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Forum Post: ALEC Goes After "Freeriders"

Posted 10 years ago on Dec. 4, 2013, 12:49 p.m. EST by shoozTroll (17632)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

Just not the ones we're thinking of.

"An alliance of corporations and conservative activists is mobilising to penalise homeowners who install their own solar panels – casting them as "freeriders" – in a sweeping new offensive against renewable energy, the Guardian has learned.

Over the coming year, the American Legislative Exchange Council (Alec) will promote legislation with goals ranging from penalising individual homeowners and weakening state clean energy regulations, to blocking the Environmental Protection Agency, which is Barack Obama's main channel for climate action.

Details of Alec's strategy to block clean energy development at every stage – from the individual rooftop to the White House – are revealed as the group gathers for its policy summit in Washington this week."

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/04/alec-freerider-homeowners-assault-clean-energy

Yep, you read that correctly.

ALEC will be plotting next years attacks on Democracy this month.

Can Google change their tune, or will they be changed by it?

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59 Comments


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[-] 4 points by Ache4Change (3340) 10 years ago

'The Guardian obtained ALEC's Board of Directors' meeting minutes which reveal that ALEC has created a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization called The Jeffersonian Project.' - and anyone concerned about ALEC (and really - we ALL should be!) needs to read this piece & explore the numerous embedded links (in orangy-red) - http://www.nationofchange.org/leaked-documents-reveal-irs-concerns-funding-crisis-corporate-lobbying-group-alec-1386166683 .

Never Stop Fighting The Corporate Agenda! Occupy Democracy! Solidarity.

[-] 0 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

Yeah, I heard about that. The monies lost, have been and will continue to go to the SPN and other political "charities", that promote the same agenda.

The Mackinaw Center, has become a favorite.

The reality of ALEC isn't going away any time soon.

[-] 2 points by Ache4Change (3340) 10 years ago

ALEC is not going away because Corporate Rule is NOT going way any time soon. Their grip on the throats of the American people is tight and getting tighter and the elected 'representatives' - with a few notable exceptions, aren't representing but are silent as they have been been so coopted and corrupted.

http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/state_policy_network_prepares_attack_on_public_across_34_states_20131205

Never Give Up Exposing & Resisting The Corporate Agenda! Occupy Democracy! Solidarity.

[-] 3 points by Ache4Change (3340) 10 years ago

The role of corporate think-tanks and lobbyists in undermining the constitution and usurping democracy can not be understated or underestimated - http://www.alecexposed.org/wiki/ALEC_Exposed

An apathetic and exasperated electorate is the understandable result. What happens when the electoral turnout goes below 50%? We are nearly there already and if around 50% of the electorate votes for the winner, then we can clearly infer that only around 25% of eligible voters actually vote for the winner, so then only one question remains - what kind of democracy is that? No wonder 99% issues are ignored - http://www.nationofchange.org/insurance-commissioner-compares-pre-existing-conditions-car-wrecks-it-s-your-fault-1386264017 .

Never Give Up On The 99%! Occupy The Issues! Solidarity.

[-] 0 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

Oh, and here I thought it was comparable to apartheid.

At least that's what FLAKESnews chosen pundit of the week had to say.

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/12/06/3030141/rick-santorum-obamacare-mandela/

And to think, this jerk actually gets elected somewhere.

[-] 3 points by Ache4Change (3340) 10 years ago

So what does 'PRick Sanitorium' call 50 million Americans with no health insurance? & 'O’Reilly, for his part, commemorated Mandela as a “great man” despite being “a communist.” OMG and sometimes you really have to wonder how we got into such a heartless and ignorant state. Your link would be funny if it wasn't so serious.

http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/bill_oreilly_gets_schooled_on_jesus_and_food_stamps_20131204

Never Give Up On The 99%! Occupy All Streets. Solidarity.

[-] 0 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

I can only lament that so many here, refuse to understand the repercussions of FLAKESnews' market penetration.

Some like to pretend that FLAKESnews isn't among the MSM.

In truth?

They have become the MSM.

More lamestream than all the others combined.

