26
It's all well and good that they do philanthropy, that's wonderful, but I think Americans want the dignity of being able to pay for their own needs, such as affordable health care and education.
When I hear Republicans talk about church pot lucks and the charitable wealthy as a good way to pay for your heart operation, it makes my blood boil.
100 billion??? Really? Makes me wonder how much they are paying their workers.
When I hear Republicans talk about church pot lucks and the charitable wealthy as a good way to pay for your heart operation, it makes my blood boil.
100 billion??? Really? Makes me wonder how much they are paying their workers.
12
Now that the Koch brothers are entering their late years of life, they have finally realized they created a family legacy of rich, greedy and selfish attitudes. Even though they have been extremely philanthropic and generous, it does not give the right to be mean-spirited towards hard working and less fortunate Americans.
Even with lipstick on, a pig still stinks.
Even with lipstick on, a pig still stinks.
12
The Koch brothers are, no matter how much lipstick they put on it, are the most toxic element in the collapse of our environment, the middle class, and our democracy.
19
And why would they need publicity? What nefarious idea requires they have a better image? These men support Walker for president. That's no secret. And we see what he has done to Wisconsin. The plan to polish the image must be for a reason farther down the road than than putting a nightmare into the White House. These are the very people behind destroying education, the safety net, our government. These are the people who would leave the aging boomer population to die on the street, who would render our population illiterate, who would finish off the planet for profit. It's so much easier to control people who are starving and struggling, who can't read, who are exhausted from just trying to stay alive.
I was taught not to take candy from a stranger.
I was taught not to take candy from a stranger.
194
So why is Kansas swirling the drain if what these guys are selling is so great? That is their home state and look at the economy there!
At the end of the day the Brothers with 100 billion are pushing John Bircher stuff. One of their organizations was trying to load the school board up in Aurora, Colorado with sympathetic types so they could push GOP-approved history in the AP classes. Even high schoolers were offended and walked out in a big ruckus. Sounds like a bind if you keep doing offensive things to be so sensitive to criticism.
At the end of the day the Brothers with 100 billion are pushing John Bircher stuff. One of their organizations was trying to load the school board up in Aurora, Colorado with sympathetic types so they could push GOP-approved history in the AP classes. Even high schoolers were offended and walked out in a big ruckus. Sounds like a bind if you keep doing offensive things to be so sensitive to criticism.
22
To understand the Koch Brothers one need only google their names and start to read. Their father graduated from MIT and used a process to refine heavy oil to build refineries in the Soviet Union during the Stalin era. He then came home to Kansas and got into the oil business and became a founding member of the John Birch Society. They are right wing liberations whose positions on social interest are moderate but who see government as an enemy. They are far from the middle on economic issues. They work with other wealthy donors and spend huge amounts of money in elections.
12
The Koch's father was getting rich building oil refineries for Stalin and yet conservatives today try to paint George Soros as a Nazi collaborator.
10
So the Kochs want to change perceptions of their family? Stop trying to buy elections and make whores of politicians. Now, politicians are more than willing to be street walking whores, but for some reason, the American people consider these now street walking whores to have once been their little girls with so much promise. Until the pimps like the Kochs get hold of them. Money is not free speech; it is money. It corrupts. Those who corrupt with it are corrupt. Kochs, you are corrupt and you are corruptors.
11
Extremely suspicious!
Even more, they think their money can control other peoples' thoughts.
Even more, they think their money can control other peoples' thoughts.
6
The kochs have the same solution for every cause or problem they perceive to be in their interests that they have helped tar their targets of enmity with for lo these many years: they throw money at it. They are ready to engage and manipulate in every area their omnivorous business and political interests - often one and the same - reach. That they can budget almost $900 million to promote their raft of Republican candidates undermines the spin others of their millions are now devoted to shifting to a "kinder, gentler" Koch Industries. They are not alone in the self serving use of their fortunes -- but the newfound "classic liberalism" with which they are attempting to soften their brand would be laughable were it not so obviously overshadowed by a host of virulent practices with one aim: increasing their power and wealth.
7
Aha! The "connection" has been made The Kochs have promised to buy Barack Obama a Hawaiian island for his retirement. Now I understand why the Kochs are being "nice" to Barack and why Barack is being so nice to them. Perhaps also the "secret" of the Trans-Pacific Partnership is contained in correspondence between the Kochs and the White House. Hmm....
They can buy all the lipstick they want. That won't change the insidious nature of their little adventures. They buy a Scott Walker or two to do their dirty work and try to cover it up with a few donations.
They own the Republican Party, The Tea Party, a good portion of The Supreme Court and all the attendant crazies associated with those groups. And now that people are catching on to these nefarious dealings they want to claim innocence of any involvement with a little makeup.
They own the Republican Party, The Tea Party, a good portion of The Supreme Court and all the attendant crazies associated with those groups. And now that people are catching on to these nefarious dealings they want to claim innocence of any involvement with a little makeup.
12
The Kochs as much as announced they intend to buy the coming elections, and how much they intend to spend to do it. Good thing it's still a risk and not a done deal (pesky voters), but 'braving the spotlight' ? They'll dare any amount of immorality to own as much as they can; the spotlight is the only silver stake, the only antibiotic we've got left that will work against these vampires, these bacteria. Cry me a river!
9
Years ago, after abuses by mining interests, Montana passed a law banning corporate and outside money in political campaigns. Citizens United put an end to that and money from groups like the Koch-funded Americans for Prosperity has flooded into the state.
I'll give them credit, the Koch groups drill very deep, organizing "spontaneous" meetings against state legislators, including Republicans, who wanted to vote for Medicaid expansion.
Montanans are relatively conservative, but they want to hear what you have to say from your face. Many of the Koch dark money efforts backfired and thanks to good reporting by a number of state newspapers, the dark money is being exposed.
Jon Tester will be running for his Senate seat in 2016. There will be under-handed tricks on both sides and I assume this time the Libertarian candidate will be convinced not to run, thus returning most of those votes to the Republican candidate. I also assume the dark and out of state contributions will be tallied. The Koches should think twice about trying to buy Montana votes again.
I'll give them credit, the Koch groups drill very deep, organizing "spontaneous" meetings against state legislators, including Republicans, who wanted to vote for Medicaid expansion.
Montanans are relatively conservative, but they want to hear what you have to say from your face. Many of the Koch dark money efforts backfired and thanks to good reporting by a number of state newspapers, the dark money is being exposed.
Jon Tester will be running for his Senate seat in 2016. There will be under-handed tricks on both sides and I assume this time the Libertarian candidate will be convinced not to run, thus returning most of those votes to the Republican candidate. I also assume the dark and out of state contributions will be tallied. The Koches should think twice about trying to buy Montana votes again.
8
For a true accounting of their contributions, we need to account for what they take. How have the influenced policy in their own economic favor? How have they influenced policy in a way that negatively targets the poor and needy? Anyone who has looked critically at the Koch brothers knows that they have taken far more than they have given. Don't let them fool you into thinking otherwise.
6
The Koch brothers are doing their best to destroy our environment for the sake of more personal wealth. From an essay about global warming and climate change, slightly edited:
“All together the climate change denialists form sort of a pyramid. At the top are the “fossil fuel barons”, the rich directors of the big corporations making up the massive fossil fuel industry. Their one overriding goal is to maximize profits, nothing else matters. They know that using less of their products would cut in to their enormous profits, so they spend huge amounts of money to stymie any threats to their interests. Among their many ploys is to pay some “rogue scientists”, and heavily fund some special interest groups, to muddle the GW/CC issue by raising doubts about the theories, the data, and the scientists themselves. Another ploy is to “green-wash” their image by making large donations to respected institutions, which tends to influence what the institutions say about global warming and climate change. These ploys are working for the fossil fuel barons, their activities are delaying needed corrective GW/CC actions.
The influence of the fossil fuel barons extends down into the pyramid to infect those below. There they find plenty of self-serving politicians who are willing to do anything to get elected to a prominent office.”
Read more at http://myplace.frontier.com/~agw_jrb/
“All together the climate change denialists form sort of a pyramid. At the top are the “fossil fuel barons”, the rich directors of the big corporations making up the massive fossil fuel industry. Their one overriding goal is to maximize profits, nothing else matters. They know that using less of their products would cut in to their enormous profits, so they spend huge amounts of money to stymie any threats to their interests. Among their many ploys is to pay some “rogue scientists”, and heavily fund some special interest groups, to muddle the GW/CC issue by raising doubts about the theories, the data, and the scientists themselves. Another ploy is to “green-wash” their image by making large donations to respected institutions, which tends to influence what the institutions say about global warming and climate change. These ploys are working for the fossil fuel barons, their activities are delaying needed corrective GW/CC actions.
The influence of the fossil fuel barons extends down into the pyramid to infect those below. There they find plenty of self-serving politicians who are willing to do anything to get elected to a prominent office.”
Read more at http://myplace.frontier.com/~agw_jrb/
7
The Koch brothers have an agenda that is not good for our country or me. The PR is a charade.
14
It is my no means the Kochs' worst activity, but the one that I always think of is their successful campaign to defeat a local referendum to fund a zoo in Ohio. They went all out, creating nasty ads and circulating unsavory rumors - even though they don't live in Ohio, don't have any ties there, and basically the issue had nothing to do with them! In other words, they are such anti-tax zealots, they brought to bear a national presence on a completely local matter that, in my opinion, should have been kept local. Too much money and way too much willingness to throw it around. No sense of decorum or modesty. Here's to hoping people aren't dumb enough to fall for the PR effort (the "We are Koch" ads, by the way, are ugly and weird - all those people in goggles for no apparent reason.)
11
I would change my opinion of them (which isn't very good) if they gave me, oh....1 million dollars.
1
Koch Industries is akin to the fabled Manchurian Global in the movie Manchurian Candidate. Like Manchurian Global, Koch Industries is a private equity firm with its fingers in all too many other businesses from oil to the media. And now, just like Manchurian Global, they are trying to launder their image to make it palatable when they run a back room presidency from the White House in 2016. Why else would these two invest $900 million in the GOP?
