Posted on 06/21/2007 8:30:06 AM PDT by serbami68
More from the Bowels of Liberal Democracy: Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL) and Belarus
Matthew Raphael Johnson
The increasing violence and arrogance of the Regime is directly correlated to its insecurity. For all its ranting about its successes and, of course, its “inevitability,” the regime is facing some very difficult times. Overwhelming debt, a lost war in Iraq, outsourcing of some of its more satisfying jobs, alienation of rural areas, increasing fuel prices, and substantial foreign competition from the developing India-China-Russia axis, the Regime, like a spoiled child, lashes out in hatred.
The latest attack comes from a half-witted Congressman who I had not heard of until now, The Hon. John Shimkus (R-IL). He has come to my attention due to an outburst on the floor of the House, condemning Belarus. Reading from a script, he condemned Belarus for “violating democracy,” etc. etc., everyone knows the drill. Shimkus also sits on something called the Congressional Baltic Caucus, something else I had not known of until now. As it turns out, Shimkus has made Belarus a major part of his legislative agenda, sponsoring and co-sponsoring numerous “resolutions” condemning Belarus for some “crime” or other. (See here for a few speeches).
Here are a few excerpts from some of his press releases over the last few years:
Unfortunately, just today we have received word of potential harassment of opposition activists by the government, For the people of Belarus, I pray for the success of the 'denim revolution.” (2006)
And this from a man who cheered the passage of the Patriot act and wishes to make it stronger.
Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) introduced House Resolution 673 "expressing support for the efforts of the people of the Republic of Belarus to establish a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and urging the Government of Belarus to conduct a free and fair presidential election on March 19, 2006.
Shimkus is a very good case study of legislative corruption. Why would an obscure congressman worry so much about a country the size of Kansas, a country that, in no conceivable respect, poses a threat to the U.S? Let’s take a look.
Shimkus is supported by a few telling organizations, led by Abbott Laboratories, the drug giant based in Illinois, and nearly every other major drug manufacturer. Also controlling his candidacy are the following corporations, the list itself is telling, and is provided by the disclosures of his campaign filed at the Federal Election Commission:
Amazon.com The American Bankers Association American Express Sugarbeet growers Time Warner ADM AT&T (huge contributions under various names) Bank of America Boeing Cargill Citigroup ConAgra Chrysler DTE Energy Edison Northrop Grumman Enron Exxon-Mobil (huge donations) a small army of sugar corporations another huge set of donations from coal interests in America General Atomics GE Halliburton The Investment Company Institute J.P. Morgan The Lithuanian-American PAC McDonalds Monsanto Nuclear Energy PAC Peabody Energy The Petroleum Marketers Association The Edison Electric Institute Progress Energy Reliant Energy Shell Oil Society for Independnt Gasoline Marketers Southern Minnesota Beet Growers Tejas Energy Wal-Mart Wisconsin Energy Electric Power Supply PAC Proving that Congressmen are financed by international corporations for the creation of a New Global Order is easy. Showing specific patterns, that is, connecting campaign donations to actual voting and speechmaking behavior is another matter. The above list, however is fairly self-explanatory, and is just a small sampling of corporate America that controls this hapless frontman. The above companies, however, have provided for the majority of Shimkus’ funds, and the companies and fronts listed above have given very large donations individually.
The above list of corporate interest is telling in that most of them are in direct economic competition with Russian interests. The top-heavy list of energy suppliers is telling enough, and the sugar interests are certainly curious, but rather obvious in that Russia grows beets in large quantities, from which one can process sugar, one easily competitive with American interests in Hawaii and Florida. The rest have a specific interests in penetrating and controlling the Russian market. Russia has a hard working population of well educated people, and also have a strong scientific and technological bent. Therefore, it makes sense that many communications and tech outfits finance the Republicans. Grumman and Boeing are also significant in that they are in direct competition with the high tech sector in Russia, both military and civilian.
