That phrase, "Koch's plantation," sounded familiar. Where had I heard it before?
In January 2011, the Koch Brothers held a secretive meeting in Palm Springs for the ultrawealthy and the well-connected on the Right. Many from the American Left were there to protest (and protest they did).The "Koch plantation" reference comes directly from a Van Jones speech, at a meeting sponsored by Common Cause to protest the Koch Brothers' event.
The "plantation" line is at about 6 minutes, 55 seconds ([6:55]) into the video.
"We will not live on a national plantation run by the Koch Brothers."
The remainder of the speech is classic Van Jones partisan, class-warfare rhetoric with a few quotable moments.
[0:22]
"I was born in 1968 ... that was the year 'They' assassinated hope in America."
Hmm, so who is this nameless "They" for whom Van Jones cannot mention? Is he aware of some conspiracy that he dare not mention? There were many prominent political figures assassinated in 1968, including political violence throughout the United States.
- Martin Luther King: April 4, 1968 by James Earl Ray, a long-time criminal and white supremacist. The assassination sparked riots across the United States, including in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Baltimore, Louisville, Wilmington, Kansas City--many of which were most damaging to black communities themselves.
- Robert Kennedy: June 5, 1968, carefully premeditated by Sirhan Sirhan, a 24-year-old Palestinian immigrant.
- Violent protests at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. The protests were held by groups to the left of the Democratic Party at large, including Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). Some SDS members later went on to form the Weather Underground domestic terrorist organization.
- There were protests by Left-wing organizations around the globe.
Van Jones seems fascinated by '68, the year of his birth. His Twitter account is @VanJones68.
[0:39]
"... and 'They' tried to assassinate hope in our country."
Again, who is "They"? Misguided white supremacists? Palestinians? The Democratic Party? Rioters?
[0:50]
Speaks about 40 years in the Wilderness.
[4:47]
"Our political process has been hijacked by people who are only interested in their own gain, who are only interested in their own profit, and are willing to tell any lie, and spend any amount of money, to prevent America's government from coming to the rescue of the American people."
Unfortunately, many Americans feel that government has become the problem--not the solution. I do not want to be "rescued" by a government that wishes to dictate every matter in my life. Nor do I wish the government to confiscate my wealth to pay for other's follies.
[5:15]
Talks about Tea Party and their concern about Liberty. But, there are two threats. Over-concentration of political power. But there is a greater threat. Excessive concentration of economic power.
[9:12]
"If you want to know what side to bet on, ... big money mean people ... or little people with the truth on their side ... look over there in Egypt"
... attendee ...
[9:33]
"Bring Egypt here!"
I find it amazing that the Left is so worried about the Koch Brothers and is evidently is not bothered or worried about the spending by the likes of Stephen Bing, Peter B. Lewis, Fred Eychaner, Haim Saban, Peter Angelos, George Soros, etc., etc., shown here and here. Or, how about those well-connected, ultrawealthy from the Left, many from outside of California, that attempted to impose and formally institute one-party rule in California by passing Proposition 27? Even Common Cause, who openly fights the secretive ways on the Koch Brothers, fought against the alliance of well-financed backers of Proposition 27. For that, I give Common Cause some credit.
See also ...
"Capital Rivals: Koch Brothers vs. George Soros"
"Koch Industries Continues to Expand Political Influence"
"California Proposition 27, Elimination of Citizen Redistricting Commission (2010)"
"Proposition 27 Revealed!"