Andrew Carnegie once had to do the same "image laundering" when his 2nd in command, Henry Clay Fricke cut the wages of workers, increased their hours of labor and then caused 11 men to die in the most dangerous workplace in Carnegie Steel.
Unfortunately for the Koch boys, their reputation precedes them just like Trump's. And, their army of GOP attack dogs like Bolton, Issa, Gowdy, Cotton and Inhofe are just reading McCarthy's sidekick, Roy Cohn's, scripts.
There is no way Americans want a CEO in the back room of the White House to commandeer this country their way. We already had one...Richard Cheney and you saw where that got us.
It's a government of the people, for the people, by the people. It is not a nationalized corporation where the big boys live off our tax dollars.
Andrew Carnegie once had to do the same "image laundering" when his 2nd in command, Henry Clay Fricke cut the wages of workers, increased their hours of labor and then caused 11 men to die in the most dangerous workplace in Carnegie Steel.
Unfortunately for the Koch boys, their reputation precedes them just like Trump's. And, their army of GOP attack dogs like Bolton, Issa, Gowdy, Cotton and Inhofe are just reading McCarthy's sidekick, Roy Cohn's, scripts.
There is no way Americans want a CEO in the back room of the White House to commandeer this country their way. We already had one...Richard Cheney and you saw where that got us.
It's a government of the people, for the people, by the people. It is not a nationalized corporation where the big boys live off our tax dollars.
183
I very much admire your post, but disagree with your last paragraph. Perhaps at one point, we had a "government of the people, for the people, by the people", but we don't any more. We now have the best democracy money can buy, and people like the Koch Brothers, along with the Walton family, Sheldon Adelson, et al., are doing the buying.
These are the same guys that started, funded and then distanced themselves from the Tea Party movement when it became the Frankenstein it is today. Of course we can trust their opinions......
5
With the Kochs we have a perfect example of how money talks, and how enough money can make almost everyone hear the talk. The strategy is simple, and many corporations use it: hide your true self and disguise how bad you are by painting a nice public picture of how good you can be made to appear. It works well provided there's enough money and the intended audience is sufficiently credulous. The Kochs score well on the first requirement (money) and a huge proportion of the American electorate scores well on the second (credulity).
8
Absolutely nothing will improve the Kochs' image like repudiating Citizens United and fighting to get the SCt. to overturn that ill-advised decision now that we've seen its adverse impact on our electoral process, and stop buying elections. Until then, they're wasting time or merely preaching to the choir because the GOP core doesn't have any problem with the Kochs and the rest of us will not be swayed.
9
Privatize all forms of government: public schools/colleges, Medicare/Social Security, National Parks, etc.
No unions, no pensions, no sick days, no vacations....and no regs.
Democracy....only the uber-wealthy can buy.
Extremists and Control ..Oligarchy Power
No unions, no pensions, no sick days, no vacations....and no regs.
Democracy....only the uber-wealthy can buy.
Extremists and Control ..Oligarchy Power
15
ALEC/Koch brothers. GREED at it's finest. Social conscience at it's worst.
15
These two men are perfect examples of why we need to reign in money spent on politics and politicians. They own the entire GOP at this point no matter how much they claim they are liberals (what a joke). Reptiles like these two should be part of a huge house cleaning but it will never happen. They own the current Senate/Congress and judging from the Citizens United SCOTUS fiasco quite a few of our supreme court.
13
With their newfound interest in polishing their images, do the Koch brothers ask themselves why so many citizens hold them in low esteem? Are they going to change their industry of politicians-for-hire? For the public at large, the Koch personas are interchangeable with the agendas they have sponsored and foisted upon the rest of us.
11
They don't need to ask why citizens hold them in low esteem. This PR campaign isn't really about feeling hurt by the disdain of ordinary people. It's about paving the way for further control of our government. I sincerely doubt the Kochs are actually worried about what people think of them.
The use of the term "classical liberalism" by Mr. Holden, the Koch family lawyer, to describe their philosophy is a nice attempt to muddy the ideological waters, but also revealing. "Classical liberalism" has little resemblance to liberalism as we know it today in our country. Conceived in 19th century England, "classic liberalism" criticized the welfare state and labor group rights, while accepting the growth of big corporation rights at the expense of unequal bargaining power. In England, they were notable for passing the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 which limited social assistance.
Yes, the Kochs are right at home in a philosophy that justifies maximizing their economic gain at the expense of the lower class. They are noteworthy for their fights against Obamacare, the expansion of Medicaid in every state under Obamacare, labor rights, environmental policies, etc... They may seek to present a friendlier face than the robber barons of old, but in their efforts to influence and control legislators to advance policies that always advance their self interest at the expense of middle- and lower-income Americans, they are no less rapacious.
Yes, the Kochs are right at home in a philosophy that justifies maximizing their economic gain at the expense of the lower class. They are noteworthy for their fights against Obamacare, the expansion of Medicaid in every state under Obamacare, labor rights, environmental policies, etc... They may seek to present a friendlier face than the robber barons of old, but in their efforts to influence and control legislators to advance policies that always advance their self interest at the expense of middle- and lower-income Americans, they are no less rapacious.
11
Who gives a hoot about their family. Stop funding the ALEC and the attempted undermining of our democracy, then we can talk. "Lipstick on a pig" comes to mind, but pigs are really nice.
11
When all is said and done what will be the Koch brothers legacy. The Vanderbilts, Dukes, Rockefellers, Carnegies all built Universities which are now top ranked educational institutions that are part of the fabric of our society. Oh right, Koch's don't favor education.
9
The Koch Family Foundations' website touts their charitable giving as follows:
"In his lifetime, he and the David H. Koch Charitable Foundation have pledged or contributed more than $1.2 billion to cancer research, medical centers, educational institutions, arts and cultural institutions, and to assist public policy organizations." Given the Times' statement that the Koch fortune is approximately 100 billion dollars, that's a charitable giving rate of about 1.2%, and not in one year, but over the entire 62 year lifetime of the foundations founded in 1953.
These philanthropists are now prepared to spend $889 million in the 2016 election cycle alone, 74% of the total amount they've ever given to charities since 1953, on this one project. That should give a pretty clear idea of their true priorities. The entire budget of the Republican party for the presidential and congressional races in 2012 was about $670 million. Pikers by comparison.
As for the United Negro College Fund gift of $25M, I'm reminded of the story about Queen Victoria and her well publicized donation of 2000 pounds to Irish Famine Relief in 1847. A London shopkeeper who wished to be precisely as generous to Ireland in its crisis as the Queen, made the calculations then wrote out a check for 7 shillings 6 pence and sent it off.
"In his lifetime, he and the David H. Koch Charitable Foundation have pledged or contributed more than $1.2 billion to cancer research, medical centers, educational institutions, arts and cultural institutions, and to assist public policy organizations." Given the Times' statement that the Koch fortune is approximately 100 billion dollars, that's a charitable giving rate of about 1.2%, and not in one year, but over the entire 62 year lifetime of the foundations founded in 1953.
These philanthropists are now prepared to spend $889 million in the 2016 election cycle alone, 74% of the total amount they've ever given to charities since 1953, on this one project. That should give a pretty clear idea of their true priorities. The entire budget of the Republican party for the presidential and congressional races in 2012 was about $670 million. Pikers by comparison.
As for the United Negro College Fund gift of $25M, I'm reminded of the story about Queen Victoria and her well publicized donation of 2000 pounds to Irish Famine Relief in 1847. A London shopkeeper who wished to be precisely as generous to Ireland in its crisis as the Queen, made the calculations then wrote out a check for 7 shillings 6 pence and sent it off.
280
An excellent point. But 7 shillings and 6 pence was, as they say, "a lot of money in those days," esp. to a shopkeeper. Koch Bros, of course, are not in the poor shopkeeper category.
1
Thank you, very informative.
Great argue,met that it pays to do well in math! Nice comment.
It's nice of the Times to be so helpful in the koch's image makeover scheme, budget $50M, but it doesn't change who they are. Their political spending has produced the most inaccurate, inciting,science denying, race baiting, fear mongering advertisements run over the last decade, prompting a response in kind from the left. Their role in creating the current partisan animosity in this country can not be overstated. It's baffling that two people, no matter how rich, could do so much to tear this country apart in such a short time, this is a testament to the breadth and drive of their political destruction machine.
22
The Koch brothers are like sinister giant octopuses with tentacles everywhere.
This week PBS' science program, Nova, aired a program on the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The show wasn't going to be about the frightening amounts of radiation still spewing to the atmosphere and the Pacific Ocean. Instead, according to the blurb, it would answer the question "why did the worst happen at one plant while another that faced nearly identical challenges emerged unscathed?"
David Koch is one of the major sources of Nova's funding, with his name in big letters in the credits. Who could possibly trust a science show paid for by him or his brother, especially on issues around energy?
I didn't even bother to watch.
These men have enough money to use education and the media to alter reality for the public. And that is the VERY bad thing in a democracy.
This week PBS' science program, Nova, aired a program on the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The show wasn't going to be about the frightening amounts of radiation still spewing to the atmosphere and the Pacific Ocean. Instead, according to the blurb, it would answer the question "why did the worst happen at one plant while another that faced nearly identical challenges emerged unscathed?"
David Koch is one of the major sources of Nova's funding, with his name in big letters in the credits. Who could possibly trust a science show paid for by him or his brother, especially on issues around energy?
I didn't even bother to watch.
These men have enough money to use education and the media to alter reality for the public. And that is the VERY bad thing in a democracy.
16
$25m to them is like me giving $25 (or less). Look at the politicians they support and then decide who they are and what they want.
8
The Koch brothers’ father helped the Soviets that he came to despise. But he and his heirs have hurt ordinary Americans because they confuse the bloody excess of Stalinism with a government of, by and for the people.
