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Time for Big Business to Squash Tea Party

Corporate America must battle extremism

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 1, 2010 2:55 PM CDT

(Newser) – Big business may see the Tea Party as harmless, or perhaps even helpful, but it's time to “take a closer look:" the movement’s aspirations aren’t in its interests, writes Robert Reich in the Christian Science Monitor. Some 60% of Tea Partiers want, for example, to dump the Federal Reserve, and some of its leaders want to get rid of the IRS, too. Their next target: liberal CEOs.

Tea Party supporters are railing against GE’s boss for having taken federal clean energy subsidies. Their nativism should strike fear into big business hearts, as should their stance on free trade: some 61% say trade is “bad for America.” They attack major institutions—and that includes big businesses. Business leaders must stand against them, or risk “the stability of our economic and political system," notes the former labor secretary.

Tea Party supporters listen to a speakers at a Tea Party Express rally that drew about 1,000 people at the Arizona Capitol Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, in Phoenix.
Tea Party supporters listen to a speakers at a Tea Party Express rally that drew about 1,000 people at the Arizona Capitol Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, in Phoenix.   (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
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They blame the Fed for creating the Great Recession and believe that the economy would be better off without a single institution in Washington setting monetary policy. - Robert Reich

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 30 comments
gilgordan
Nov 2, 2010 2:42 PM CDT
Big Business is Global Business, it has no sovereignty, allegiance, nation state or reason for being other than to enrich its shareholders, bankers, and executives. This is done covertly, under the corporate vale beyond the touch of Nation States and ofter at the begging of Nations to use them and their human and natural resources. The Tea Party is gnat on their Ass, and will continue to be. The Tea Party when threatened by our Big Business will fold like a cheap suit.
Ma'at
Nov 1, 2010 8:48 PM CDT
What the Tea Partiers don't realize is that they are absolutely disposable. They will get nothing they want. Oh, they'll have that rush tomorrow evening, like after your team win's in the playoffs. But in the cold hard light of day, like we liberals, they have been used. Corporations (thanks to Citizens united) absolutely 100% own America. You think they will give ANY influence to the Sarah Palins or a bunch of people who march around in 3 cornered hats? . The U.S. has been handed over to international corporations because of bigotry and morons who couldn't correctly answer a question about Socialism. Meh. Matters not really. The U.S. needs to collapse and the Baggers have ensured it.
lbjohnson
Nov 1, 2010 8:18 PM CDT
whats so funny is you republicans actually beleive your on b/s trinkle down economics has stifled our economy under bush 1 and 2 . the hate mongoring the nod and wink deal but fact is there isnt a single program any republican would publicaly come put to slash when everyone knows its healthcare that is accuminlateing our dept.and you guys solution dosnt fix the biggest percent of the crisis buy accross state lines mean while we will continue to pay non insured bills. you guys may win but we loose as a country with backwards ideas and non solutions tax breaks for rich guys who ship jobs overseas that will help im sure. continue spending 700 billion a year on them that will work out fine. dont forget our trillion dollar wars you guys love .tht will really bring down the debpt in bring jobs back home .what else do yall want while your takeing your country back pal.where screwed once you guys get back in charge hurray america 2 yrs of republican rule im so over joyed i cant wait for my wages to decrease

 
IRS • Federal Reserve • General Electric • Robert Reich • free trade • big business • opinion • labor secretary • Tea Party • Tea Partiers

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