LETTER TO THE STAR, 17-10-2011

HOW ABOUT 'OCCUPY' THE US SUPREME COURT?

The global protests are demonstrating that despite concerns that the US was killing dissent after 911, public outrage over global abuses cannot be silenced. Protestors differ in their pet concerns, but are generally aware that the US is a global empire (now in decline) that is internationally exploitative and domestically corrupt. The extent of this corruption has been described by James Galbraith (son of illustrious Canadian born John Kenneth) in his 2008 book 'Predator State', as mentioned in my earlier post on this blog.

Galbraith also mentions how corporate lobbying has co-opted major sections of the US judiciary in addition to the Congress and Senate so that laws are written and interpreted for corporations - or rather the 'reactionary' ones - who make money by flouting laws, public interest, and illegality, as opposed to a more progressive business element which would rather operate under a higher standard of rules and ethics.

Last year's decision by the US Supreme Court which destroyed any chance of reforming campaign finance by ruling that corporations could provide unlimited funds to officials running for office (described by Chomsky as a dagger blow at the heart of functioning democracy, and others as a license to buy elections) proves the top judges of the most powerful 'democracy' are also infected by the disease of 'free markets' and absence of regulatory oversight. In short, they are corrupt.

One does not need a law degree to understand that free speech or freedom of expression does not equate to a license to bribe officials running for office. It could have meant that corporations could spend money on ads to support particular candidates, policies or parties....... but that would not serve the corpo-rat interest.. ... which butters the bread on all sides to ensure it gets its way regardless of which candidate or party wins.

Isn't it time to 'occupy' the US Supreme Court? And Congress..... the Senate?