Commissars collectivized Soviet economic activity, aggrandizing themselves at the expense of workers in whose name they purported to act. Are corporations not collectivizing the American economy? Look at any interstate exit or mall in America. Each has the same companies run by a relatively small number of people. In addition, Soviet labor unions were a sham; the Koch brothers oppose unions. The effect is identical: workers are denied a collective voice. The fact that Bolsheviks abused government is no reason for the U.S. government not to pursue anti-trust actions or to encourage healthy union activities. Economic centralization is wrong, be it communist or capitalist, because it protects a minority that co-opts government and gives it a bad name. If the Koch brothers seek to atone for their father’s collaboration with Stalin, they should welcome anti-trust actions by duly elected representatives of the American people in order to share the power that they and the corporations have accumulated over recent decades. This is consistent with Friedrich Hayek’s “Road to Serfdom,” in which the conservative Austrian economist said government must assure a level playing field. It is a conservative tenet that conservatives funded by the Kochs seem to have forgotten.
Commissars collectivized Soviet economic activity, aggrandizing themselves at the expense of workers in whose name they purported to act. Are corporations not collectivizing the American economy? Look at any interstate exit or mall in America. Each has the same companies run by a relatively small number of people. In addition, Soviet labor unions were a sham; the Koch brothers oppose unions. The effect is identical: workers are denied a collective voice. The fact that Bolsheviks abused government is no reason for the U.S. government not to pursue anti-trust actions or to encourage healthy union activities. Economic centralization is wrong, be it communist or capitalist, because it protects a minority that co-opts government and gives it a bad name. If the Koch brothers seek to atone for their father’s collaboration with Stalin, they should welcome anti-trust actions by duly elected representatives of the American people in order to share the power that they and the corporations have accumulated over recent decades. This is consistent with Friedrich Hayek’s “Road to Serfdom,” in which the conservative Austrian economist said government must assure a level playing field. It is a conservative tenet that conservatives funded by the Kochs seem to have forgotten.
8
Several commenters compare the Kochs to George Soros - false equivalency at its finest. Soros made his money as a savvy investor in the stock market. The Kochs, who are Dutch by the way, from toxic industries that polluted vast swaths of America and the rest of the world. Soros' causes spring from democratic principles, the Kochs' from anti-democratic ones. They finance ALEC, which pours lobbyists and money into Republican-led state legislatures, which, in turn, pass anti-democratic laws against environmental and worker protections within those states. They subvert voting rights. They commit murder, pay off elected officials and regulators, and finance politicians to do their bidding.
To get the full picture, read Tom Dickinson's article in Rolling Stone, September 24, 2014, "Inside the Koch Brothers' Toxic Empire", which can be accessed online.
To get the full picture, read Tom Dickinson's article in Rolling Stone, September 24, 2014, "Inside the Koch Brothers' Toxic Empire", which can be accessed online.
17
Koch bros don't do anything without an agenda to shape things to their views and to their benefit. They are dangerously influencing who is elected to Congress, President, state governments. Bought elections for Scott Walker, Ted Cruz. Stop Citizens United and McCutcheon that allow billionaires to own elections.
14
As the old saying goes, "you can put lipstick on a pig...." Thanks to Senator Bernie Sanders for calling out the Koch brothers and urging us to get their BIG democracy-destroying money out of OUR elections and politics with a Constitutional Amendment that says "corporations are not people and money is not speech". The brothers should be hung by their thumbs and used for rotten tomato targets for using the money they stole from OUR taxpayer dollars through lucrative government contracts to try to destroy OUR lives. NO remake of the traitors or their paid spawn and operatives.
22
Then that goes for ALL UNION MONEY that gets funneled into campaign donations as well, and super pacs for both parties, cut out ALL money from special interests across the board. Publicly funded donations is the only way to fix things.
1
The boys are great at inheriting money and capitalizing on that inheritance. Being morally good and humane citizens of this country, not so much. Yes, there may not be earthly material wealth in simply being a concerned citizen that cares about all the people in your community, but that healthy and participatory interest in the welfare of others actually make a country successful. Regardless of what they may think, they cannot go it alone and still have their current level of success. They do depend on the giving spirit of most Americans.
5
Judge people by their actions, not by what they say or by their efforts at impression management, image-making, makeovers, and re-branding.
Enron got away with as much as it did by casting itself as a benign, generous corporation headed by lovely executives. It did so partially by giving generously to the local community and charities, while fleecing the corporation and its employees.
Past behavior is a good predictor of future behavior, and almost everything the Koch boys do is domineering, self-serving, and intended to control and move politics in a far right direction (their father was a founder of the John Birch Society, and it looks to me the apples did not fall far from the tree).
Although a rule in psychology is don't punish good behavior, I will believe the Koch brothers are sincerely interested in the well being of this country and its citizens when they sell off or close their polluting industries and many political organizations and think tanks; stop donating and dictating to politicians; and put their sizable fortunes into benefiting quality universal health care, quality public education, and much-needed bank and corporate reforms that give the little people a chance.
Not many leopards change their spots, so let's wait and see how sincere--rather than self-serving and manipulative--the Koch brothers' personality makeovers, supposed "softening" and change-of-heart really are.
Enron got away with as much as it did by casting itself as a benign, generous corporation headed by lovely executives. It did so partially by giving generously to the local community and charities, while fleecing the corporation and its employees.
Past behavior is a good predictor of future behavior, and almost everything the Koch boys do is domineering, self-serving, and intended to control and move politics in a far right direction (their father was a founder of the John Birch Society, and it looks to me the apples did not fall far from the tree).
Although a rule in psychology is don't punish good behavior, I will believe the Koch brothers are sincerely interested in the well being of this country and its citizens when they sell off or close their polluting industries and many political organizations and think tanks; stop donating and dictating to politicians; and put their sizable fortunes into benefiting quality universal health care, quality public education, and much-needed bank and corporate reforms that give the little people a chance.
Not many leopards change their spots, so let's wait and see how sincere--rather than self-serving and manipulative--the Koch brothers' personality makeovers, supposed "softening" and change-of-heart really are.
18
I doubt we need to wait and see how sincere they are. We already know. This publicity stunt they are pulling must be in preparation for some next stage of their game.
Living in the Boston Metro area, I've had to come to terms with my feelings about Koch philanthropy and political meddling. The Kochs support a number of local institutions. I've also seen the TV commercials which paint Koch Industries as some kind of warm and cuddly corporation.
Sorry, it just doesn't wash. The Kochs fundamentally act out of self-interest. Their philanthopy does not outweigh the overall common good. Ultimately, it is their self-interest pitted against the rest of us. When the needs of the few outweigh the needs of the many, that's oligarchy, not democracy.
Sorry, it just doesn't wash. The Kochs fundamentally act out of self-interest. Their philanthopy does not outweigh the overall common good. Ultimately, it is their self-interest pitted against the rest of us. When the needs of the few outweigh the needs of the many, that's oligarchy, not democracy.
47
Charles and David Koch are a reminder of our desperate need for campaign finance reform. The Koch brothers have become synonymous with the Republican party and are purchasing political agendas at multiple levels of governance. I don’t need to know them as individuals to know their power of the purse strings over American leaders is killing democracy.
45
Doesn't work for me. I feel alarmed and a little disgusted whenever I walk by the little Koch garden going into the Met. And, just so you Met people know, the feeling is still strong when I make up my mind how much I am going to pay to get in. I doubt I am alone: a few hundred thousand more and their gifts are backfiring.
35
I absolutely feel the same....thank you for expressing it so well.
I stopped supporting the Smithsonian when I heard they paid for a wing. I'd urge others to do the same. Boycott the museums and cultural organizations they support. Yes, there may still be a museum, but if nobody comes there, the museum board might begin to get a message.
It's great to see an American success story in their family's achievements.
The family may be worth billions, close to $100 billion combined, but more importantly they represent what can be achieved in the USA.
Work hard, earn a fortune, spend as you will.
Have a political philosophy.
Promote that philosophy.
I'd bet, any cynical critics reading and commenting here, would do and be the same were they as fortunate as the Koch brothers.
Heck, the critics too, with less a fortune, are promoting their philosophies via their comments.
Rather than write snide comments, why not wish the Koch family well?
The family may be worth billions, close to $100 billion combined, but more importantly they represent what can be achieved in the USA.
Work hard, earn a fortune, spend as you will.
Have a political philosophy.
Promote that philosophy.
I'd bet, any cynical critics reading and commenting here, would do and be the same were they as fortunate as the Koch brothers.
Heck, the critics too, with less a fortune, are promoting their philosophies via their comments.
Rather than write snide comments, why not wish the Koch family well?
4
A philosophy of hard work and and freedom is declasse. "Success" is not only not valued but it's been demonized for political purposes.
Instead, "conformity of thought" is valued. Holding the "correct" positions matters more than anything.
All I can say is thank goodness there's an election on the horizon.
Instead, "conformity of thought" is valued. Holding the "correct" positions matters more than anything.
All I can say is thank goodness there's an election on the horizon.
4
Hard work? Not so much. Legislation that grants them tax credits/ breaks, that lets them pollute land, air, water and walk away while others pick up the tab, legislation that cripples competition..... and, as always, if a venture fails, a bail-out as someone else's expense.....In addition to funneling $ to control even the smallest local election to guarantee a climate favorable to Koch brothers ventures.....All going back to a grand-dad who made this an art form......Truly laughable to call themselves Libertarians when control of law is at the basis of the billions they've acquired.
2
Yep, an American success story: inherit a fortune from your father and spend it to buy our democracy.
9
The Kochs have done more philanthropic work than Mother Jones, Media Matters, the NYT, MSNBC and Greenpeace combined. Yes they are billionaires and they support candidates they believe will aid there personal interests. But before the democrats get too self righteous, remember that billionaires such as Steyer and Soros do the same thing for democrats.
6
Larry Gr, there's a huge difference between the Koch brothers and Soros. The policies the Kochs support benefit only the ultra-rich. The liberal policies supported by Soros will benefit the other 99.9% of Americans
5
Agreed. That's why we need public financing of elections and contribution limits to prevent corruption of candidates/politicians. And a Supreme Court that doesn't continually undo the principals of our Democracy. That can see that money is not equal to free speech...it stifles free speech. And so people gradually stop going to the polls to vote....what's the point.