The point of this is not merely to show that Shimkus is indeed a front man, and that all politicians in liberal democracies are puppets, and not even that he is controlled by energy interests (which he clearly is). More importantly, it proves that, by and large, the opinions of the likes of Shimkus are not his own, but are fed to him by the large PR organizations connected with corporate finance that have a direct interest in Russian and Belarussian life.
But there is more. Right around the time Shimkus made his House speech on Belarus’ “crimes,” several international agencies released their data on Belarussian life in 2006. The timing here is unmistakable. Some figures:
Socio-economic development of Belarus in 2006 demonstrated positive dynamics on virtually all most important parameters, thus proving the effectiveness of the socio-economic model chosen by the leadership of Belarus.
In comparison with 2005:
Gross domestic product grew 9.9 percent in Belarus as against 2005, which is, according to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects 2007 report, places Belarus among the most dynamically developing states of the world. In particular, in terms of GDP growth Belarus ranks 7th in the world (after Azerbaijan, Armenia, Latvia, Estonia, China and Kazakhstan).
Industrial production rose 11.3 percent. According to the Interstate Statistical Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Belarus in terms of industrial production growth passed most of CIS states except Azerbaijan (36.6 percent).
Agricultural production rose 6.1 percent, which is much higher than the average level in CIS states (3 percent), and might have something to do with ADM and ConAgra heavily financing Shimkus and others who are anti-Belarus.
Consumer goods production increased by 10.5 per cent
The Embassy of Belarus in America writes: “Capital investments grew 31.4 percent. According to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2006, as of the end of 2005 Belarus was 10th among 19 countries of the South-Eastern Europe and CIS in terms of the level of direct foreign investments, and 4th among CIS countries (after Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan). In the report, Belarus is placed in the category of countries with high potential for attracting direct foreign investments, leading over most of the countries of South-Eastern Europe and CIS.”
Here’s a major reason why the Regime hates Lukashenko: Foreign trade grew 28.7 percent, including the growth of exports by 23.5 percent, as well as foreign trade in services, which saw a growth of 15.5 percent. Positive balance in the trade of services exceeded $1 billion. In other words, the pious condemnations of Belarus are just that. It does not stop many European firms from doing business with one of the healthiest economies in the developing world.
Unemployment still holds at just over 1% according to the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects Report. According to the same agency, real income grew 17.3%. According to the World Economic Forum Report of 2006, Belarus has the lowest infant mortality rate in the CIS. According to the World Bank, Belarus has one of the best records in combating corporate corruption.
And this is just a smattering of the major achievements of the Belarussian nation and President Lukashenko, all catalogued by overwhelmingly hostile sources. Now, who would this be problem for the likes of Shimkus?
First of all, Belarus is not part of the global trading system in any official capacity. The Regime has done all in its power to harm Belarus, from threats to attempted sanctions, to an endless propaganda barrage directed against her. Belarus continues, by any standard, to prosper. Secondly, Belarus shows the prosperity that can be gained through regional, rather than global cooperation (in this case, with Russia). Belarus has proven that it does not need the global system, as has Malaysia and Venezuela, both regular targets from Republicans in Congress.
Thirdly, Belarus has proven that a strong state, in the case of a small country besieged by the powerful west, can control corruption and provide basic services better than western style systems. While Belarus has free elections and a very diverse media, presidential powers are substantially strong, a strength born out of necessity, to prevent the financial and economic meltdown suffered by Russia during the reign of the recently deceased Yeltsin. Belarus has prevented western economic penetration, IMF dictates and global economists from running the country, and as a result, she prospers. This, more than anything else, leads corporate America and their frontmen to lash out regularly at Belarus.
Death to the tyrant Lukashenko!
Your problem is that he doesn’t admire the right dictators. If by evil you mean anyone who doesn’t tow the new-world-order globalist line, then maybe so. I hope you enjoy WWIII.
