| Yes, most of the well-known politicians in this state have been affiliated with the Democratic Party. But what KIND of Democrats were/are they?
Were/are they the kind of Democrats that would constantly stand up for the little people? Or were/are they the kind of Democrats that suckle at the teat of the corporate power(s) in this state?
And I believe we all know who THE corporate power in this state is. It hasn't changed much since ol Huey's days. Just the name is all. Back then, it was Standard OIl. Today, it's Exxon Mobil, along with some newcomers to the show - All-State and Entergy.
Let's face it, folks ... the oil companies have raped our beautiful state for the past 100 years. And they haven't reimbursed the people of Louisiana for it. All-State and Entergy, seeing what fabulous success the oil companies have had here, have decided to get in on the fun! And they've paid off our politicians for the right to do it. Skeptical? Fair enough ...
How about John Breaux, the supposed "savior" of the Democratic Party? Can someone please tell me why he took some $486,000 dollars from the oil industry? Or $352,000 from the insurance companies? Or $153,000 from electric utilities?
Now, you're wondering why I'm bashing a Democrat. Don't worry ... I'm an equal opportunity basher ... All of these corporate entities have done a wonderful job of buying off ALL of our politicians ... including the Republicans.
Don't believe me? Check out "Bobby" Jindal's top contributors. Notice that he received $308,000 from the health care industry, thanks to his opposition to universal health care? Or 196,000 from oil and gas interests? Or $121,000 from insurance companies? Or $114,000 from the pharamaceutical industry?
How about David Vitter? He's received $636,000 from health care professionals. $459,000 from the oil and gas companies. $196,000 from insurance companies. $110,000 from electric utilities.
What is all this money buying? I'll tell you what it's buying ... the selling out of Louisiana. We've been sold down the river, folks, by politicians on BOTH sides of the aisle ... those who want to stay in power, and those who want to gain power.
When are we gonna stand up and say enough is enough? When are we gonna stand up and say, hey, it's time for you to fight for US. We are your boss, not the corporations. Because that is what it will take. It will take us standing over our elected official's shoulder and letting them know we're watching. And letting them know if they don't look out for us, we'll be bringing them after their next election for good. And then we'll have to deliver.
It's already been happening in other states. Rep. Charles Taylor of North Carolina's 11th District LOST his re-election campaign to Democrat Heath Shuler, in part because Mr. Taylor refused to vote against CAFTA by not voting AT ALL.
With everything we've got here in Louisiana ... the Mississippi River, the oil refineries, the timberlands, the marshlands, the seafood industry, the sugar industry, we should be one of the wealthiest states in the nation. We should be one of the most progressive states in the nation ... But we've allowed our politicians to be bought off by the corporations.
When will WE stand UP?
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