2
They do this philanthropy as a marketing ploy while at the same time buying politicians that strip public school funding and fix elections and defund public services while giving the wealthiest a free ride.. You need to take a good hard look at Kansas my friend. Today, Governor Brownback, in usual cowardly fashion is having his lackey announce billions of unprecedented sweeping budget cuts to made necessary by failed ALEC policies , while he himself will be entertained in Wichita by our "job creators".
3
So Charles Koch is a "classical liberal?" Who knew!
So "Classical Liberal" means "My brother and I are so rich, we bought Congress and now we want to own the White House too."
By this standard, Vlad Putin and his oligarchs are classical liberals as well!
And I love the $25 million for the United Negro College Fund. The Kochs are spending what, $500 million in this cycle to try to dominate American politics and override the wishes of millions of people. But $25 million to the United Negro College Fund makes this all hunky-dory.
They are cold-blood reptiles and they are bent on turning the United States into a third-world country.
So "Classical Liberal" means "My brother and I are so rich, we bought Congress and now we want to own the White House too."
By this standard, Vlad Putin and his oligarchs are classical liberals as well!
And I love the $25 million for the United Negro College Fund. The Kochs are spending what, $500 million in this cycle to try to dominate American politics and override the wishes of millions of people. But $25 million to the United Negro College Fund makes this all hunky-dory.
They are cold-blood reptiles and they are bent on turning the United States into a third-world country.
146
Hey, reptiles are cool! Please don't compare them to such demented, malevolent creatures as the brothers Koch.
"If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's a duck."
"A rose by any other name is still a rose"
"Some people never change"
"A rose by any other name is still a rose"
"Some people never change"
14
Every schoolchild in Kansas that does not get a good education can thank the Koch brothers for this. The television commercials are all lies - the brothers are anti-environment, anti-education and anti-American.
124
It is a good thing that the Koch brothers, Koch Industries, and their nonprofit organizations are entering the public square. Trust is the issue. Are they there to participate in a public dialogue? or will they take over the podium and do all the talking? or will they just buy the podium and take it home? ( thus controlling who, what, when, and where the approved "dialogue" is given). It amazes me that billionaires espouse a libertarian political ethos expressing a desire for limited government, but do not apply it to their industries, limited corporation. Responsible affective philanthropy is a good thing, but such giving and support ought not be a pretty wall of good deeds so you "Can't touch me now!"
51
Note that the scholarship money will allow their company to "influence the curriculum". This is not beneficent giving, rather a desire to control.
They have 100 billion while others struggle to put food on the table, or worse, have no home for a table? Are we ok with an economy that allows this to happen? What will we do to change it? Overturning Citizen's United is Step #1
47
To me it is not "the economy" that allows this ( struggling families) to happen but US politicians' self interest . The Koch brothers have done their bit for American taxpayers by having large numbers of employees who earn income, generate sales tax revenue, pay other forms of tax, employees who live in communities pay tax and so on.
Every economy will have disadvantaged people sadly but true . At least our system of economy and government allows for people to move from disadvantaged middle income to successful high income people .
Unless that is you think we should be socialists like those in Cuba or the Soviet Union .
Every economy will have disadvantaged people sadly but true . At least our system of economy and government allows for people to move from disadvantaged middle income to successful high income people .
Unless that is you think we should be socialists like those in Cuba or the Soviet Union .
RE: The Koch brothers' largess: When a fish takes the bait and the hook inside, it is not the steel barb but the line attached that determines the fate of the prey.
Do not for a moment believe that the Koch's practice catch and release.
Do not for a moment believe that the Koch's practice catch and release.
41
It's easy to speak in vague terms about "freedom" when you have inherited a multibillion dollar company and have a combined net worth exceeding $40 billion. Those kind of resources provide you with all kinds of options that almost no one else has. Theirs is a selfish and dangerous agenda.
47
That's $80 billion, $40 billion, at least, per Bro.
Interesting. I am trying to recommend a number of statements and it seems the button is not working consistently today. Makes me wonder what's going on.
To the point, the Koch brothers are despicable and represent all that is wrong with Citizens United. To focus on creating a perception is typical of those who are trying to shield their actions. They are not fooling anyone except the ill- informed or ignorant. Let's bit abet them with media attention that serves to enhance their image. Ugh ugh
To the point, the Koch brothers are despicable and represent all that is wrong with Citizens United. To focus on creating a perception is typical of those who are trying to shield their actions. They are not fooling anyone except the ill- informed or ignorant. Let's bit abet them with media attention that serves to enhance their image. Ugh ugh
26
do you mean a matrix sort of thing controlled by the Koch brothers? You know they are dispatching a team to your house right now, right?
1
I don't care if the carry a puppy across a highway, all I need to know about them is that they are using their considerable wealth and influence to promote taking the hard won rights of LGBT, women, and minorities. They would repeal an act that has helped insure millions of Americans. The party they back shuts down the government for sport, demonize other candidates and unabashedly support corporations and the elite at the expense (literally) of the middle class. The party they backed destabilized the Middle East and destroyed countless lives on faulty intelligence.
So they can dress like Mr. Rogers and bring their neighbors a casserole but they will still represent the devil in a dress.
Actions do speak louder than words.....or even paid propaganda.....
So they can dress like Mr. Rogers and bring their neighbors a casserole but they will still represent the devil in a dress.
Actions do speak louder than words.....or even paid propaganda.....
85
The Kochs' picture should be next to the word hypocrisy in the dictionary.
Just as the tobacco industry stressed their philanthropic efforts when public opinion turned on smoking, so now too are the Kochs as even Republican voters want controls on pollutants such as coal.
37
Well, their experiments in Kansas and Wisconsin have turned out great. I think they are probably researching a Ponce de Leon elixir so that they can live forever and continue the Bircher philosophy. Good luck with that.
24
I personally would welcome some greater clarity about the Koch's and their enterprises as well as their politics. The left has been very effective at demonizing them such that the very mention of the "Koch Brothers" becomes a slur. In many ways that is what many on the right do with the President. It seems he can't make and hasn't made one good decision since he entered office to some on the right. I increasingly see one of the biggest risks for our country is an inability to hear anything the "other side" has to say.
20
but the thing about the Kochs is that they do not deal in "clarity"; they only put out frosting thick enough to hide the 'cake' or maybe 'pull the wool over your eyes' is a better analogy for their wolf tactics.
Agreed! While i'm a liberal, I am no "liberal dittohead". I welcome those who can calmly and rationally share their views and perspectives, even i they happen to differ from mine.
I have a liberal acquaintance who is fond of referring to all "for profit" ventures as "evil", including those (like myself) who might work for them. Wal-Mart is evil. Fast food is evil. Time Warner is evil.
Harsh, weakly thought out judgments like these do us no good. The answer to the divisive pit we are in will be found in greater understanding of others, and their points of view. Not in condemnation.
I thank The Times for the article.
I have a liberal acquaintance who is fond of referring to all "for profit" ventures as "evil", including those (like myself) who might work for them. Wal-Mart is evil. Fast food is evil. Time Warner is evil.
Harsh, weakly thought out judgments like these do us no good. The answer to the divisive pit we are in will be found in greater understanding of others, and their points of view. Not in condemnation.
I thank The Times for the article.
I appreciate you willingness to learn more. I'd suggest starting with a search of the Koch brother's and their environmental track record.
1
I am perplexed by all those who wave the banner of campaign finance reform and the ills of money in elections but seem to have no qualms whatsoever with the total control of the election process by the two major parties. Spending on elections equates to more information reaching voters. You may not personally like or agree with some of that information but it is insulting to your fellow citizens to insinuate that they are not bright enough to sort through all the information and make their own choices.
14
Those "fellow citizens" put Nixon in twice and Bush in twice. What do you have to say about the intelligence of their voting there? Democracy fails when the voters are too lazy, too uneducated and too close minded to research candidates' opinions on their own rather than make decisions from sleazy TV ads from both sides. All these elections should be publicly financed. That would save us from endlessly having to listen to propagandistic advertising endlessly for months before an election. Democrat and Republican propaganda is no better than what you get in Russia or China today. It is never about the truth, is it?
3
Negative ads work and the result is elections based on innuendo and falsehoods. Kochs are guilty of perpetuating this.
2
You apparently are not very well informed about the intellectual competency of our citizenry, and forget such ludicrous information that is so widely believed by our "bright" fellow citizens: swift boat; death panels; non citizen and Muslim Obama; creationism and intelligent design. An informed citizen can go on for days citing how easily duped our extremely poorly educated populace is.
I can only conclude that the American conservative agenda is: keep them stupid and poor, and they will be that much easier to manipulate.
I can only conclude that the American conservative agenda is: keep them stupid and poor, and they will be that much easier to manipulate.
1
Just because the Koch's put their personal profit above the habitability of our planet and have as a goal the subversion od our democracy doesn't make them bad people.
Does it?
Does it?
35
Well the article says that they have gone from "grim letters to fellow wealthy Americans warning of the socialist apocalypse" to "the link between freedom and happiness".
So I guess they are in Phase 2. So why aren't these guys happy? They should be floating on little rafts somewhere sunny.
So I guess they are in Phase 2. So why aren't these guys happy? They should be floating on little rafts somewhere sunny.
No amount of lipstick on the Koch Bros will change my mind.
Unless they announce that they support a carbon fee and dividend plan similar to what Dr. James Hansen proposes, I will consider them to be the two people who ruined this planet.
History books will not reflect kindly on these two men.
Unless they announce that they support a carbon fee and dividend plan similar to what Dr. James Hansen proposes, I will consider them to be the two people who ruined this planet.
History books will not reflect kindly on these two men.
20
It matters not how much perfume you put on a pig. That unmistakable smell just won't go away.
16
The tragedy here is that this so called PR campaign, aka propaganda, will probably work, drowning out the truth about their methods and goals.
