Privatization of public assets & The Trans-Texas Corridor TTC 35

[slipslidingaway]

Statement by Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH),

candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States

September 5, 2007

http://www.dennis4president.com/go/newsroom/the-trans%11texas-corridor-%28ttc-35%29-and-the-privatization-of-public-assets%3a/

"Almost thirty years ago, as mayor of the City of Cleveland, I confronted the money, the power, and the arrogance of private corporate interests seeking to rob our citizens of one of their most valuable public assets: a municipal electric system that provided low-cost power to much of the city, Muny Light. As I observe the political machinations regarding the Trans-Texas Corridor and related attempts to turn publicly financed highways into privately controlled profit centers for giant corporations, I find the similarities chilling.


In Cleveland, despite unprecedented political and financial pressure from the investor-owned electric utility, its banking allies, powerful law firms, and other willing accomplices in the city’s leadership, the public interest prevailed. It was an historic fight, but it had to be fought and won, whatever the price. And the price was high: The banks refused to refinance a paltry $15 million in credit to the city, forcing Cleveland into fiscal default. Our ability to finance major public improvement projects suffered. We reluctantly had to ask voters to dig into their pockets to support a tax increase, and they did. And a year later, I was defeated for reelection by a candidate heavily financed by those same interests who had failed to blackmail and coerce us into submission.


What I see here in Texas is the latest incarnation of that same public-good vs. private- gain struggle, and I want you to know that I’ve never shied away from a fight when the public interest is at stake.


Special interests have controlled government and dictated public policies far too long. The fault certainly lies with the White House, but the responsibility also rests with members of Congress, Democrat and Republican, who have supported those policies, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, which facilitated the outsourcing of millions of American jobs overseas. Now we’re talking about a “NAFTA Superhighway” through Texas and the heartland of the United States – another corporate grab..


What’s happening in Texas with TTC 35 and the efforts of the Governor to turn public highways into private toll roads is a national issue. The same push for privatization is quietly being advanced in two dozen other states. Americans have a right to know what’s going on, and as a Democratic candidate for President, I have no reservations about telling them and supporting them as they fight against the corporate takeover of America. Unlike other candidates, I am not funded by those corporate interests. I owe them no loyalty, and they have no influence over me or my policies.


Schemes like those being hatched in Texas and other states demand the highest levels of public scrutiny and public exposure. I will use every resource at my disposal to ensure that that happens. I don’t hear any other candidate saying that.


Whether you’re a Democrat, an Independent, or a disenchanted Republican, I hope you will support me so we can take on this fight together. And win."

[Trillo]

1. Corporations don't pay for privitized roads,

only humans using them pay. Corporations may deduct transportation costs related to their business. Humans must pay all their own transportation costs, even going to and from work, and they are NOT DEDUCTIBLE whether you drive a car, take the bus, ride a bike (bikes must be maintained, tires, cables, chains, lube, etc.), PAY A TOLL, those are all considered 'personal' expenses for humans not deserving of the same tax and accounting considerations given to corporations.

A bit of legal hypocrisy, I'd say.

[slipslidingaway]

4. Thanks, some nice points. n/t

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. Time to make a stand.

And I bet I know how we can do it. By showing that these public giveaways create imbalances in our society and are a high crime rate zone.

[slipslidingaway]

5. Yes, but how do the people get a voice :(

[The Backlash Cometh]

8. Put it on Oprah.

[bbgrunt]

3. why is Dennis the ONLY one addressing such issues?

[slipslidingaway]

6. That is a question everyone should be asking themselves and

their candidates in the coming election.

[LWolf]

7. Because he is the only one

who actually works to benefit the people, instead of his political career.

All the spin and propaganda in the world doesn't change the actual record of who stands up for people, who takes action, who is willing to work, and who will "keep their powder dry" until the Constitution, and the nation, is no more.

[superkia]

9. Why is it that more dont support him, I understand the MSM not liking him.

I just don't understand how fellow DUers continue to ignore what he is standing up for constantly. He is the ONLY candidate standing up for the people, that is what we need in a president in order to have a chance at beating this corrupt system and getting back to our constitution. I understand why the media doesn't cover him, hes not for their interests but to keep your eyes closed to whats happening to our country and others countries right now is shameful.

Open your eyes people, pay attention what you are taking part of. Lets not be a country of enablers and then complain about the outcome.

[Greyhound]

11. Actually, Dennis does quite well on DU and other, non-advocate sponsored,

Democratic, liberal, and progressive sites (remember the AFL-CIO debate?). The nay-sayers are few in number, but very vocal.

This would seem to indicate two things; if we/he can get his message and positions in front of the electorate, even if they didn't like him, it would force the others to acquiesce to many of those positions at the expense of their corporate masters, and two, they are worried that that is exactly what will happen.

There are more people that support his ideas than oppose them, it is the nature of predatory capitalism, way more losers than winners.

[bvar22]

10. DK is the ONLY one addressing many issues:

*The obscene and illegal Iraqi "Oil Law" benchmark

*Single Payer Universal HealthCare (Medicare for ALL).

*Immediate withdrawal from Iraq

*Joining the WORLD in the ICC and Land Mine bans

*DECREASING the Defense Budget

*WITHDRAWING from NAFTA, WTO, IMF (and all the unfair Free Trade treaties)

*Election Security (Paper ballots publicly hand counted at the precinct)


The REASON DK speaks out on these issues is:
"Unlike other candidates, I am not funded by those corporate interests. I owe them no loyalty, and they have no influence over me or my policies.---Dennis Kucinich


Edited to add this quote to my sig line:

”Unlike other candidates, I am not funded by those corporate interests.
I owe them no loyalty, and they have no influence over me or my policies.” ---Dennis Kucinich

[redqueen]

13. Why indeed?

I think the answer is $$$$$$$ and COWARDICE.

[Richard Steele]

12. Kucinich rocks. Consistently. recommended