Koch Bros. invite fellow plutocrats to secret confab in Rancho Mirage to plot next election

[BurtWorm]

Help Wanted: Fly capable of operating tiny video camera...

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/20/us/politics/20koch.html?_r=1
...

The Kochs also seek to cultivate Americans’ growing concern about the growth of government: at the most recent meeting, in Aspen, Colo., in June, some of the wealthiest people in America listened to a presentation on “a vision of how we can retain the moral high ground and make the new case for liberty and smaller government that appeals to all Americans, rich and poor.”

The goals for the twice-yearly meetings, the brochure says, include attracting more investors to the cause, but also building institutions “to identify, educate and mobilize citizens” and “fashioning the message and building the education channels to re-establish widespread belief in the benefits of a free and prosperous society.”

Charles Koch, whose wealth Forbes magazine calculates at about $21.5 billion, argues in his letter that “prosperity is under attack by the current administration and many of our elected officials.” He repeatedly warns about the “internal assault” and “unrelenting attacks” on freedom and prosperity. A brochure with the invitation underscores that to the Koch network, “freedom” means freedom from taxes and government regulation. Mr. Koch warns of policies that “threaten to erode our economic freedom and transfer vast sums of money to the state.”

The Kochs insist on strict confidentiality surrounding the California meetings, which are entitled “Understanding and Addressing Threats to American Free Enterprise and Prosperity.” The letter advises participants that it is closed to the public, including the news media, and admonishes them not to post updates or information about the meeting on the Web, blogs, social media or traditional media, and to “be mindful of the security and confidentiality of your meeting notes and materials.”

Invited participants are told they must wear nametags for all meeting functions. And, ensuring that no one tries to gain access by posing as a participant, the invitation says that reservations will be handled through Koch Industries’ office in Washington: “Please do not contact the Rancho Las Palmas directly to place a reservation.”

...

[catzies]

1. RANCHO LAS PALMAS??? NOOOOOO....I go there for dinner every Friday night :(

And it's in Rancho Mirage, not Palm Springs.

But then again to the nation media everything here is either "Los Angeles" or simply "North of" or "South of" of LA.

[BurtWorm]

4. Thanks. Fixed the headline .

Twas my ignorant East Coast ass what mixed 'em up.

[catzies]

10. "Sokay....the NYT got it wrong, not you....see, they said "Palm Springs area"

No biggie and I wasn't picking on you :hug:

[xxqqqzme]

12. You said it.

A friend, in San Diego, introduced me as 'from LA'. I don't live in LA, I don't even live in
LA county, I said. He shrugged.

Thom Hartmann covered this article, including an interview w/ the author, this morning. It brought out RW crazy callers, up in arms at the 'attack' on the Kochs who have done wonderful things for the country according to one caller. But then Thom has exposed these 'paid to call' RWers before.

[rucky]

13. do you know the chef?

and does he have any Ex-Lax?

[xxqqqzme]

16. Is it still gated?

I haven't lived on the desert for 24 years; haven't been in Rancho Mirage even longer. If it is, that adequately protects the schemers.

[fascisthunter]

2. these people are the real enemies behind all the GOP crap

here they all are together... how special.

[mzmolly]

3. I wish Democrats were more effective at educating the public about

the insidious relationship between corporate America and the Republican agenda. :(

[BurtWorm]

7. Peek-a-boo!

:hi:


No, it's not Alan Grayson again, just little old Burt.

[mzmolly]

17. Heh. I adore little old Burt

too. :pals:

[pscot]

5. We need to have photographers on scene

taking pictures of these parasites as they debark from their limos. Light is the best disinfectant.

[BurtWorm]

6. They should be as polite as the teabagging poll watchers in Houston

:patriot:

[catzies]

11. They'll be getting there earlier than I will be or I would volunteer

I roll into Palm Springs area around dinnertime; they'll probably have all flown in & checked in by then.

[Touchdown]

8. And where is the errant earthquake and rockslide when you need it?

All those bastards in one place? There is no God.

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Cheap_Trick]

14. We should take off and nuke the place from orbit...

It's the only way to be sure.

- Sgt. Hicks, Aliens

[alfredo]

15. They are plotting to overthrow the government a la 1933.