15
It's working already — just look at this softball NYT article!
"Last year, Koch Industries announced a $25 million gift to the college fund, much of it for a new Koch Scholars program in which the company will help shape the curriculum."
And there is the problem, they will give money and they want to "shape the curriculum." Despicable.
The gave money to Florida State University to fund a chair in the economics department with the proviso that they name the person who was awarded the chair. All they want to do is spread their twisted philosophy via their money -- in other words -- they want to be able to brainwash people by dictating what they learn in college.
This from the family whose father made his millions building the infrastructure of the oil industry for Joseph Stalin one of the biggest monsters in history whose bent for killing anyone who didn't agree with him can stand next to Adolph Hitler.
Instead of commercials with their employees, why don't they run ads featuring the pollution they've dumped into the St. Johns river in FL from one of their wood processing plants? Why not show the other rivers they've polluted and the general destruction they've done to the environment?
These are evil men with money who will throw some of it at worthy causes while using the bulk of their money to destroy people, institutions, and democracy itself.
And there is the problem, they will give money and they want to "shape the curriculum." Despicable.
The gave money to Florida State University to fund a chair in the economics department with the proviso that they name the person who was awarded the chair. All they want to do is spread their twisted philosophy via their money -- in other words -- they want to be able to brainwash people by dictating what they learn in college.
This from the family whose father made his millions building the infrastructure of the oil industry for Joseph Stalin one of the biggest monsters in history whose bent for killing anyone who didn't agree with him can stand next to Adolph Hitler.
Instead of commercials with their employees, why don't they run ads featuring the pollution they've dumped into the St. Johns river in FL from one of their wood processing plants? Why not show the other rivers they've polluted and the general destruction they've done to the environment?
These are evil men with money who will throw some of it at worthy causes while using the bulk of their money to destroy people, institutions, and democracy itself.
38
Shame on Florida State University for accepting a Koch donation that essentially turns this endowed professorship into a mouthpiece for the Koch brothers. A public university prostituting itself.
1
Don't be fooled by the " accidental niceties", these are nasty folks with tons of money that have always had their way. "Spoiled money" i call it. These folks are exactly what this country does not need!
19
Whatever else they do (and they endowed an excellent gallery on human origins at the Smithsonian -- can't be accused of Creationism), these guys should not be trusted as long as they continue their massive funding for the lying campaign against action on climate change.
15
I wonder how much of this $890 million will be spent on state/local elections that libertarians usually care a lot about, and how much buying ads for the multi-state national election (I'll not call it a national election, since each state is a separate entity in the Electoral College)? To their neo-"liberal" enemies, this is a distinction without a difference, of course, but to Jeffersonian Liberals it's significant.
I wouldn't set foot in the Smithsonian at this point. They sold out.
The Kochs are having difficulty overcoming the common perception that they are greedy, self-interested, evil sociopaths who believe their wealth entitles them to pollute the planet, corrupt democracy and bring hardship down on the vast majority of their fellow citizens BECAUSE they are greedy, self-interested, evil sociopaths who believe their wealth entitles them to pollute the planet, corrupt democracy and bring hardship down on the vast majority of their fellow citizens.
Shame on Barack Obama and Valeris Jarrett for not knowing better. I used to think they were smarter than that, but I've known better since the Wall St. bailout.
Shame on Barack Obama and Valeris Jarrett for not knowing better. I used to think they were smarter than that, but I've known better since the Wall St. bailout.
17
The Koch family decided to spend billions to push their own political agenda. They chose to spend money to create lied filled political ads. They used this money to effectively buy off politicians. They even wrote some of this money off as a tax write off because said money went to "educational organizations".
If they really cared about the average American, or the struggling American, then why wasn't their cash flow directed to improve their lives? Instead, they improved their own lives; and lives of Tea Party Republicans.
Now they are trying to change their image? It is like a snake shedding its skin. In the end, it is still the same snake, just with a new skin. Another example of the so called 1% hypocrisy.
If they really cared about the average American, or the struggling American, then why wasn't their cash flow directed to improve their lives? Instead, they improved their own lives; and lives of Tea Party Republicans.
Now they are trying to change their image? It is like a snake shedding its skin. In the end, it is still the same snake, just with a new skin. Another example of the so called 1% hypocrisy.
25
Its a trap. They'll change drastically to their old "kill the government" mode once they've conned us into believing they're humane.
8
pretty ironic, but understandable, that the Koch brothers have built their own ginormous empire in order to steer the country in the direction they want to go, yet they want to cut back on the size of government! Ha! Why don't they just declare themselves co-presidents of the US....or are we a Democracy? And the Supremes say this isn't corruption?
16
At this point even the Supreme Ct. no longer holds credence.
Public Notice: For only $100,000 I would be willing to write 10 (ten) support pieces for the Koch Brothers campaign. Compare and see this is a real bargain.
10
Instead of the Koch brothers trying to change their "image", they really ought to try and change their "ways". They are perceived as arrogant, selfish, and mean-spirited because they are arrogant, selfish, and mean-spirited and have been throughout their lives. You know they look down upon the "little people", which includes 99.9% of humanity. Why, you ask? It all has to do with money, too much money, and what that does to the human psyche. I feel sorry for them but it's the old adage..."Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely".
16
This is your country on Koch -- millions upon millions spent on Republican candidates, helping Scott Walker bust unions, encouraging Ohio and Indiana to take on their public unions too, making a "libertarian" world without labor law protection. Could we please focus on the actual agenda? Their father was a Bircher (the John Birch Society, which thought of Eisenhower, the Republican, as a Communist dupe). They see themselves as faithful to that legacy. The President should be very wary of giving backhand compliments to this kind of "libertarianism."
21
When they accept climate change as reality, stop negative attacks on competent well-intentioned leaders like President Obama, and stop supporting destructive policies I will stop feeling very conflicted when visiting the Met or going to HSS.
15
If the Kochs want to do some good, they can support comprehensive campaign-finance and lobbying reform and getting money out of our politics. In the meantime, they can devote that $889 million to causes that actually address real needs of real people. Otherwise, this is nothing but an empty PR campaign to obfuscate the toxic influence of these two men and their ideology of crass selfishness have on politics, economics, society and culture.
14
The Koch family helped create and nurture the John Birch Society that drove the anti-communist fanaticism of the WWII generation; the Libertarian Party that simply wants to dismantle the government for serving the rest of us; and the Tea Party that adds exuberant racism to the Libertarian mix. Now you're telling us the other side of the story?
Hitler built the autobahns and Mussolini made the trains run on time.
Hitler built the autobahns and Mussolini made the trains run on time.
21
Comparing them to Hitler is pathetic. And remember, Hitler was a socialist. His party was the National Socialist German Workers Party.
1
The political agenda of the Koch's is anathema to the vitality of our democracy no matter how folksy and gosh gee their pr people are trying to sell the American public.
In essence the Koch boys are funding a massive disinformation campaign aimed at swaying the opinions of those most likely to be hurt by the policies they espouse.
From funding unethical science on climate change to pushing a Tea Party agenda of gutting the social safety net for the needy and politically powerless in our society via: opposition to increased minimum wage, reduction of food stamp vouchers and unemployment payments, states accepting FREE Medicaid expansion under the ACA.
All the while pushing for policies to further enrich themselves and their fellow 1% ers by reducing income taxation rates, and opposition to any increased taxation on capital gains and income.
The Kochs are paragons of the evil that can be accompanied by limitless wealth that no feel good ads can erase.
In essence the Koch boys are funding a massive disinformation campaign aimed at swaying the opinions of those most likely to be hurt by the policies they espouse.
From funding unethical science on climate change to pushing a Tea Party agenda of gutting the social safety net for the needy and politically powerless in our society via: opposition to increased minimum wage, reduction of food stamp vouchers and unemployment payments, states accepting FREE Medicaid expansion under the ACA.
All the while pushing for policies to further enrich themselves and their fellow 1% ers by reducing income taxation rates, and opposition to any increased taxation on capital gains and income.
The Kochs are paragons of the evil that can be accompanied by limitless wealth that no feel good ads can erase.
16
No mention of the millions spent by George Soros and company. Only the Koch brothers are routinely demonized. Anyone, like me, who doesn't want to be influenced by Big Money can turn off the tube and ignore all political ads.
We might get different candidates and different results if voters made decisions based on what they read instead of catchy political smear ads. There is enough verifiable information out there to make a decision based on facts, not innuendo. The Kardashians, whoever they are, wouldn't be front page news based on their accomplishments. political campaigns wouldn't be emotional popularity contests instead of policy debates either.
We might get different candidates and different results if voters made decisions based on what they read instead of catchy political smear ads. There is enough verifiable information out there to make a decision based on facts, not innuendo. The Kardashians, whoever they are, wouldn't be front page news based on their accomplishments. political campaigns wouldn't be emotional popularity contests instead of policy debates either.
18
The Kochs ' capitalism is benign compared to the version Soros engages in. He is the quintessential "evil, greedy capitalist", so demonized by progressives.
Soros actually did say he wanted to make Bush a one-term president. No one batted an eyelash. It's only bad money when it's directed toward the "wrong" causes.
Soros actually did say he wanted to make Bush a one-term president. No one batted an eyelash. It's only bad money when it's directed toward the "wrong" causes.
2
The major difference is that "Soros & company" are spending their money to curtail their ability to spend these vast sums in future campaigns-- in effect putting themselves out of business. Koch et al are doing just the opposite.
9
@ AACNY
The left never see the hypocrisy in themselves, in their minds they are the smartest people in the room, they are delusional. They don't seem to mind People for the American Way and George Soros helping their cause. One also wonders if the Kochs political affiliation leaned to the left woudl they be spewing the same poison? Highly doubtful. Also doubtful this comment will eb posted as a similar one did not. Funny that.
The left never see the hypocrisy in themselves, in their minds they are the smartest people in the room, they are delusional. They don't seem to mind People for the American Way and George Soros helping their cause. One also wonders if the Kochs political affiliation leaned to the left woudl they be spewing the same poison? Highly doubtful. Also doubtful this comment will eb posted as a similar one did not. Funny that.
