Dark Money 4-24-2016

24, April 2016                              Dark Money

According to the Intercept, there appears to be a pervasive intersection of money and politics. For example, many of the Democrats’ super delegates work as lobbyists for banks, oil companies, foreign companies and payday lenders. In a close race these super delegates could determine the party's nominee. Many of these groups, such as fossil fuel companies and Wall Street Banks are pouring huge sums of money to the Clinton companies in mortal fear that a Sanders presidency could severely impact their bottom line. What is largely ignored is the influence of foreign money on our domestic politics. The pro-TPP op eds appearing in many of the media often bears a strong resemblance to draft reports from foreign governments.  For example, one such article promoting TPP was lifted verbatim from a draft report by the Japanese government. Citizens United is only one insidious component of the influence of dark money into politics. PR consultants or think tanks can easily be paid off to place articles favorable to TPP or mute criticism of foreign governments. Witness the brilliant PR conducted by Pakistan’s General Yaya Khan to tilt US support in its favor during the genocide in 1971; or witness how Saudi’s Prince Bandar cultivated close chummy relationships with the Bush’s to mute criticism of their human rights abuses and seek favorable treatment following 9/11.