Robert Reich explains it in a clip under three minutes long---
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LEnI9THvLA
One might guess it's about tax cuts and tax avoidance. Yes, but it's also about blocking the path to Sustainability. Many years ago, the Titans of Mega Biz realized they had to start talking-the-talk in regard to renewable energy, but walking-the-walk largely could be avoided IF they spent big bucks on politicians friendly to the economic status quo. A bit later, they recognized that Sustainability involved a lot more than just transitioning to renewables. It also meant reducing our energy use, being accountable for pollution, treating workers and consumers fairly, eliminating corporate welfare, increasing the social safety net, and more.
In the view of Mega Biz, the economic status quo was being threatened as never before. So, both individually and collectively, the Titans decided to essentially buy more and more political influence. They selected, groomed, and financed the majority of national political candidates. Their degree of success in getting candidates friendly to their view varied, but almost always was at least somewhat on the mark...even with Democrats.
So, what was (and still is for the most part) the "economic status quo" back then? Here it is in a nutshell:
1) neoliberal capitalism (which is NOT Adam Smith capitalism);
2) deregulation, corporate globalization, & corporate welfare;
3) bailouts for mega biz;
4) banks too big to fail, or jail;
5) reduced benefits for employees;
6) reduced services to customers;
7) job insecurity;
8) treating pollutants as "externalities" (and not the responsibility of Big Biz);
9) austerity for Main Street; and
10) anything else which benefits Mega Biz at the expense of Main Street.
The status quo is pretty much the exact opposite of a sustainable economy and lifestyle.
The influence of the Titans has been massive, and has reached all the way to the Supreme Court of the USA. The majority on that Court now are anti-healthcare, anti-EHS (environmental, health, & safety), anti-democracy, and anti-sustainability. Whether that majority knows it or not, they are supporting Fascism - the marriage of the power of the State to the power of Mega Biz.
All the above is precisely why Big Biz backs the candidate who is the biggest embarrassment and danger in the history of the USA.
.................
Not only my opinion. Be Well
