[Anonymous] Billionaire Koch Brothers Next Target of "Anonymous" Hacker Group

[Sentient Void]

http://www.alternet.org/teaparty/150...2_hacker_group

Thoughts?

The decentralized protest group "Anonymous" has a new target: no, it's not a middle eastern dictator, a major bank or even a bit player in the military-industrial complex.

It's none other than tea party financiers Charles and David Koch, who were being targeted, an open letter stated, for their attempts "to usurp American Democracy."

"Koch Industries, and oligarchs like them, have most recently started to manipulate the political agenda in Wisconsin," an announcement posted to anonnews.org declared.

"Governor Walker's union-busting budget plan contains a clause that went nearly un-noticed. This clause would allow the sale of publicly owned utility plants in Wisconsin to private parties (specifically, Koch Industries) at any price, no matter how low, without a public bidding process," they explained. "The Koch's have helped to fuel the unrest in Wisconsin and the drive behind the bill to eliminate the collective bargaining power of unions in a bid to gain a monopoly over the state's power supplies.

The group, which was responsible for taking MasterCard Worldwide offline for an entire day -- along with numerous other organizations that plotted against secrets outlet WikiLeaks -- said it would now be "actively seeking vulnerabilities" in Koch industries.

"In a world where corporate money has become the lifeblood of political influence, the labor unions are one of the few ways citizens have to fight against corporate greed," the release added. "Anonymous cannot ignore the plight of the citizen-workers of Wisconsin, or the opportunity to fight for the people in America's broken political system. For these reasons, we feel that the Koch brothers threaten the United States democratic system and, by extension, all freedom-loving individuals everywhere."

They added that if one would like to withdraw their unknowing support for the brothers Koch, an array of products would need to be boycotted -- and not just by Americans, but people world-wide.

"Anonymous hears the voice of the downtrodden American people, whose rights and liberties are being systematically removed one by one, even when their own government refuses to listen or worse - is complicit in these attacks," they continued. "We are actively seeking vulnerabilities, but in the mean time we are calling for all supporters of true Democracy, and Freedom of The People, to boycott all Koch Industries' paper products. We welcome unions across the globe to join us in this boycott to show that you will not allow big business to dictate your freedom."

In the US, those products were listed as Vanity Fair, Quilted Northern, Angel Soft, Sparkle, Brawney, Mardi Gras and Dixie. For Europe, they were Demak'Up, Kitten Soft, Lotus / Lotus Soft, Tenderly, Nouvelle Soft, Okay Kitchen Towels, Colhogar, Delica, Inversoft and Tutto.

All were produced by the "Georgia-Pacific" company, and all bear the logo seen above.

The Koch's, who've seen their libertarian cause raised to a full-blown rightwing boogyman status, were principle financiers of Wisconsin's Republican Governor, Scott Walker.

Among his first items of business as the state's governor was attempting to crush public worker unions by making it illegal for them to organize into a union. And while he'd been saying throughout the affair that this was not an attempt to bust unions, a front group for the Koch brothers had one of its spokesmen at this year's Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), who plainly stated that their goal was to take the unions out "at the knees."

DISCUSS!!!

[QueenB4Liberty]

So Anonymous are socialist?

Is there something wrong with that? I'm not sure I understand what the clause they are angry at is trying to say. So publicly (government) owned utility plants can be bought out by private bidders? Is that bad?

[FrankRep]

I support the Kochs. They're not completely in Ron Paul's camp, but they're basically on our side on most things.

________


The Koch Brothers are a major financial force behind Americans for Prosperity, The Cato Institute, and the Reason Foundation


Wikipedia: David H. Koch

In 1984, Koch founded, served as Chairman of the board of directors of, and donated to the free-market Citizens for a Sound Economy. In 2004, this organization separated into Americans for Prosperity Foundation and FreedomWorks. Koch continues as Chairman of the Board and gives money to Americans for Prosperity Foundation and to a related advocacy organization, Americans for Prosperity. A Koch spokesperson issued a press release stating that the Koch's have "no ties to and have never given money to FreedomWorks"

Both FreedomWorks and Americans for Prosperity have been providing funding and training to the US Tea Party movement, which opposes much of U.S. President Barack Obama's policies and legislative agenda. In addition, Koch sits on the board and gives money to the libertarian Cato Institute and Reason Foundation. In the late summer and early fall of 2010, Koch's contributions to political campaigns, free-market think tanks and other advocacy organizations came under increased scrutiny. Koch supports the Tea Party movement and Republican candidates, and California Proposition 23 (2010). In July 2010, New York Magazine profiled him, calling him the "tea party’s wallet". In August 2010, Jane Mayer of The New Yorker wrote on the political spending of David and Charles Koch.[18] White House political advisor David Axelrod wrote in The Washington Post, calling them "campaigners we can't see." Koch says that: "I’ve never been to a tea party event. No one representing the tea party has ever even approached me."

