Bush inauguration being bankrolled by big business

[Selatius]

Energy Firms Lavish Funds on Inauguration



By PETE YOST, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - More than $4.5 million from the corporate world has flowed to President Bush (news - web sites)'s inauguration fund, much of it from the energy industry and some of its executives in contributions of $250,000 each.

...

Northrop Grumman Corp., the world's largest shipbuilder and second-largest U.S. defense contractor, donated $100,000.

Michael Dell, chairman of Dell Inc., the world's largest personal computer maker, gave $250,000. So did United Technologies, maker products ranging from escalators to aircraft engines.

Investment banking firm Stephens Group Inc. of Little Rock, Ark., gave $250,000. And the education loan firm Sallie Mae gave $250,000.

Occidental Petroleum Corp., whose business stands to benefit from the president's actions concerning Libya, donated $250,000, as did Exxon Mobil, the world's largest publicly traded oil company. Exxon Mobil reported record third-quarter profits, thanks to higher prices for oil and natural gas.

Full article found http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20041218/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_inaugural_donors">here.

This is what America has become. This is the new "American way." We are facing the re-emergence of corporatism on the world stage. Up to 50,000,000 died in Europe before the last incarnation of corporatism was defeated 60 years ago. Are we collectively going to wait until it's too late once again?

[NYC]

1. Why not?

They paid for the election, they can pay for the inauguration.

[stevebreeze]

2. here's a shock!

I wonder what they get as a return on their investment?

[cornermouse]

3. Dell...

I was getting ready to buy a new computer from them. Hmm.

Did any computer companies support the democrats? I need a new computer.

[BlueEyedSon]

7. Good question. I have bought my last Dell. nt

[Mend]

9. Apple computers....I love my Mac. eom

[cornermouse]

11. Wouldn't I have to go out and buy all new software?

I have several programs that I want to keep.

[Mend]

13. There is a special DU mac users group

that can answer all your questions. The difference between dell and mac is profound. Dell is totally repuke, outsources everything including tech support. Apple is totally liberal Democratic. If you go to cnet.com which is non-partisan evaluators of different electronics, you will read the complaints about dell. Their support stinks, their computers have gone downhill. BTW, if you watch the Weather channel, you will notice they use our beautiful Apple laptops.

[katmondoo]

4. Besides this -- they are selling seats to supporters only on the parade

route. There will be no room for protesters, also no room for the general public unless you are approved by the RNC. You have to get tickets and will only get them if you are on the approved list. "THIS IS AMERICA?" ANSWER is working on having protest area's. The Bushie's are doing everything possible to keep everyone but the Bush lovers out. Bleachers are being set up along the route to prevent any protesters access to Pennsylvania Ave. The dictator will be installed with an adoring crowd of Fascists raising their hands in salute.

[blueknight]

5. the link didn't work for me

[Malva Zebrina]

6. Are we collectively going to wait until it's too late once again?

Looks that way, eh?

I can't think of a single way to stop it. Don't mean to be negative,I certainly don't know everything, but I wonder who, with any power, will do a thing about it?

[orpupilofnature57]

8. ill dooosha, and his little o'l BASE how many gates in 4 ,find'um

[Mend]

10. Bush's only aim: to make the rich richer...

We are watching it happen. This government is by the rich, for the rich. There will be NO trickle down, only the loss of the middle class. The people don't seem to have a clue but apparently they will soon have a lot of unwanted pregnancies that they can't afford, credit card debt leading to bankruptcies and loss of homes, farms and businesses, no health insurance, lousy jobs at malwart, and so it goes.

[peaches2003]

12. Shame

One of our local high school bands has been invited to participate at the inaugural parade. One of my friend's daughters is a band member and she was thrilled at the 'honor' of performing, though she is not a Bush-lover. I was VERY vocal that no child of mind would attend or participate if invited and she ought to be ashamed not to have the guts to say, "No, my child will not be going'.

Does anybody stand up for their beliefs anymore? Bush is evil. How can anyone participate in this charade that we are any longer a democratic republic. We are a dictatorship.

[teryang]

14. Isn't it illegal to accept gifts over $50?

I guess this doesn't apply to the executive office.

[yellowdogintexas]

16. this is gifting for a party, not to get elected so the $50 limit

would not count, I think.

Private funds have been raised to cover inaugural festivities for a long time, actually.

[SHRED]

15. Why did the link go to microsoft.com for me?

Using Mozilla FireFox

[MaineYooper]

17. what a freakin' surprise, eh?

those numbers are small potatoes compared to what * and company will give back to the rich...

[Skittles]

18. I AM SHOCKED

NOT