“…This is the new topography of politics and corporate business on the state and federal level. This is the “new reality” for all of us: white collar extortion in the various capitol buildings of states from here to both coasts. It’s the great extraction in state after state. The major corporations are demanding payments and subsidies in order to consider bringing employment to an area, district, or state. To make these increasing and exorbitant demands, legislatures are seeking whatever funds can be scraped, borrowed, or pillaged from the middle class to keep their business relations stable. Illinois, already maintaining a corporate-friendly flat tax rate, is a leader in this specialty. Quinn caves to business regularly, after hand-wringing, but those running against him won't even pretend to argue…
“And the corporations are lined up outside the “pension reform” Governor’s office waiting to try their turn for breaks, tax subsidies, and increased loopholes. It matters not that their companies are awash in money and profits. For example, ADM earned more than $90 billion in sales just last year. Their demand for $24 million is exactly a payment of 2 millionths of their annual earnings. It’s the principle of the thing. Corporations must act like corporations, and if corporations are people, my friend, they’re not the kind of person you want hanging around your family or children. They’re shallow, easily angered, petulant, and very vindictive…
“What’ll it be in December in the General Assembly? Will the General Assembly supply ADM with the payment in order to play along, like they have with Caterpillar, Boeing, and so, so many others? Or will they say no?
“Or will they look at the hundreds of thousands of single dollars to be taken from those who worked under promises of pensions, planned for futures after retirements, found or find themselves in unexpected medical needs and costs, see that a starting salary today in teaching is nearly 5 and ½ where they started…and take away their futures, break their oaths to the Illinois Constitution, and hand it over to the corporates? Now there’s a bet for you.
“Call your Representative or Senator now: 1-888-412- 6570.”
http://www.weareoneillinois.org/news/pension-emergency-days
For Dillon's entire article: Click Here.
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