AIG "Was Going to Bring Down Europe": Lawmaker (Kanjorski)

Reuters via CNBC ^ | March 6, 2009 | Reuters

[CutePuppy]

The U.S. government rescued giant insurer American International Group in part because its collapse would dramatically hurt European banks, a senior Democratic lawmaker said on Thursday.

The U.S. government has bailed out AIG three times since Sept. 16 and committed about $180 billion to keep the insurer alive and doing business.

[familyop]

"This debacle stands as the greatest argument against Globalism ever. These international monopolistic companies wield so much power and so much influence, that if they falter, whole countries, nay, whole continents shudder, fail, and go under.

If that is indeed the case, one must take every precaution that such a monster is put down and broken up- and that none of it's kind tread the earth ever again.

But rather than heed this cautionary warning, we prop them up with our grand-children's wealth.

How obtuse."

That's a great synopsis of the situation! Now consider the most common philosophy and icon of business students (especially financiers), if you haven't already done so. Anarchists of their kind do support the various political parties and manipulate big governments in order to get what they want. Throughout history, they have repeatedly made way for harder socialism in their locales. And now...the world.

[Mad Dawgg]

"Um, Rep Kanjorski, if it would bring Europe down either let them pay or....let them go."

Yes, its the gut feeling to do so...

Until you realize that the Free Nations of the world are all interconnected through their banking and financial systems and if a large one crumbles like Europe then we all fall down like dominoes.

[AndyJackson]

In bailing out AIG we/they bailed out GS.

[roamer_1]

Anarchists of their kind do support the various political parties and manipulate big governments in order to get what they want. Throughout history, they have repeatedly made way for harder socialism in their locales. And now...the world.

Indeed. It is my personal speculation that things began to really go awry in the transition of the return of Hong Kong to China. I think it is there that our businesses (and our government), picked up some very bad habits. I can't really put my finger on it, but since that time, or thereabouts, this whole global socialist/corporate thing started getting a mind of it's own.

[familyop]

"If that is indeed the case, one must take every precaution that such a monster is put down and broken up- and that none of it's kind tread the earth ever again."

During the last couple of decades, I've looked for solutions from various points in history. Some of the nonviolent actions of some the Czechs and Poles from the latter part of the Cold War were particularly interesting.

The only way that I know is to spread the word to stop engaging in conventional politics. Be nonpolitical. Better yet, be anti-political. Stop buying anything that we don't need. Help to teach our neighbors to do the same and survive.

This is the best time to do it. Poor clothing, poor cars, and the like, will become more often seen and safe anyway (safe against robberies and the like). ...even stylish and all of that.

I know of one political Party with an honest and full platform, and it's only a call to spread the word for now.

http://falconparty.com/

And that's all that it should be, until the opposition is weakened, and our movement, strengthened by way of dissemination, IMO (mostly word of mouth and small groups, at first). The other third parties that I've looked into over the years turned out to be concealing globalist and fascist tendencies in their efforts to recruit newcomers. But the usual suspects (usual constituents) behind those other third parties are now losing money and time.

Let's patiently build an overwhelming wave of honorable and legal rejection against the beast, while it's wounded. We have much more in common with our neighbors--especially the younger folks around us--than most of us realize. For example, many young greenies are now beginning to join conservative social circles to discuss building, growing, repairing and making things. We have the obvious situation, its causes, and the tough years ahead in common.

[familyop]

"Indeed. It is my personal speculation that things began to really go awry in the transition of the return of Hong Kong to China. I think it is there that our businesses (and our government), picked up some very bad habits. I can't really put my finger on it, but since that time, or thereabouts, this whole global socialist/corporate thing started getting a mind of it's own."

That's a very important observation in the whole mess. The people of Hong Kong begged the Brits to stay with them, but seemingly free money from slavery does talk to those without strong morals/ethics.

[CutePuppy]

And Republicans have historically held the ties to Wall Street financiers ...

Are you sure that's the case today?

The impression I was getting was exactly the opposite:
Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Wasserman, SAC, Blackstone ... Warren Buffett, Paul Allen, George Soros, John Paulson, John Corzine, Stephen Cohen, Bob Rubin ... CEOs of top US companies like Google, Apple, Progressive Insurance... rich limousine liberals... just to name a few.

Hedge Funds, Buyout Firms Favor Democrats With Campaign Money
Democrats collecting more than two-thirds of the campaign donations from employess of the biggest hedge funds

BRAIN-TRUST BUST (Wall Street deserting The Obama Gang That Can't Shoot Straight)

[familyop]

I had a quick look at your FR page. In your State, there’s a retired aviation engineer who put a lot of free, well written and illustrated how-tos on very low-cost solar and other energy stuff on his website.

http://www.builditsolar.com/Experimental/PEXColDHW/Overview.htm

Follow the “projects” and “references” links for much more. It’s a great site to learn from, IMO.