Your just a death-dealing tail gunner, ain’t you Joe?
lol.... I am no big fan of democratically elected politicians either, but you can’t call them dictators. They are simply imbeciles elected by a mostly imbecilic electorate. Despite their stupidity they are vastly preferable to real dictators. They don’t kill their opponents, they don’t go out of their way to oppress ordinary people, and the oppression they do facilitate is of the socialistic type which is largely supported by their imbecilic electorate.
That you and Johnson can’t see that makes both of you supporters of real evil. Sorry if the truth hurts.
And their tractors suck, too.
That's as far as you need to go to determine the author is an idiot.
The increasing violence and arrogance of the Regime is directly correlated to its insecurity. For all its ranting about its successes and, of course, its “inevitability,” the regime is facing some very difficult times. Overwhelming debt, a lost war in Iraq, outsourcing of some of its more satisfying jobs, alienation of rural areas, increasing fuel prices, and substantial foreign competition from the developing India-China-Russia axis, the Regime, like a spoiled child, lashes out in hatred.
Translation : America defends itself. I am jealous of America. I hate America.
The latest attack comes from a half-witted Congressman who I had not heard of until now, The Hon. John Shimkus (R-IL). He has come to my attention due to an outburst on the floor of the House, condemning Belarus. Reading from a script, he condemned Belarus for “violating democracy,” etc. etc., everyone knows the drill. Shimkus also sits on something called the Congressional Baltic Caucus, something else I had not known of until now. As it turns out, Shimkus has made Belarus a major part of his legislative agenda, sponsoring and co-sponsoring numerous “resolutions” condemning Belarus for some “crime” or other. .
Translation : I hate John Shimkus. I hate his speech. He used notes and offended me by criticizing my pet country. I know nothing about the US House. Shimkus joined with others in criticizing my pet country.(See here for a few speeches)
Here are a few excerpts from some of his press releases over the last few years:
Unfortunately, just today we have received word of potential harassment of opposition activists by the government, For the people of Belarus, I pray for the success of the 'denim revolution.” (2006)And this from a man who cheered the passage of the Patriot act and wishes to make it stronger.
Translation : I hate John Shimkus for approving of the Patriot Act but have no idea why this angers me since it has nothing to do with my pet country Belarus.
Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) introduced House Resolution 673 "expressing support for the efforts of the people of the Republic of Belarus to establish a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and urging the Government of Belarus to conduct a free and fair presidential election on March 19, 2006.Translation : Nothing to translate. [The author was at a loss for words at this Shimkus activity , apparently. The author expects us to be outraged that Shimkus supports democracy, the rule of law and human rights and dares to urge the author's pet country to conduct free and fair elections. The author is OUTRAGED! OUTRAGED!.]
Shimkus is a very good case study of legislative corruption.
Translation : I don't like John Shimkus, therefore I will call him corrupt without presenting any supporting evidence of corruption and just hope the reader accepts the idea.
Why would an obscure congressman worry so much about a country the size of Kansas, a country that, in no conceivable respect, poses a threat to the U.S?
Translation : I don't like the obscure congressman, therefore I will make him less obscure by raising a fuss about his opinions of my obscure pet country.
Let’s take a look. Shimkus is supported by a few telling organizations, led by Abbott Laboratories, the drug giant based in Illinois, and nearly every other major drug manufacturer.
Translation : Looky here. Shimkus receives legal donations from companies whose products help sick people.
Also controlling his candidacy are the following corporations, the list itself is telling, and is provided by the disclosures of his campaign filed at the Federal Election Commission:
Translation : I hate companies whose products help sick people.