[-] 3 points by Ache4Change (3340) 10 years ago

Fox News is a massive part of the US media landscape and with Right-Wing Crazy Radio, is much of the reason that people are indoctrinated to act against their own interest - or so 'some people say' :) One of the major problems is that the other networks don't take them on - mainly because they too are corporate owned.

A further example of corporate manipulation is - http://www.nationofchange.org/stink-tanks-historical-records-reveal-state-policy-network-was-created-alec-1386689633 .

Never Give Up Joining The Dots! Occupy The Agenda! Solidarity.

[-] 0 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

Consider, if you would their "reportage" of their invention of the "war on Christmas".

They never mention, that it was a war Christmas lost in the late 50's and early 60's.

It was a war that was won by the likes Sears, J C Penny's, Tyco and whole host of other corporate manufacturers and retailers.

[-] 5 points by Ache4Change (3340) 10 years ago

The Corporations would sooner steal Christmas altogether & I think you'll be interested in this link - http://desmogblog.com/2013/12/03/leaked-documents-reveal-irs-concerns-funding-crisis-corporate-lobbying-group-alec These days, the complete commercialisation of Christmas is an exhausting and sickening spectacle and 'Santa Claus' as we know him, is a by-product of Coca-Cola! Never Give Up Exposing The Corporate Agenda! Occupy Democracy & Solidarity!

[-] 0 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

Few around here comment on ALEC these days.

Let alone the SPN, that will be replacing them as the "charities" of choice for those dedicated to dismantling what's left of Democracy.

FLAKESnews is well invested in that cause.

[-] 3 points by Ache4Change (3340) 10 years ago

''Laura Dimon, daughter of Jamie Dimon, one of the most notorious financial criminals who has still managed to escape incarceration, wants to see criminals do hard time in jail. But in an article she recently wrote for PolicyMic, she apparently forgot to include her dad in her list of "6 Most Notorious Criminals [Who] Aren't Facing the Justice They Deserve." from - http://www.nationofchange.org/jamie-dimon-s-daughter-wants-criminals-brought-justice-1388672234 . Also see -

http://www.nationofchange.org/strange-case-american-inequality-1388592292 &

http://www.nationofchange.org/2013-resistance-report-year-review-1388508474

ALEC & SPN are anti-democratic 1% fronts! Never Give Up! Occupy 2014! Solidarity :)

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

Good to know at least some apples can fall far from the tree.................)

Perhaps all time limits against the prosecution of such heinous, economic crimes should be lifted?

I'd vote for that!

[-] 5 points by Ache4Change (3340) 10 years ago

Have you heard of JPMorgan's fine for their involvement in The Madoff Scandal?

I still can't say 'Madoff' without laughing at the appropriate name for that crook. Also fyi, do see - http://www.nationofchange.org/retirement-theft-four-despicable-steps-1389019806

Never Give Up Exposing These Greedy, Thieving Scum! Go Occupy Wall Street!

[Removed]

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

BTW - TWEET

DKAtoday ‏@DKAtoday

Documents Reveal IRS Concerns, Funding Crisis at Corporate Lobbying Group ALEC | NationofChange http://www.nationofchange.org/leaked-documents-reveal-irs-concerns-funding-crisis-corporate-lobbying-group-alec-1386166683 … via @nationofchange

[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Dozens of corporations have jumped ship from what critics have coined a "corporate bill mill" for statehouses nationwide.

Well - now that is a healthy trend I would love to see expand - but those jumping ship here not be allowed to hide behind another yet unexposed foundation of the same bent/intent.

[-] 2 points by Ache4Change (3340) 10 years ago

Jon Stewart Proves Corporations Are Not People -

http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/jon_stewart_proves_corporations_are_not_people_once_and_for_all_20131205

Never Give Up On The 99%! Occupy The Bill Of Rights! Solidarity.

[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

He has made many GR8 segments deriding corp(se)oRATions and corp(se)oRATists and a corp(se)oRATe government.

[-] 0 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

Another good idea.

It's not like they've EVER used their "profits" to bring the entire grid up to modern spec.