[familyop]

At least most of those individuals and groups contribute to both political parties. ...even some third parties.

[roamer_1]

I know of one political Party with an honest and full platform, and it's only a call to spread the word for now.

I am already far along the same path, having renounced the Republican Party the very day Duncan Hunter stepped down.

I am aware of the Falcon Party, through our FRiends in the Hunterite Clan, pissant particularly, but have endeavored to remain independent for the time being.

Before long I will take a decision, and it will either be to run with you guys, or with my good FRiends at aipnews.com - Both of which I feel are strong Reaganite parties.

As an aside, I do think we should all duke it out and get behind ONE party pretty soon... All of us together, speaking with one voice here on FR could really make a difference, and it will take one voice to overcome all the RINOs hereabouts come election time.

[familyop]

And while we’re at it,... Apologies to any who have seen this before. Many haven’t.

The following are Fortune 500s that paid lawyers to file briefs in favor of “affirmative action” in the Michigan “Grutter v. Bollinger” (Michigan University) case.

http://www.umich.edu/~urel/admissions/legal/gru_amicus/32_internatl.pdf

3M
Abbott Laboratories
American Airlines
Ashland
Bank One
Boeing
Coca-Cola
Dow Chemical
E.I. Du Pont De Nemours
Eastman Kodak
Eli Lilly
Ernst & Young
Exelon
Fannie Mae
General Dynamics
General Mills
Intel
Johnson & Johnson
Kellogg
KPMG
Lucent Technologies
Microsoft
Mitsubishi
Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Nationwide Financial
Pfizer
PPG
Proctor & Gamble
Sara Lee
Steelcase
Texaco
TRW
United Airlines
General Motors Corporation

http://www.umich.edu/~urel/admissions/legal/gru_amicus/gru_gm.html

[OpusatFR]

Isn’t AIG the key to the politicos’ hefty DC pensions?

I heard somewhere that the pensions for our annointed political hacks and knaves in DC have pensions backed by paper from AIG.

Can’t remember where but maybe someone can find out.

[familyop]

I pay particular attention to parties that have explicit and stubborn platform statements on fair trade, Israel, and social issues, even including including feminism. Over the years, I’ve become wary of third parties that have very generalizing platforms.

[familyop]

Whether for or against, you might want to have a look at the following exchange. More information is good for all people of various positions on the issues.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2200439/posts?page=15#15

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2200439/posts?page=21#21

[Kent C]

“Public Retirement” pensions are the next shoe to drop

Heads up :-)

[roamer_1]

Are you sure that's the case today?

Oh c'mon now... They all throw money everywhere -Geo. Soros particularly, who also donated to McAin't if you'll recall- Hell, 'tween him and ketchup Kerry, they founded McCain'ts lil' ol PAC. And here you are lauding McCain't as the guy who tried to shut down Freddie and Fannie.

Methinks he doest protest too much.

The whole stinking lot of them, lest a handful of suppressed Reaganites and Libertarians are all one big gigantic show. The sooner folks figure that out, the better.

[roamer_1]

In your State, there’s a retired aviation engineer who put a lot of free, well written and illustrated how-tos on very low-cost solar and other energy stuff on his website.

Many thanks!

Actually the wind power stuff is more to my current interest... I have a 20'x3' upright "squirrel cage" wind generator in prototype right now that seems to do pretty good... Adjustable trim on the blades allows it to function in nearly any conditions, or close up if wind becomes too strong... Still working on the automation of that part...

[patton]

That is seriously cool.

[roamer_1]

I’ve become wary of third parties that have very generalizing platforms.

I understand your concern, and AGREE COMPLETELY. However, The AIP must be given some credit, in that it went from a very loose organization founded largely here on FR in early summer of 08 to being larger in terms of registered members than any other 3rd party- It also had to become organized in twenty some-odd states, and continues to develop state level organizations. So they have been busy... Their initial platform will no doubt be refined now that they are settling in a bit...

What they have produced in mere months, with very little in the way of income or exposure is nothing short of astonishing. And to suggest that their aim is anything less than Reagan Conservatism can be easily be disproved by looking at their organizational aims and spending some time on their forums.

That being said, your criticism is a fair one, and it is something which should not be overlooked in the rush.

[elpadre]

If the taxpayers provide $ 180 Billion to AIG, then AIG must be forced to open their books and allow the taxpayer to see what they have bought.

And if not let them go into oblivion.

Besides there was an earlier article stating that a primary reason for saving AIG was because they have a vast reserve of union pension money stashed away out of the public’s view.