Amazon.com The American Bankers Association American Express Sugarbeet growers Time Warner ADM AT&T (huge contributions under various names) Bank of America Boeing Cargill Citigroup ConAgra Chrysler DTE Energy Edison Northrop Grumman Enron Exxon-Mobil (huge donations) a small army of sugar corporations another huge set of donations from coal interests in America General Atomics GE Halliburton The Investment Company Institute J.P. Morgan The Lithuanian-American PAC McDonalds Monsanto Nuclear Energy PAC Peabody Energy The Petroleum Marketers Association The Edison Electric Institute Progress Energy Reliant Energy Shell Oil Society for Independnt Gasoline Marketers Southern Minnesota Beet Growers Tejas Energy Wal-Mart Wisconsin Energy Electric Power Supply PAC
Translation : I hate companies that traffic in books written by dissidents; I hate people who give loans to individuals and small business; I hate American farmers; I hate liberals at Time Warner; I hate AMD for some reason, and I hate companies that help people exercise their free speech. I hate banks with the word 'America' in their name. I hate airplanes, food producers, Dodge trucks and power. I hate air to air missiles, canoes, companies that help people get to work, and sweet things. I hate electricity, anything that sounds nuclear, companies that reconstruct things, aid business, or anyone that recognizes the sovereignity of Lithuanians. I hate Happy Meals, fertilizer, refrigerants and foam core. I hate American nuclear scientists and fuel salesmen. I hate gas stations, animal feed producers and companies that keep costs down or use a smiley face logo, etc, etc....
Proving that Congressmen are financed by international corporations for the creation of a New Global Order is easy.
Translation : Congressmen receive donations from people with money and they're all in a copspiracy to get me because they know I know what they are all up to.
Showing specific patterns, that is, connecting campaign donations to actual voting and speechmaking behavior is another matter.
Translation : Proving my points is too much work.
The above list, however is fairly self-explanatory, and is just a small sampling of corporate America that controls this hapless frontman.
Translation : I listed a bunch of companies and their names alone should send shivers through your spine even if I cannot explain why. Everyone knows US congressmen should be frontmen for the KGB and all Russian interests exclusively, only getting additional donations from unemployed people with no investments or other ties to companies that employ people who make products that compete with Belarus or Russia. Better yet, US congressmen should only accept donations from Belarus, Russia, China or India's companies...they're not "globalist," after all.
The above companies, however, have provided for the majority of Shimkus’ funds, and the companies and fronts listed above have given very large donations individually.
Translation : I hate donations from groups that aren't communist.
The above list of corporate interest is telling in that most of them are in direct economic competition with Russian interests.
Translation : Shimkus is out to get Russia! He should prove he's not out to get Russia by taking Russian bribes or something.
The top-heavy list of energy suppliers is telling enough, and the sugar interests are certainly curious, but rather obvious in that Russia grows beets in large quantities, from which one can process sugar, one easily competitive with American interests in Hawaii and Florida.
Translation : Energy bad! Sugar is bad if it isn't made from Russian sugarbeets! I think Shimkus is the congressman from the evil state of Hawaiiflorillinois.
The rest have a specific interests in penetrating and controlling the Russian market.
Translation : Shimkus is out to get Russia! How dare he represent American interests!
Russia has a hard working population of well educated people, and also have a strong scientific and technological bent. Therefore, it makes sense that many communications and tech outfits finance the Republicans.
Translation : Shimkus is out to get Russian nerds! How dare he represent American nerds instead when there are so many hardworking Russian nerds not working right now?
Grumman and Boeing are also significant in that they are in direct competition with the high tech sector in Russia, both military and civilian.
Translation : Shimkus is out to get Russia! Shimkus isn't supporting Russian defense industry!
The point of this is not merely to show that Shimkus is indeed a front man, and that all politicians in liberal democracies are puppets, and not even that he is controlled by energy interests (which he clearly is).
Translation : Shimkus is not a member of Socialist International and isn't Mother Russia's puppet. He's an ...antipinko.
More importantly, it proves that, by and large, the opinions of the likes of Shimkus are not his own, but are fed to him by the large PR organizations connected with corporate finance that have a direct interest in Russian and Belarussian life.
Translation : I hate John Shimkus because he's not Russian.
Ouch!
Your translation stinks.
Yeah, what you said... in spades!!!
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