They're waiting to lobby for the tax payer to do it for them.

fuck that.

[-] 2 points by factsrfun (8342) from Phoenix, AZ 10 years ago

Arizona is ground zero for this battle, APS, my old empolyer is at the forefront of stopping solar power before it makes electricy "Too cheap to meter." opps sorry that was nulear power that did that or was or something like that.

[-] 1 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

I think this will pan out the other way, FRF, meaning tar sands are already cost neutral, and when it costs more to produce guzzolene from tar, other options will get closer scrutiny.

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8342) from Phoenix, AZ 10 years ago

It appears somewhat of a draw in AZ, APS did get a fee added just not as much as they wanted, as I read this it looks as though they figured out how to keep the utillities and solar companies happy while insuring the home owners don't actually save money, good for the contributing class, ie 1%, not so good for the rest of us.

http://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/x/279846/Renewables/Progress+On+The+Western+Front+In+The+Solar+Net+Metering+Battle

[-] 0 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

They've opened the door.

Don't expect it to stay at .70 per installed kW for very long.

The funny part is, you have to pay it to support a system whose basic infrastructure is over 100 years old.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

In compliment as ALEC is only one visible arm of evil:

Wall Street Dems know populists like Elizabeth Warren are gaining influence with the Democratic base. Horrified, they have launched an attack throughout corporate media that threatens electoral doom for the Democratic Party if it dares stand up to Wall Street.

Sign the petition and let them know where you stand: I come from the Elizabeth Warren wing of the Democratic Party.

So far this week we've seen:

  • A Third Way op-ed in the Wall Street Journal warning Democrats of the "danger" of Elizabeth Warren and Bill DeBlasio style economic populism.
  • Fox News "Democrats" Doug Schoen and Pat Caddell back in Politico for another stab at that whole "radical center" nonsense.
  • The DLC's Al From is back in the news with a new book.

All of this, all at once? It's a coordinated counterattack by Wall Street Democrats spooked by the party's embrace of politicians like Elizabeth Warren, Sherrod Brown, Tammy Baldwin and Jeff Merkley.

They should be spooked. The future of the Democratic Party is a populist one, and all that's left is to whittle out the dead weight.

Sign the petition: I come from the Elizabeth Warren wing of the Democratic Party.

Keep fighting, Markos Moulitsas Publisher, Daily Kos

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

Yeah, what the heck. I'll sign both of those.

Besides. It bumps an ALEC thread, and people like to pretend they don't matter.

Unfortunately. They still matter lot.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

I like throwing in their faces the fact that their days are numbered - that the people are beginning to take note of who they are. Let the sleeping giant wake.

[-] 0 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

With all of the talk about food insecurity, you'd think they would find one of the primary causes.

http://wepartypatriots.com/wp/2013/10/02/not-shocked-five-states-with-the-worst-food-insecurity-are-right-to-work-states/

They don't, and I don't think that's co-incidental.

I think for the most part, it's deliberate.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

I think for the most part, it's deliberate.

It most certainly "IS" Deliberate:

In November, just in time for Thanksgiving, stimulus funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) expired, leading to the most significant funding reduction since the Food Stamps Act was passed in 1964. With money tight at the end of the month, millions of families faced a choice between skipping Thanksgiving or finding a food kitchen to feed their kids.

Unbelievably, Republicans want to slash food stamps again -- to the tune of $40 billion in catastrophic cuts that will ruin lives and destroy families. If Tea Party Republicans get their way in the current negotiations around the farm bill that governs SNAP’s funding, Thanksgiving 2014 will be extraordinarily worse.

There isn't much time. We need your urgent support to fight back against Tea Party Republicans and the outrageous cuts they are pushing.

Will you chip in $3 to help DFA mobilize our members, pressure farm bill committee members, and make sure legislators hear the more than 4,000 food stamps stories that DFA members shared with us?

More than 47 million people -- one in seven Americans -- rely on food stamps to eat, including 1 million elderly New Yorkers, 2.3 million children in California and Texas, and 900,000 veterans. According to a recent government study, “very low food security” afflicts 5 percent of American households, often forcing families to skip meals as they stretch their budget before the end of the month.

