The billionaire brothers David and Charles Koch no longer sit outside Washington’s political establishment, isolated by their uncompromising conservatism. The Koch brother’s, who have total control over the Tea Party, have recently bought some politicians in DC.  The purchase is most evident  in the new makeup of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Perhaps the Koch’s’ most surprising and important ally on the committee is its new chairman, Rep. Fred Upton. The Republican from Michigan, who was once criticized by conservatives for his middle-of-the-road approach to environmental issues, is now leading the effort to rein in the EPA. Upton received $20,000 in donations from Koch employees in 2010, making them among his top 10 donors in that cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

 

When the 85 freshman GOP lawmakers marched into the Capitol on Jan. 5 as part of the new Republican House majority, David Koch was there too.

 

Seems Dave had an appointment with a staff member of the new speaker, Rep. John A. Boehner (R-Ohio).  Tim Phillips, of Americans for prosperity, had an appointment with Upton. They used the opportunity to introduce themselves to some of the new legislators (puppets.) Americans for Prosperity spent $40 million in the 2010 election cycle, in over 100 election’s across the Nation.

Americans for Prosperity  has kept a strong emphasis on promoting its views on climate change and energy regulation. In 2008, it began circulating a pledge asking politicians to denounce a Democratic-led effort to compel oil refineries and utilities to clean up emissions of greenhouse gases through a so-called cap-and-trade system.

 

Now we all know why the cap-and-trade legislation passed the House but died in the Senate.  The Koch brother’s are slowing taking over America one politician at a time, through the Tea Party. 

Look how far the GOP has regressed in just over a year. I don’t think you will find a single Republican saying anything about Climate Change these days. They have successfully brainwashed all their Fox-heads and Rush-heads to fall in line with the corporate overlords, Koch Industries. Lock-step everyone, lock-step.

Photo Credit:  rscottjones via Flickr

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