The Democrats kick off their orgy of corporate sponsorship in Denver today. Between the Democratic and Republican conventions corporate sponsorship is estimated to top $110 million. To lead off my service provider AT&T is the official “wireless carrier” of this convention. At least the Bush administration now know which mobile carriers transmitter signals to spy on. AT&T is probably still celebrating the July decision of retroactive immunity from prosecution of civil-rights violations under FISA. So is Qwest, who is the largest sponsor to this convention to the tune of $6 million. That other telecom Verizon is also a sponsor. The Pharmas are well represented by Pfizer, Dow,Merck, Amgen and Lilly. Insurance companies as well represented with sponsors including United Health Group, Travelers, Allstate, Aflac, State Farm and Prudential. Our good friends from the energy sectors are in full force with Xcel Energy, Southern Company and Conoco Phillips. And would you believe that some actual companies from the military industrial sector are sponsors, such as Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace & Technologies. It has become very difficult to tell the two parties apart with this list of the usual suspects. One was to believe that the election reform bill of a couple years ago would have stopped some of this influence peddling, but since this is a convention and not a candidate it is still basically a free for all for those that can throw down. Supposedly, a total of 1200 parties are planned for the week sponsored by everyone under the moon and stars. Maybe we should insist that the paramilitary security officials escort out all these corporate suck ups and lay off the protesters.
Speaking of protests. Denver County judges have cleared their dockets in order to set up two courtrooms to handle arraignments of protesters. These courtrooms will operate between 8a.m. thru midnight all week. In order to accommodate these courts the paramilitary security measures have been funded with a $50 million grant from the U.S. Government. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the City of Denver claiming by refusing to disclose how this money is being spent is a violation of the Colorado Open Records Act. We have learned that the Denver Police Department did stock up on 88 Mark IV launchers and projectiles. These weapons fire a pepper-spray type substance instead of bullets (real or rubber) to disperse crowds. Security With Advanced Technologies, which is based in Louisville confirmed the delivery and estimated costs in the low six-figure range. It is really sad what has become of these national coronations. The average citizen does not stand a chance to influence or express their views.
Also, what’s with this riff between the Obamessiah campaign and President William Jefferson Clinton? Why in the world would the Obama campaign try to keep Clinton from trumpeting his economic successes during his two terms. Being I am no fan of WJC, I would still give Clinton an entire day of the convention to remind people precisely how good we all had it financially under his stewardship.
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