If only the rest of us could change the Koch Bros. perception of us. But that would require empathy, of which they have none. Sorry Bros, I'm not buying, and that includes your products.
13
Can you imagine being born a billionaire? These Koch's toy with the little people, buying off our state legislatures, propping up puppets like Scott Walker, funding anti-research on climate change. Now they are Trumped by someone of their own ilk-- another billionaire, Trump, who unabashedly displays the deep innate arrogance of all the ultra-ultra-rich. And their response-- more propaganda, of course!
11
Their body of work and their true DNA is the legislation throughout the country passed by their subsidized politicians. Look at the stated views of what and whom they support, and the only conclusion is that they seek to create a world remarkably similar to what Fritz Lang put on film in 1927 in Metropolis.
9
Let them brave away ... but their attempts to control and undermine our democratic system to suit their designs and "ideals" leaves them fair game to throw metaphorical tomatoes at ... and may they keep coming, fast and hard.
These two oligarchs have no right to manipulate our country because of the their wealth, I hope someday we wipe the stage with them.
These two oligarchs have no right to manipulate our country because of the their wealth, I hope someday we wipe the stage with them.
13
889 million buys a lot of Congressmen. I want to know how much influence they had in the supreme Courts allowing Citizens United to clear. These are destructive men who can't clear up their image with a nice, nice article in the NY Times.
14
The Political Economy Research Institute ranks Koch Industries as the fourteenth worst air polluter in the U.S. in their Toxic Release Inventory, above oil giants like BP, Shell and Chevron and large coal utilities like American Electric Power and Duke Energy.
CARMA (Carbon Monitoring for Action) reports that Koch releases about 200,000 tons of atmospheric carbon dioxide annually.
Koch Industries was the 2011 inductee for Corporate Accountability International's Corporate Hall of Shame for "spending over $50 million to fund climate change denial and influencing the Supreme Court's decision to allow unlimited corporate dollars to flow into federal elections."
http://www.polluterwatch.com/koch-industries
Koch Industries is the sixth member of the Hall of Shame, after Monsanto, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Blackwater and Halliburton.
The Kochs are merely spending part of their ungodly fortune to dupe the public into thinking their consistent and immoral pollution of the Earth and American democracy is wonderful.
Don't fall this Koch marketing nonsense; the Kochs have done -- and will do -- tremendous damage to the world and to democracy.
CARMA (Carbon Monitoring for Action) reports that Koch releases about 200,000 tons of atmospheric carbon dioxide annually.
Koch Industries was the 2011 inductee for Corporate Accountability International's Corporate Hall of Shame for "spending over $50 million to fund climate change denial and influencing the Supreme Court's decision to allow unlimited corporate dollars to flow into federal elections."
http://www.polluterwatch.com/koch-industries
Koch Industries is the sixth member of the Hall of Shame, after Monsanto, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Blackwater and Halliburton.
The Kochs are merely spending part of their ungodly fortune to dupe the public into thinking their consistent and immoral pollution of the Earth and American democracy is wonderful.
Don't fall this Koch marketing nonsense; the Kochs have done -- and will do -- tremendous damage to the world and to democracy.
216
That one citizen's vote counts more than another's is the problem. What's the difference between a Koch and anybody else? Money. In a true democracy money ought not to equal power but SCOTUS has decided otherwise. The Kochs buy votes by their power to persuade.
7
The Kochs know that they can buy legitimacy. Those who accept this money and fawn befor the Kochs should be ashamed. Their money is dirty and their goal is to enslave and poison us all.
There is a stunning scene in Gangs of New York in which one incredibly wealthy guy comforts his incredibly wealth guests who are being disturbed by the protests of the poor by pointing out: "one can always pay one group of the poor to kill the other". Chilling to think he is so right.
There is a stunning scene in Gangs of New York in which one incredibly wealthy guy comforts his incredibly wealth guests who are being disturbed by the protests of the poor by pointing out: "one can always pay one group of the poor to kill the other". Chilling to think he is so right.
16
" after four employees at a Texas refinery were snared in what the company viewed as an overzealous prosecution of federal clean air and hazardous waste laws. "
Excuse me, but how can a prosecution of clean air and hazardous waste laws be overzealous - when every thing and every one currently alive on the planet must breathe this air and drink this water?
What good is "liberty" if it merely confers a right to profitably despoil the earth and poison every human, plant, and animal that depends on it?
The cause of "liberty", as espoused today by the Koch-heads, is the crack cocaine of the American Revolution. It has amounted to little more than the refuge of scoundrels, like Southern advocates for slavery and segregation, for more 230 years.
What made America culturally important is its embrace of checks and balances - a concept that presupposes a measure of liberty, while recognizing the need for the perpetual cultivation of institutional and ethical bars against self-serving behaviors, like the ability to pollute our air and water for profit.
I would type that liberty is for the birds - except that the Koch Brothers style of liberty kill birds, and everything else that depends on clean water and air to survive.
Checks and balances, as embodied in laws and regulations that prevent knaves like the Koch Brothers from polluting our air, water, and political ecosystems, are both every American's birthright and this nation's surest to path to cultural immortality.
Excuse me, but how can a prosecution of clean air and hazardous waste laws be overzealous - when every thing and every one currently alive on the planet must breathe this air and drink this water?
What good is "liberty" if it merely confers a right to profitably despoil the earth and poison every human, plant, and animal that depends on it?
The cause of "liberty", as espoused today by the Koch-heads, is the crack cocaine of the American Revolution. It has amounted to little more than the refuge of scoundrels, like Southern advocates for slavery and segregation, for more 230 years.
What made America culturally important is its embrace of checks and balances - a concept that presupposes a measure of liberty, while recognizing the need for the perpetual cultivation of institutional and ethical bars against self-serving behaviors, like the ability to pollute our air and water for profit.
I would type that liberty is for the birds - except that the Koch Brothers style of liberty kill birds, and everything else that depends on clean water and air to survive.
Checks and balances, as embodied in laws and regulations that prevent knaves like the Koch Brothers from polluting our air, water, and political ecosystems, are both every American's birthright and this nation's surest to path to cultural immortality.
24
Obviously, progressives will be reviled by the Kochs, but aside from their outsized spending on elections, I have no problem with their philanthropic causes. Good for them.
As for their demonization by democrats, Harry Reid is the king of deflection. He cleverly ginned up a lot of opposition to the Kochs, just as he ginned up a lot of anger at the GOP for gridlock that he was largely responsible for (notice the progress since he was removed). His attacks on the Kochs are politically motivated to rile the democratic base.
The Kochs fit perfectly into the demonization of corporations, wealthy, etc., all part and parcel of the democrats' election meme: Income inequality.
As for their demonization by democrats, Harry Reid is the king of deflection. He cleverly ginned up a lot of opposition to the Kochs, just as he ginned up a lot of anger at the GOP for gridlock that he was largely responsible for (notice the progress since he was removed). His attacks on the Kochs are politically motivated to rile the democratic base.
The Kochs fit perfectly into the demonization of corporations, wealthy, etc., all part and parcel of the democrats' election meme: Income inequality.
5
But, let's not gloss over the issues.
The other day, my daughter asked me, "Mommy, how do you clean the air?" How would you suggest I respond to that?
The other day, my daughter asked me, "Mommy, how do you clean the air?" How would you suggest I respond to that?
9
Yeah, just because they continue to poison our planet for their own profit and intend to subvert our democracy doesn't mean they're bad guys.
12
Yeah, income inequality, along with sexism and racism, is one of the biggest injustices. The Democrats are right to stay on that point.
7
Two things come to mind.
First the very idea that the size of a government is an important issue is a dogmatic chant. It is immaterial. What counts is effectiveness and the scope of important services delivered to the populace. In consideration of the latter, our government is way too small. Medicare for all, please. College for all, please.
Second, our election system is broken. Elections are a public right and should be funded by the public. Period. Private donations over $50 could be banned (pick a number). Voting could be mandatory with tax penalties for not doing so.
The Kochs, whatever their philosophies and philanthropies, are now among the small number of Oligarchs who pull the strings of government - from the election process through it's administration and legislative process. Trim their sails, please. Power back to the public, please.
First the very idea that the size of a government is an important issue is a dogmatic chant. It is immaterial. What counts is effectiveness and the scope of important services delivered to the populace. In consideration of the latter, our government is way too small. Medicare for all, please. College for all, please.
Second, our election system is broken. Elections are a public right and should be funded by the public. Period. Private donations over $50 could be banned (pick a number). Voting could be mandatory with tax penalties for not doing so.
The Kochs, whatever their philosophies and philanthropies, are now among the small number of Oligarchs who pull the strings of government - from the election process through it's administration and legislative process. Trim their sails, please. Power back to the public, please.
183
Anderson's remarks are on target. Why aren't these latest
philanthropies, as attractive as they may be to everyone, just another
political attempt at ensuring GOP victories?
philanthropies, as attractive as they may be to everyone, just another
political attempt at ensuring GOP victories?
I agree with everything you advocate except for mandatory voting. I'm against it for two reasons: 1) Whether liberal or conservative or something else, I don't want someone so lazy they can't appreciate the gift of freedom to be forced to vote. ('All right, all right. If I must. Enny meany... that guy.') 2) Sometimes there really is no choice. A no vote sends a message just as well. Maybe I'm engaging in wishful thinking, but low voter turn-out gets the body politc's attention.
If I could "Recommend" this a thousand times, I would. Thank you.
How does this article avoid all mention of the Kochs' #1 priority: preventing any effective action to head of climate change? If 97% of scientists who've studied climate change are right, failing to act will result in hundreds of millions of human deaths, and dire consequences for those who survive. How is this of so little concern as to not even be mentioned here?
252
Not part of public relations payment package. Sorry.
The 97% number is a totally bogus figure. It is based on a biasedly worded email blast to over 11,000 various scientists with only 79 responding, and a discredited study by an Aussie named Cook. Neither of these could pass 5 minutes of scrutiny from a high school statistics class.