[Cowlesy]

That's ridiculous. You can read about the differences the Koch's have had with the true libertarians at the Mises Institute, but they aren't evil or trying to take stuff over. They certainly don't push an agenda of people depending on government.

These Anonymous guys seem to be able to do real economic damage to people. I am disappointed they're targeting rich people because dailyKOS says they're "bad people."

These hackers want to show their stuff? Bet they can't touch the trading algorithms at the Quantum Fund.

[BarryDonegan]

Hackers who shut down and cause damage to websites are criminals and should be treated as such. It doesn't matter what statement they are making. That causes property damage, and people who cause property damage violate individual rights.

We should stand in solidarity with people as charitable as the Koch brothers who even dig into their own pockets to help promote the principles of liberty. The teachers unions have no right to force teachers into their union monopoly. There are alternative unions, and freeing them to competition will improve the standards of workers. Negotiating for an unsustainable salary is not productive for workers, as that typically results in mass layoffs in the future. Teachers deserve an alternative union that actually considers long-term viability and makes sure they are not putting teachers into a situation where they acclimate themselves to an $80,000 annual salary only to have their entire career cut from under them when the government has to liquidate its debts.

[100DollarBarrelofOil]

More union thugs.

[Sentient Void]

I'm glad we have established by now that Anonymous are not necessarily friends of liberty. When they DDOS attacked private property (websites), I knew that they believed that the ends justify the means - and they have no sense of actual principle, but are merely a group of script-kiddie thugs.

The enemy of our enemy is not necessarily our friend.

I will also reference these threads, where some were defending if not outright supporting and advocating Anonymous' attacks...

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthr...ian-philosophy

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthr...ed-Free-Speech

I will admit, I defended Anonymous and even hailed some of what they did (not the DDOS attacks, though), and believed they were ripe for seeds of liberty. Potential true-liberty lovers. It seems I was mistaken, and that they are merely socialist fools.

[magoo7042]

doesnt sound like anon at all. anon doesnt generally do boycotts. just because someone calls for action under the anonymous banner does not mean there will be actions taken. may be some ddos type stuff, but the real pros will probably stay out of this.

[Epic]

... and Anonymous reveals themselves as socialists. They are going after a big civil libertarian, so I hope everyone realizes they aren't civil libertarians or economic libertarians, just total douchebags.

[notsure]

How do we know that this isn't one of the efforts made by HBGary to discredit anonymous? Wikileaks, anonymous, claim to have all types of financial records from people and institutions all over the world, it's likely they have something incriminating on the Koch Bros.
The article could be spin, leading up to something else.

[Vessol]

Lol, Anonymous isn't part of any political spectrum.

It's just a bunch of random kiddies installing scripts on their computers that let them be used by a few older scriptkiddies to mass DDOS websites. They'll attack anyone who gives them press and makes their white middle class lives seem somehow relevant.

Seriously, you're giving "them" too much credit.

[hugolp]

So Anonymous are socialist?

Anonymous is not a single person or closed group with a defined ideology. Anonymous is just anyone that wants to be, well, anonymous. Anyone can publish anything under the anonymous banner. Next month sAnonymous could be for the Kochs, and then in 2 months against again.

[tangent4ronpaul]

Yeah, fortunately any ass clown can step and claim to represent the group. What matters is how many follow them.

This clause would allow the sale of publicly owned utility plants in Wisconsin to private parties (specifically, Koch Industries) at any price, no matter how low, without a public bidding process,"

Does this clause really exist? - I missed it and no one is talking about it, except this person if it does. I would think it would be front page news by now if it was real.

This would be really, really BAD! it happened in OH and MD, at least, and util rates skyrocketed. There is nothing "free market" about this, it's about monopoly ownership and corporatism. Nothing more.

-t

[TheeJoeGlass]

That's ridiculous. You can read about the differences the Koch's have had with the true libertarians at the Mises Institute, but they aren't evil or trying to take stuff over. They certainly don't push an agenda of people depending on government.

These Anonymous guys seem to be able to do real economic damage to people. I am disappointed they're targeting rich people because dailyKOS says they're "bad people."

These hackers want to show their stuff? Bet they can't touch the trading algorithms at the Quantum Fund.

Over-rated maybe?

[QueenB4Liberty]

Yeah, fortunately any ass clown can step and claim to represent the group. What matters is how many follow them.



Does this clause really exist? - I missed it and no one is talking about it, except this person if it does. I would think it would be front page news by now if it was real.

This would be really, really BAD! it happened in OH and MD, at least, and util rates skyrocketed. There is nothing "free market" about this, it's about monopoly ownership and corporatism. Nothing more.

-t

I see. I figured as much.

[South Park Fan]

Yeah, fortunately any ass clown can step and claim to represent the group. What matters is how many follow them.



Does this clause really exist? - I missed it and no one is talking about it, except this person if it does. I would think it would be front page news by now if it was real.

