"Why are corporations getting free speech rights?" Thom challenges Dan Gainor

[7H3541N7]

Wow he is clearly only interested in his OWN opinion. Arsehole.

[globalmuffin2]

There is no corporation. It's just a global policy of imbecilization and of total control, dictated from Washington, which starts with the freedom of speech and ends with the financial crisis. This idiot who speaks in order to divert your attention is directly paid by the White House.

[meadbert]

If Corporations do not get free speech then that means that the New York Times and Fox News do not have free speech. That means that Churches (most of whom are incorporated) do not get either Free Speech or presumably Freedom of religion. If the right to assemble does not belong to a corporation, but only to an individual then what does it mean? Can you only assemble with yourself?

[CrossoverManiac]

@meadbert Exactly. Corporations are not people-they are a collection of people. People have the right of assocation and their other rights don't end because of that association.

[luvcheney1]

Lawsuit costs, adjusted for inflation are 9 times higher today than in 1950. You pay these costs, and only 25% of the awards go to compensate the victims damages. The awards must be collected out of the corporations customers, as all corp costs are collected from its customers. US total lawsuits are close to $300 billion yr. Thom is happpy for you to pay it.

[julsHz]

Corporations do not deserve the same rights as humans for one very good reason- they don't die.

Why don't we just build some temples of worship for them- oh, wait- that would be Wall St.

[sidvidle]

LOL, yes complete with a golden calf and all too! Representing the ''bull'' market, of course. They should not have any human rights for the very simple reason they are not human, if they were... They exhibit sociopathic behaviour therefore again do not qualify for rights, we usually just shoot those up with anti-psychotic meds and lock'em up, no?

[julsHz]

Indeed. I wish I had a prescription that would curb the power of these 'entities', but I'm just not that smart. What really pisses me off is that their vote, through campaign donations, counts more than mine.

[sidvidle]

I'm in Canada... We still bow to the Queen (I guess Lizzy is better than Investment bankers, but still), a distinct constitution is maybe the way? Our situations are very diferent, I know,,, But damn it! To be so damn close to you and us being )very technically under a monarchy- this biatch can go bat shit any moment!) and us witnessing the total tyrany exercised by your Corps... I don't know... You guys need to flex! Make a move. This can't go forever! What do you guys need, maybe we can help?

[julsHz]

Yes, I agree, the current situation is unsustainable. I'm afraid the only other entity powerful enough to stand between me and the abuses of corporatations is the gov't- and they seem to be in the pockets of CEO's and board members. It's untenable. In the short run, we need jobs- any jobs in Canada for us? LOL. In the long run, higher taxes at the top and a stronger safety net at the bottom. For a country that professes equality, we've got this huge gap between the 'haves' and 'have nots'.

[Mrreverendjim]

@sidvidle canada bank act..shares held in trust by minister of finance for the queen. lizzy is an investment banker. when the constitution was "brought home" nothing really changed.

[luvcheney1]

Many newspapers are incorporated arent they? Magazines, TV networks, radio broadcasting corps, maybe Thom is incorporated. Sure, shut them all up.

[lennhart]

@julsHz Great comment and thanks. you're right! Corporations are mere legal abstractions and --in fact --have NO rights accorded real people in the Bill of rights. They are NOT people! And anyone believing they are is an idiot! Five members of SCOTUS should step down. They are whores to the corporate establishment.

[Strutinan]

This Gainor hypocrite STARTS by acknowledging that the unregulated abuses of the ratings agencies was indefensible...and his solution?

The usual republitard answer: "its the big bad government regulations causing the problem, and trial lawyers, so trust big brother business to know what is best for the bottom line...oops, I mean PEOPLE best for PEOPLE!"

And the line about "I won't defend them, I am not on their payroll"? Classic Freudian slip.

What a scumbag.

[j0hnwi11iams]

The first amendment does not protect FRAUD.

[ryukage99]

Ditto

[shankyxyz]

ok if corporations are ppl, and they kill someone thru pollution or some other means should the corporation/CEO be hanged.

[mldnathai]

Entity, shmentity. Rights are for humans. Maybe even for animals. Not for "entities" that are created to allow individuals to avoid responsibility for the consequences of the actions of the entities that they create.

[idflux]

Like the new visual media path. On You Tube, you can have your own PBS show, without the pledge drives! #1 you've got to edit that thing down. Your bread and butter is meaty debate and tech difficulties just take away and distract. You're in show business, Thom. Really, you are. Skype sounds like your guest is in a closet on the radio, but I see how it works on you tube. I like the direction you are going.

[idflux]

your set is too blue. Lastly, this is what you need for ratings. You are not going to like this. Some liberal website will rate the hottest liberal woman and you will have to book them. Seriously! You are competing with Fox news skanks. This format can work, but sad and overworked humans need to hear this and you have to accommodate them. You are in show business and your bread and butter is meaty debate.

[greatbroad]

No, corporations are not living, breathing entities, described in the Declaration of Independence. Corporations are not alive; they do not grow old, and die for their country.

Natural persons are far superior to pieces of paper.