1
Exactly! The Earth is at a tipping point and it may already be too late for effective action. If the Koch brothers are successful in blocking climate action, they will be dead and gone when the climate goes completely haywire, and for what? Dogmatic belief in a political philosophy? Is $100 Billion not enough? At their age, most billionaires would be using their fortunes to build schools, eradicate disease, or broker world peace. They are using theirs to buy elections, destroy public schools, gut environmental protections.
When I watch action adventure movies where the antagonist is trying to destroy the world, I ask my wife, "What is the motivation of his/her right hand man as he/she watches his/her boss kill lesser underlings without a thought when they outlive their usefulness, knowing that the end of the world will bring their own demise?" What are the motivations of the Koch brothers? Are two to six more years of a seat in congress worth the living hell that congressmen and senators will leave their children and grandchildren?
When I watch action adventure movies where the antagonist is trying to destroy the world, I ask my wife, "What is the motivation of his/her right hand man as he/she watches his/her boss kill lesser underlings without a thought when they outlive their usefulness, knowing that the end of the world will bring their own demise?" What are the motivations of the Koch brothers? Are two to six more years of a seat in congress worth the living hell that congressmen and senators will leave their children and grandchildren?
2
The Koch brothers are reputed to have said that they are going to raise and spend 100 million dollars to elect a President of their choosing in the next election. If that's the case, and I no reason to believe that it isn't, all the PR in the world is not going to change either my opinion of them or their toxic effect on our democracy.
64
900 million
Then why don't they just be nice boys and stay out of everyone's life and stop trying to make this country into part of Koch Industries.
You know the lyric "Money can't buy you love". Well it sure can't buy it for these detestable men and their progeny, all of them equally detestable for their name alone and what that name now stands for, the rampant, rapacious destruction of anyone and everything in this nation that is not in accord with their fascism.
Yes, fascism and that is not an overuse of the word, look it up and you will agree that it fits the Koch brothers.
Their money has not bought them love and can't. It has bought them billions of dollars worth of unequal speech. It can buy New York's cultural institutions like the Met and Lincoln Center, but it can't buy them love.
Instead it has bought them the undying hatred of millions upon millions of Americans for whom the very name Koch is a curse and I curse them every day for their wanton desecration equal free speech and for the vision of an America in thrall to the state of serfdom they would reduce all life to in this nation.
You know the lyric "Money can't buy you love". Well it sure can't buy it for these detestable men and their progeny, all of them equally detestable for their name alone and what that name now stands for, the rampant, rapacious destruction of anyone and everything in this nation that is not in accord with their fascism.
Yes, fascism and that is not an overuse of the word, look it up and you will agree that it fits the Koch brothers.
Their money has not bought them love and can't. It has bought them billions of dollars worth of unequal speech. It can buy New York's cultural institutions like the Met and Lincoln Center, but it can't buy them love.
Instead it has bought them the undying hatred of millions upon millions of Americans for whom the very name Koch is a curse and I curse them every day for their wanton desecration equal free speech and for the vision of an America in thrall to the state of serfdom they would reduce all life to in this nation.
121
The Kochs will never get it. People don't dislike them because they are personally abhorrent, or gauche, or foolish. As this article points out, they could be authentic humanitarians, with a genuine desire to help the less fortunate through charitable activity.
People dislike the Koch brothers because they are the pure embodiment of a system that has crushed millions of Americans under its grinding gears, and that has now wrested political power from almost everyone in the country. They dislike them because they are uncritical--perhaps willfully ignorant--about that system. And they are disliked because they perpetuate that system by financing cultish institutions that attempt to give it ideological legitimacy. (Does anyone think that Tyler Cowen would get national recognition if he wasn't sitting on a veritable throne of libertarian cash provided him by the Koch's Mercatus center, and George Mason's econ department, which they own?). They strike me as people who have never really considered the arguments against their position. And why would you when living in that position has been so lucrative?
There is, of course, a finite clock on the financial manipulation of history. Its ticks grow louder.
People dislike the Koch brothers because they are the pure embodiment of a system that has crushed millions of Americans under its grinding gears, and that has now wrested political power from almost everyone in the country. They dislike them because they are uncritical--perhaps willfully ignorant--about that system. And they are disliked because they perpetuate that system by financing cultish institutions that attempt to give it ideological legitimacy. (Does anyone think that Tyler Cowen would get national recognition if he wasn't sitting on a veritable throne of libertarian cash provided him by the Koch's Mercatus center, and George Mason's econ department, which they own?). They strike me as people who have never really considered the arguments against their position. And why would you when living in that position has been so lucrative?
There is, of course, a finite clock on the financial manipulation of history. Its ticks grow louder.
160
Pul-eez. They've thrown the thickest of mufflers over that clock.
Well done! Excellent writing. Kudos!
While a good PR campaign might fool the average Fox viewer. it won't change the reality of what these oligarchs believe and who they think government is meant to protect. They will offer up all sorts great sounding platitudes about bootstraps and freedom, their intent, like all Libertarians, is to make sure that corporations are free to exploit while the wealthy are freed from the financial burden of participating in the greater American society.
24
If the Koch brothers want to be known as philanthropists, they should not have made their name as political benefactors. If they want to be known for promoting culture (say, PBS news, museums) and social justice, they should not get behind candidates like Scott Walker. What people will infer about David and Charles is what we see them bring to the GOP.
32
By all the public relations firms you can, but the truth remains; actions are louder than words. These guys are the definition of what the Bible calls wicked. The only reason we continue to hear about them is Citizens United, in which they were able to actually buy a Supreme Court ruling.
68
No matter how much they spend and how much subterfuge they indulge in,
smart people will be able to see what they're up to. They are a prime example of money and the wealthy controlling this country. Because of people like them, this country is no longer a Democracy. They buy our elections and our politicians. I'm originally from Wisconsin and in the past have been proud of that fact. The Koch brothers were operatives in making sure that Scott Walker didn't get kicked out of office during the recall election and now they're going to try to foist him on us for President - God help us !! Walker has ruined Wisconsin and now the Koch's want to put him in as President - frightening thought !! Makes total sense - Walker's their puppet.
smart people will be able to see what they're up to. They are a prime example of money and the wealthy controlling this country. Because of people like them, this country is no longer a Democracy. They buy our elections and our politicians. I'm originally from Wisconsin and in the past have been proud of that fact. The Koch brothers were operatives in making sure that Scott Walker didn't get kicked out of office during the recall election and now they're going to try to foist him on us for President - God help us !! Walker has ruined Wisconsin and now the Koch's want to put him in as President - frightening thought !! Makes total sense - Walker's their puppet.
33
Spending nearly 1 billion dollars to get their anti-environmental, anti-union, anti-women, anti-education agendas carried out on the national level is what is giving them a public relations problem.
One only has to look at the ALEC agenda that they sponsor and at the action of Walker, Kasich, Jindal, et al and the states of Kansas (if the Kochs are so great, why have the economy and schools of Kansas been decimated in the past few years?), Wisconsin, Ohio, South Carolina, Louisiana etc. to see what they want to bring to the entire USA.
Good luck with the "warm fuzzies" PR project.
One only has to look at the ALEC agenda that they sponsor and at the action of Walker, Kasich, Jindal, et al and the states of Kansas (if the Kochs are so great, why have the economy and schools of Kansas been decimated in the past few years?), Wisconsin, Ohio, South Carolina, Louisiana etc. to see what they want to bring to the entire USA.
Good luck with the "warm fuzzies" PR project.
27
The Kochs' "libertarian" positions are meant to cement in place the corporate and individual oligarchy that has emerged in American since 1980. Their money, their "social" and political organizations (e.g. ALEC) and their mendacious, vicious ads clothed in populism are the vehicles to accomplish that goal.
I'm sorry, but all their gifts to the arts, and even their admirable efforts to help reform the mandatory sentencing laws as regards non-violent felons, don't cut the mustard.
I'm sorry, but all their gifts to the arts, and even their admirable efforts to help reform the mandatory sentencing laws as regards non-violent felons, don't cut the mustard.
75
Perhaps they can appear as the George Soros of the right wing. Mr Soros image is not attacked for the millions he donates to left wing causes. They could learn from his play book.
3
Mr. Soros backs political positions from which he does not personally benefit, e.g., higher taxes. There is no parallel with the Koch brothers, who seek to further the unfair advantages that have enabled their oligarchic position.
10
The left never see the hypocrisy spewign from their foaming mouths. It's always different when a democrat does things, rules never apply.
1
Yes, like withdrawing from partisan politics. After 2004, Soros essentially swore off major Koch-scale investments in US politics and turned his attention to promoting Democracy and free markets overseas. While he continues to be a donor to certain "progressive" causes here n the US, he is only one of many - not either a lavish lead like the Kochs or an organizer of other like the Kochs.
The whole "what about Soros" meme is a very misleading and false parallel to the Koch brothers.
The whole "what about Soros" meme is a very misleading and false parallel to the Koch brothers.
8
An addendum to my earlier comment. Today's Republican "libertarianism" is not interested in government that is hands off as they claim to be except in ways that they find acceptable; e.g. laissez faire capitalism where companies could act as they want but without government supervision or restriction. In other areas, such as so-called religious freedoms and our current social welfare, the Kochs and the Republicans they support would pass a myriad of laws to make the US into their own kind of Frankenstein monster. Those of us with a sense of morality simply can't let them achieve it.
36
Re: "...laissez faire capitalism where companies could act as they want but without government supervision or restriction." Don't forget government contracts, government enticements, and government favoritism--and yes, without supervision or restriction. These are also part of their "libertarian" program. Remember what Benito Mussolini said: “Fascism should more appropriately be called Corporatism because it is a merger of state and corporate power.” This is what the Koch brothers really espouse.
3
I'll judge them on the positions they take, not some fanciful notions displayed in some "paid for by the Koch's money" publicity stunt.
53
Have they decided to stop funding lies about science?
Why should anyone trust them?
Why should anyone trust them?
