Top Spenders 2009 Lobbying Client Total.Notice the large difference between first and second place.
US Chamber of Commerce $144,496,000
Exxon Mobil Corporation $27,430,000
Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America $26,150,520
General Electric $25,520,000
Blue Cross/Blue Shield $22,715,439
Pfizer Inc $21,930,000
AARP $21,010,000
American Medical Association $20,830,000
Chevron Corp $20,815,000
National Association of Realtors $19,477,000
American Beverage Association $18,850,000
American Hospital Association $18,347,176
ConocoPhillips $18,069,858
Verizon Communications $17,820,000
The Boeing Company $16,850,000
FedEx Corp $16,370,000
BP $15,990,000
National Cable & Telecommunications Assn $15,980,000
Northrop Grumman $15,180,000
AT&T Inc $14,729,673
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source: http://www.opensecrets.org/
What Doug Thompson has called the "hole in the pocket" at work here. From thousands of low-mid income towns like Springdale monies are shifted into city coffers via small taxes then transferred by the stroke of a pen into the coffers of Chambers of Commerce across the nation. Those moving the stroke of the pen usually have something to gain. Then it goes upward to the big player and into the hands of the ones running the country for the benefit of who? Not you and me. There's a reason 5% of the nation controls or owns 70% of the wealth.
ReplyDeleteWhen was the last time a Chamber of Commerce person was interested in citizens' wealth? I've never seen them address it in my 60+ years on this planet.
When was the last time the Chamber fought to protect worker's 401Ks and pensions? Never.
When was the last time a Chamber member helped establish a community health clinic to help working families stay healthy?
Keep in mind May 18 that Senator Blanche is their poster girl. The Chamber had her here in 2004 to hand out a high honor.
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