This would be really, really BAD! it happened in OH and MD, at least, and util rates skyrocketed. There is nothing "free market" about this, it's about monopoly ownership and corporatism. Nothing more.

-t

It appears to be legit: http://www.economicpolicyjournal.com...ower-game.html

16.896 Sale or contractual operation of state−owned heating, cooling, and power plants. (1) Notwithstanding ss. 13.48 (14) (am) and 16.705 (1), the department may sell any state−owned heating, cooling, and power plant or may contract with a private entity for the operation of any such plant, with or without solicitation of bids, for any amount that the department determines to be in the best interest of the state. Notwithstanding ss. 196.49 and 196.80, no approval or certification of the public service commission is necessary for a public utility to purchase, or contract for the operation of, such a plant, and any such purchase is considered to be in the public interest and to comply with the criteria for certification of a project under s. 196.49 (3) (b).

I don't see why the people on RPFs are getting so defensive of rent-seekers such as the Kochs. Just because their on the opposite side of the unions doesn't mean that they want capitalism. The 'enemy of my enemy is my friend' attitude doesn't apply here.

[tangent4ronpaul]

Disgusting - Wisconsin residents prepare to get shafted!

It's cold up there too!

Talk about cronyism. No bid, any price, exempt from regulations, etc. VOMIT!

[the_strand]

Hmm interesting.

[Kludge]

WHAT?! Anon wants to expose businessmen manipulating politicians to gain favors which result in unfair benefits to Koch Industries and put the consumers at an unfair disadvantage? DISGUSTING! They clearly are socialists.

[the_strand]

double post.

[FrankRep]

WHAT?! Anon wants to expose businessmen manipulating politicians to gain favors which result in unfair benefits to Koch Industries and put the consumers at an unfair disadvantage? DISGUSTING! They clearly are socialists.

Is there any proof of Koch Cronyism or just Speculation?

[tangent4ronpaul]

corporatist - business as usual, old boy network

[FrankRep]

corporatist - business as usual, old boy network

Is there any proof of Koch Cronyism or just Speculation?

[Kludge]

Is there any proof of Koch Cronyism or just Speculation?

As speculative as ""Governor Walker's union-busting budget plan contains a clause that went nearly un-noticed. This clause would allow the sale of publicly owned utility plants in Wisconsin to private parties (specifically, Koch Industries) at any price, no matter how low, without a public bidding process,"" is.

[the_strand]

Why don't they talk about libtards like Soros?

George Soros is the second largest shareholder of Monsanto.

Has anyone watched Food Inc?

Noam Chomsky, Michael Moore and George Soros are Limousine Liberals and Mercedes Marxists who made tens of millions of dollars (billions in Soros' case) selling the "evils" of Capitalism while they rake in money. They're total Hypocrites.

anonymous = FAIL.

[tangent4ronpaul]

Is there any proof of Koch Cronyism or just Speculation?

It's clearly someone. May not be Koch, but something dirty is going on.

Reminds me of the speeding cams they are putting up around schools here "for the children s safety", and to raise revenue except it's no bid, the camera's are on 24/7 and the company putting them in getting 87 cents of every dollar in fines raised.

[FrankRep]

As speculative as ""Governor Walker's union-busting budget plan contains a clause that went nearly un-noticed. This clause would allow the sale of publicly owned utility plants in Wisconsin to private parties (specifically, Koch Industries) at any price, no matter how low, without a public bidding process,"" is.

So selling off State Owned utility plants to private corporations is somehow anti-Capitalist and anti-Libertarian?

I'd like to see the exact wording in the bill. Do you have it?

[Kludge]

So selling off State Owned utility plants to private corporations is somehow anti-Capitalist and anti-Libertarian?

Specifically naming Koch Industries in a bill about selling off public utilities without a public bidding process or minimum price reeks of corporatism.

[FrankRep]

Specifically naming Koch Industries in a bill about selling off public utilities without a public bidding process or minimum price reeks of corporatism.

I'd like to see the exact wording in the bill. Do you have it?

[Flash]

Why don't they talk about libtards like Soros?

George Soros is the second largest shareholder of Monsanto.

Has anyone watched Food Inc?

Noam Chomsky, Michael Moore and George Soros are Limousine Liberals and Mercedes Marxists who made tens of millions of dollars (billions in Soros' case) selling the "evils" of Capitalism while they rake in money. They're total Hypocrites.

anonymous = FAIL.

I wouldn't put Noam Chomsky in that list. He has some pretty principled views and isn't afraid to defend his beliefs or withhold criticism. He'll criticize both the progressive & conservative movements. I do think his political ideas are extremely odd (he wants to increase government power yet his ultimate goal is a global anarchic society) but he isn't a sell-out.

Michael Moore recognizes the problems with both parties but only chooses to criticize ONE party. What good will that do?