153
I'll defend them on this one point: David Koch is chief sponsor of the science show, NOVA. NOVA regularly makes the point that man made global warming is real.
Having said that, I sometimes wonder if Mr. Koch watches his own show.
Having said that, I sometimes wonder if Mr. Koch watches his own show.
2
The Koch bros. are putting lipstick on a pig and calling it Miss America.
That pig won't fly.
That pig won't fly.
62
Unfortunately, that pig has now gone jet pack!
2
All it takes is a multi-billion dollar PR campaign, and soon the Koch brothers will be America's favorite grandpas. Don't watch the videos, follow the money trail, it will never lie.
94
"Last year, Koch Industries announced a $25 million gift to the college fund, much of it for a new Koch Scholars program in which the company will help shape the curriculum." And that is good how, and for whom, in the end? It's just another way of throwing money at a problem to ensure their own success in the end by training a bunch of Koch drones.
43
Help shape the curriculum? Considering the source, that is terrifying.
3
I note that there is a lot of scaffolding around the capitol dome in Washington. I imagine when the work is complete and the scaffolding dismantled, we will see a large "For Sale" sign. Thank you SCOTUS. The new Koch Tower?
28
You would not believe all the ads running on local TV in the Midwest, touting what great places to work the Koch companies are. It borders on the disgusting. Smiling faces of happy workers. Yes, they may be great places to work if you're an automaton. But they can't overcome the revulsion at what they're doing to this country. I've done research on which companies they own, and hard as it may be, we try not to buy anything made at their companies.
53
This reminds me of the story of the alligator and the rabbit:
“But, I thought you said you weren’t going to eat me; that you had
already eaten; and you didn’t like rabbit,” questioned the excited rabbit.
“Yes,” said Mr. Alligator in his eerie sounding voice, “But, you knew
what I was before you ever climbed on.”
We already know all we need to know about the Mssrs. Koch.
“But, I thought you said you weren’t going to eat me; that you had
already eaten; and you didn’t like rabbit,” questioned the excited rabbit.
“Yes,” said Mr. Alligator in his eerie sounding voice, “But, you knew
what I was before you ever climbed on.”
We already know all we need to know about the Mssrs. Koch.
107
The Koch Brothers want to abolish Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and the EPA. I don't care what else they do, they will be always scofflaws to me because of those four things. When you're against health care for all, against clean air and water regulations, and against the Social Security safety net, all for the purpose of shrinking the government so small that you pay the least amount of taxes possible, your moral compass is non-existent.
432
This thinking a little thin. The Kochs aren't opposed to providing healthcare and needed social services and maintaining the environment. They, like many others in this nation, see an unabated growth in government that will exacerbate the misallocation of our limited economic resources and reduce your choices in the marketplace.
It isn't the perception that's the problem. It's the reality. The Koch brothers money has supported extreme attack ads on Democrats, including President Obama for at least two election cycles as well as supporting some of the right's most unsavory candidates. The Koch brothers and the organizations they have supported would undo almost every aspect of the social welfare advances made in the last century. Theirs is a philosophy - libertarianism - that might have worked to some degree in the American colonies of the late 1600 and 1700's with it small population of mostly hearty pioneers but has no functional place in the United States of 2015 with our population of about 220 million people.
I recognize that in our system the Koch brothers have a freedom to think and act as they do but that doesn't make it right, realistic, and moral. And all of their public relations money can't cover up the damage that they do to the country.
I recognize that in our system the Koch brothers have a freedom to think and act as they do but that doesn't make it right, realistic, and moral. And all of their public relations money can't cover up the damage that they do to the country.
629
Points well taken, and US population is 320 million more or less.
1
320 million
I'm not saying I like the Koch brothers, I agree that no one should be able to influence the political system as they do, but I am curious as to why you think that the Libertarian philosophy won't work in the US today? It seems as if it would be the perfect fit - we are not a one size fits all country...
While I am sure their libertarian bent leads the Koch brothers to some appropriate positions on individual liberties, and they give large amounts to charities, the corrupting influence of their money on the American political process and their opposition to essential environmental regulation to save the world we live in overshadows all of that. These brothers inherited vast oil wealth and they use their influence (money) to support oil and gas exploration and exploitation. That is not going to change. The Koch brothers are part of the tiny elite of billionaires who are the oligarchy that seeks to run America at the expense of the vast majority of Americans.
320
Indeed it is infuriating the brothers regularly self-identify as "liberal" and "libertarian."
1
Not to mention that continued use of fossil fuels will ruin not just America but the rest of the world, its animal species and threaten human civilization by the end of this century.
3
I think they would fit in better in Saudi Arabia then the USA, they have far more in common w/ the Saudi Royals then they do w/ the American people. Perhaps they will move there soon….we can only hope they will go away asap and stop with their destructive personal greed driven efforts.
5
They are trying to "alter" their image? Or trying to manipulate the press and public opinion? Why not just make their financial support of right wing PAC's transparent?
256
So they want to change "perceptions" of their family.
Like most rightists, they believe that mounting the right ad campaign will solve all their problems. Their underlying corporatist positions that are destroying the economy and middle class and accelerating our descent into neofeudalism, and their utter contempt for the warming environment, have nothing do do with it, of course.
If they really want to change, then I'm sure we'll hear them announce their support for this guy any day now:
BERNIE IN '16
Like most rightists, they believe that mounting the right ad campaign will solve all their problems. Their underlying corporatist positions that are destroying the economy and middle class and accelerating our descent into neofeudalism, and their utter contempt for the warming environment, have nothing do do with it, of course.
If they really want to change, then I'm sure we'll hear them announce their support for this guy any day now:
BERNIE IN '16
223
Do you really think socialism would work in the US? I don't. It has some really lovely attributes, but it would not be sustainable or scalable to the size of the US economy and it's diversity (population, culture, natural resources, etc). Personally, I would absolutely LOVE to see some real change, but I don't think Bernie is the way to get it.
Sanders isn't a socialist, no matter what the right wing media would have you think. Sanders is a social democrat. And we already have some socialist programs in our country that work. I want our country to support its people with healthcare, education, and support for the less fortunate. When I went to college, there was no tuition at all. But now, my friend's daughter got her law degree, is $100,000 in debt for student loans, and can't get a job. Which world do you really prefer? Sanders has some powerful ideas that would help our country. He may not be the candidate next year, but his vision is solid.
11
The Koch brothers donations to so-called progressive and/or liberal causes are both a smokescreen and a drop in the bucket compared to the billions they have given to anti-progressive and anti-liberal causes. Their attempt to "buy" our Federal elections is anti-democratic.
The Kochs created their own uneven playing field and then whine when criticized. Now they are trying to "buy" goodwill with specific voting groups with even more of their vast wealth. They don't seem to get the point. Being against national health coverage is anti-human, not pro-freedom.
The Kochs created their own uneven playing field and then whine when criticized. Now they are trying to "buy" goodwill with specific voting groups with even more of their vast wealth. They don't seem to get the point. Being against national health coverage is anti-human, not pro-freedom.
431
It is not anti human to be against another unfundable entitlement. Healthcare is a service, not a right. Were it a right, then no cost could be spared for heroic efforts for terminally ill patients. Or are you suggesting it is sort of a right? If so, how do we decide where the right ends and the service begins?
People pay into Social Security and Medicare. The use of the term, "entitlement," is deliberately deceptive. These programs are fundable without harming taxpayers, unless you consider taxing multi-billionaires "harm." And yes, why shouldn't healthcare and education for all be a right that we support as a country for all of us? Explain what the problem really is there, why the big resentment? When all children are healthy, have food and education, then we produce a much more productive, successful society for the future. Take away access to that and you end up with a third world situation. Is that what you want for America's future?
13
I don't care what they do until they show me where the money goes, all of it. Why are reporters shut out of any of the conference? Otherwise, it's just bread and circuses.
142
The left is always demonizing the wealthy people on the right, but they never see the faults of their own wealthy people (e.g. Soros, Blankfein, Dimon, Buffett, etc).
7
This article is about the Kochs. The playground chant, "but you do it, too" is the typical right wing cry when caught unfavorably in the spotlight.
26
Seriously, Blankfein, Dimon, who are extreme right plutocrats?
Soros and Buffett who would have fit in perfectly with the Eisenhower Republicans?
What world do you live in, Mr. Activist?
Soros and Buffett who would have fit in perfectly with the Eisenhower Republicans?
What world do you live in, Mr. Activist?
16
If the article were about Soros, Buffett, et al., your sentence could very well have read "The right is always demonizing the wealthy people on the left . . . " Are you upset about all demonizing or only about demonizing the right?
5
In a political cycle where the amount of money a candidate raises is the determining factor whether they win the nomination, this article shows why Citizens United is wrong. A small handful of contributors can now decide who gets to run for president. This is exactly what the founding fathers said was the vulnerability of the system they created and they specifically stated that corporations should not be allowed to provide campaign funds. Nowhere can it be found that money is a form of speech. Apparently corporate infuence is not only impacts the administration and Congress. It also impacts the Supreme Court. Perhaps a review of speaking fees paid to justices, and post-retirement income is overdue.
408
I assume you are including the Clinton Foundation in your thoughts? Funny, no proposed changes to those rules from Hillary on the campaign stump. Wouldn't want to upset her and Bill's piggybank would we?
6
Steve ever hear of People for the American Way? Or say George Soros? They do the same thing but for the dems and far leaning left. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
2
"Post retirement income"? So who's going to retire?
1
The Koch brothers picked a opportune time as their GOP choice is running against the Clintons. I think we know what we get when the Clintons go back into the White House, the Koch brothers are wasting their time working on their image, they will always be demonized. People with money dave Bill and Melinda have too much . Remember the drum beat is inequality this time around. Not hope and change.
3
During my son's time there, some scholars left and others threatened to leave because the Kochs were interfering with their scholarly findings and reports. They will go to any extent to make sure that their views are propagated in any way possible- even if it means asking for a rewrite of reports to say what the Kochs want said.
I boycott Koch products to the extent possible.