U.S. Chamber broadens attack on Think Progress, alleges Soros-funded plot to silence business

[babylonsister]

U.S. Chamber broadens attack on Think Progress, alleges Soros-funded plot to silence business

With Dems seizing on Think Progress' allegations that U.S. Chamber of Commerce attack ads may be partly funded with foreign cash, the Chamber sends over its most detailed response yet to the charges, leveling the scorching claim that the liberal blog is part of a Soros-funded plot to stifle the free speech of corporations.

The Chamber's response, from spokesperson Tita Freeman, concerns what are known as "AmChams," or foreign chapters of the Chamber that raise money from foreign corporations and send dues to the Chamber's American headquarters. Think Progress alleged that such dues go into the same general fund that bankrolls the Chamber's multimillion dollar ad campaign against Democrats.

Ms. Freeman, providing more of a glimpse into the Chamber's books than it had previously, says that only a total of roughly $100,000 in dues come in from the AmChams annually -- which is dwarfed by the millions and millions the Chamber is spending on ads:

snip//

When I asked Ms. Freeman whether the dues from AmChams go into the same general fund that bankrolls the Chamber's ads, she declined to answer. "We don't feel obligated to answer that question because we follow all applicable law, and no foreign money funds our voter education activities," Freeman told me.

more...

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2010/10/us_chamber_broadens_attack_on.html

By Greg Sargent

[KansDem]

1. "...free speech of corporations."

Used to be only for people...real people.

Thanks, Supreme Bozos! :grr:

[DBoon]

2. and only corporations not controlled by George Soros

to the CoC, there is only one wealthy individual who does not have the right of free speech.

[babylonsister]

3. I don't even know what they mean by Soros-funded 'plot'.

Is that what this is? Sounds like the truth to me, and enough people are up-in-arms about this outside funding. They protest too much maybe?

[myrna minx]

6. What a very surreal response to a very serious allegation.

There are people out these that still think that the COC is some home spun collection of community businessmen (I did for the longest time). This kind of paranoid response and deflection, directed squarely for the consumption of the freeper/Fox nooze base will give the rest of the US great pause. Only people living in Glennbeckistan see George Soros as some sort of catch all boogyman. Very weird.

[HughMoran]

4. These people are risking more than money or status

The criminal Chamber organization ought to shut up while they're ahead.

[ThomWV]

5. Soros, one of the most successful businessmen on earth, tries to stifle business?

give me a fucking break.

[marmar]

7. "plot to stifle the free speech of corporations"

I haven't felt this ill since that Ronald Reagan film.

:puke:

[myrna minx]

8. Yes - the plight of the downtrodden, voiceless corporations.

:puke: is right.

[zbdent]

9. "no foreign money funds our voter education activities" ...

ooo, that one could bite her on the ass ...