This fight over food stamps isn't about some abstract program that might help someone somewhere else. It is about our neighbors, friends and family. People like Brian D., a disabled veteran from Louisville, Kentucky, who shared his experience with us a few weeks ago, along with more than 4,000 other DFA members who sent us their heartbreaking stories:

  • “I receive SNAP benefits currently, if I didn't, I would worry more about whether or not I would be able to provide a proper meal for my children… Being a disabled veteran, I am fully aware of the privilege I am afforded for healthcare and supplemental income, but I would never wish upon anyone an empty plate any night, nor the lack of support and dedication so many have shown me for MY service to this country.”

And now Tea Party Republicans are threatening $40 billion in cuts that will force millions of struggling families -- families like Brian’s -- to consider skipping meals to make ends meet.

It's astonishing and unacceptable. Please chip in $3 now to help us fight back before it's too late.

Thank you for taking action before time runs out.

  • Eden

Eden James, Political Director Democracy for America

Donate today Paid for by Democracy for America, http://www.democracyforamerica.com/?t=1&akid=4248.2041858.VvqwcD and not authorized by any candidate. Contributions to Democracy for America are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

I get all that.

I'm referring to some the people who post around here.

The lack of support for the repeal of "right to work": around here is nothing, if not notorious.

As far as the latest round teabagge(R) crap to hit?

Wait till the next step in the sequester kicks in.

Sequester? Remember that?

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Take Ten Deep Breaths. You know as well as I that there are those who come here only to disrupt. Accept that fact and stop letting them push your buttons.

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

I have buttons??

They do piss me off though, as they pretend to think outside the box.

They always seem to come to somebody else's conclusions.

LOL, I should be used to them by now.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

I have buttons??

Sure - unless you are wearing a pull-over or are taking advantage of zippers or I suppose Velcro.

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

Not a button in sight.

But, I'll take those breaths and hold the last one until I see them all comment on your professional protester video, produced by that ALEC alumni.

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Ok, ok. No more turning blue.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Breathe BREATHE - no-one said try to pass out. {:-]) Though that could be a good short vacation from the shills - just picture ( prior to passing out ) a safe place a place of tranquility.......................

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

I don't worry about a thing, 'cause I know

'Nothin's going to be all right.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

NO???? Nothing??? Now I am Bummed :-(.............. POT ....someone???......pot or something more recreational..............

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

I feel mildly vindicated.

http://www.occupy.com/article/revealed-alec-seeks-legislation-punish-solar-power-users-freeriders

Not surprised though, that there has been so little response on the forum, so I'll give it another bump.

Looking on the (R)epelican't bright side, Maine is looking forward to selling coconuts, or at least pumping more oil.

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/12/05/3027091/lepage-climate-change-benefits/

Meanwhile, in Shanghai.

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/06/shanghai-blanketed-in-smog-so-dense-that-flights-were-canceled/

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Climate change could have economic benefit to Maine, the state’s governor said Thursday.

What an idiot - I wonder - if his feet had to be amputated - would he consider that a bonus in clothing savings?

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago
[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Meanwhile, in Shanghai.

Wonder how SLC Utah is doing since that last killer smog inversion.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

LOL, I should be used to them by now.

LOL = Quite Correct - As Should We ALL.

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

They're a drag on any system you can imagine.

Watch as they politicize everything.

Some still haven't figured out that libe(R)tarians are an ideology, not a party.

And they run ALEC, among other organizations.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Some still haven't figured out that libe(R)tarians are an ideology, not a party.

So goes denial prior to acceptance and shame/guilt for association and perceived or actual support for such.

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

Acceptance is a long time coming.

To our detriment.

ALEC, destroying Democracy, one State at a time.

It continues, unabated.and largely ignored.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

I am looking forward to all of the righteous anger when the rest of the conservatives wake-up as well as the liberals who have allowed corp(se)oRATe Dems stay in office.

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

They're going to have to shut off FLAKESnews and Limbaugh, among others, before there is a chance of that happening.

It's not like FLAKESnews is going to change their formula.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Ah Hell. When it happens? The MSM meltdown may well resemble a nuclear explosion.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Going on RIGHT NOW:

ALEC’s annual State and National Policy Summit is taking place in Washington D.C. and PFAW members and activists are out in force along with hundreds of others protesting them!

A report in the Guardian from earlier this week details how the reckless right-wing think tank behind “Stand Your Ground” and voter suppression laws, as well as countless other anti-worker and anti-consumer attacks, is clamoring to get back the support YOU helped cost them last year when you signed our petition telling ALEC’s corporate sponsors to cut ties with them.

We are winning the fight against the American Legislative Exchange Council and we need to keep the heat on! It’s time to build our movement and generate more pressure on ALEC companies to end their support of the group.

Please click here to spread the word now and ask others to join the petition you already signed!

Thank you for keeping the pressure on.

-- Ben Betz, Online Engagement Director

donate

pfaw.org | privacy policy | subscribe | unsubscribe | contact us | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Do not reply directly to this e-mail. Please use pfaw@pfaw.org.

1101 15th Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005-5002, 202-467-4999

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

This is ALEC. Like fracking, you're not supposed to talk about it.

Don't you have something on growing enough strawberries in your basement ( if you have one) all year long, so you can trade with your neighbors for the corn they grow in their attics all year long?

There's only a handful here that sign these, and as you've pointed out, I already did.

Even anti-ALEC stuff in the vaunted Guardian, isn't enough for some folks to understand.

They have begun to "export" their expertise to at least Australia (cigarette lobbies), if not many other countries we don't know about yet.

Well there's always the Koch's................:)

Lest we forget.

http://www.polluterwatch.com/koch-industries

Don't worry, there's always the days "chosen" topic, to keep them busy, pretending they think outside the box..

Unfortunately?

We all live downstream.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Unfortunately? We all live downstream.

Now - if we could only engender such an understanding to all who have not yet met reality.

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

Some won't understand, even when they are growing coconuts in Green Bay.......................................:)

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Such a seasonal delight in January - not looking forward to spring and the beginning of the major burn - I wonder how much progress has been made on the lake enclosures?

[-] 0 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

Well, we'll see what comes out of ALEC'S winter meetings.

Chances are, nothing good, unless Google buys them out to change their tune.

I don't hold out much hope for that though.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago
[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

There are also other related groups that work against the people:

Wall Street is trying to marginalize Elizabeth Warren, and we need to bolster her.

Third Way -- a Wall Street-funded group that poses as a "progressive" think tank -- blasted Warren and her bold economic agenda in Rupert Murdoch's Wall Street Journal.

They wrote that Warren's "economic populism [is] disastrous for Democrats," including the growing consensus that we must expand -- not cut -- Social Security.

SIGN THE PETITION TELLING THIRD WAY: Reveal your Wall Street funders who oppose Elizabeth Warren's popular agenda.

Third Way receives a ton of money from Wall Street, but they don't publicize this on their website or in their attacks on Warren's agenda.

Polls show Warren's ideas are popular in red, purple, and blue states. In fact, expanding Social Security is popular by 2 to 1 in Kentucky and 3 to 1 in Texas!

Third Way has no grassroots support -- but they try to trick members of Congress and the media into listening to them.

We'll keep Congress and reporters informed of our petition's growing numbers, and deliver your message to Third Way! (We're also flooding their office with phone calls -- you can join in after signing the petition.)

Please sign the petition today -- and pass this email to others.

Thanks for being a bold progressive.

-- Adam Green, PCCC co-founder

[-] -1 points by Copiosis (19) 10 years ago

Seems the Alternative energy has been doing a pretty good job of defeating these proposals, at least at the local level with the latest win occurring in (Nevada? Or was it Arizona?).

Frustrating to see entities such as ALEC. Masters of the game changing the rules in real time.

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

Frustrating indeed.

As you can tell, most around here like to pretend ALEC has little to do with anything at all.

Kind of like the Koch's.

ALEC has been dismantling Democracy for decades now, some have become inured I guess, while most of the country has still never heard of them.