Chamber of Commerce caught financing attacks on unions, liberals, etc.

S

speedracer

Banned
So Anonymous got into it with a security firm called HBGary. One of HBGary's employees was trying to put real names to Anon members using social media. Great idea. Of course Anon hacked the ever living shit out of their servers and Handsping PDAs and stuffs. Anon got between 40-60,000 emails and upped em to torrents for all to see. There was much lols. It had info on all the business this "security" firm was doing.

Story on the Anon/HBGary pissy slapfest here: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/...m-tracked-anonymousand-paid-a-heavy-price.ars

Well lookie here.

According to e-mails obtained by ThinkProgress, the Chamber hired the lobbying firm Hunton and Williams. Hunton And Williams’ attorney Richard Wyatt, who once represented Food Lion in its infamous lawsuit against ABC News, was hired by the Chamber in October of last year. To assist the Chamber, Wyatt and his associates, John Woods and Bob Quackenboss, solicited a set of private security firms — HB Gary Federal, Palantir, and Berico Technologies (collectively called Team Themis) — to develop tactics for damaging progressive groups and labor unions, in particular ThinkProgress, the labor coalition called Change to Win, the SEIU, US Chamber Watch, and StopTheChamber.com.

According to one document prepared by Team Themis, the campaign included an entrapment project. The proposal called for first creating a “false document, perhaps highlighting periodical financial information,” to give to a progressive group opposing the Chamber, and then to subsequently expose the document as a fake to undermine the credibility of the Chamber’s opponents. In addition, the group proposed creating a “fake insider persona” to “generate communications” with Change to Win. View a screenshot below:

screenshotfixed.jpg


The security firms hoped to obtain $200,000 for initial background research, then charge up to $2 million for a larger disinformation campaign against progressives. We don’t know if the proposal was accepted after Phase 1 was completed.

The e-mails ThinkProgress acquired are available widely on the web. They were posted by members of “Anonymous,” the hactivist community responsible for taking down websites for oppressive regimes in Tunisia, Egypt, and American corporations that have censored WikiLeaks. Anonymous published the emails from HB Gary Federal because an executive at the firm, Aaron Barr, was trying to take Anonymous down. Barr claimed that he had penetrated Anonymous and was hoping to sell the data to Bank of America and to federal authorities in the United States. In response, members of Anonymous hacked into Barr’s email and published some 40,000 company e-mails.

It is widely believed that Wikileaks has sensitive information about Bank of America, and plans to expose it later this year. This revelation prompted Bank of America to hire the law/lobbying firm Hunton and Williams, which in turn, according to the e-mails posted online by Anonymous, hired HB Gary Federal and other firms to go after Anonymous and supporters of Wikileaks. For instance, one proposal from HB Gary Federal and its associates proposed targeting Salon reporter and Wikileaks-supporter Glenn Greenwald with “actions to sabotage or discredit” him.

ThinkProgress has published a series of articles investigating the Chamber and its activities. We exposed the Chamber’s efforts to coordinate a lobbying campaign on behalf of large banks, including JP Morgan, to kill significant portions of financial reform. In October, we published a series looking into the Chamber’s efforts to solicit donations from foreign corporations for the same account the Chamber used to run partisan attack ads during the midterm campaign, as well as the Chamber’s participation in secret fundraising meetings convened by the billionaire plutocrats David and Charles Koch.

ThinkProgress will be posting more details of the Chamber lobbyist campaign to target progressives soon.
Click to expand...
http://thinkprogress.org/2011/02/10/lobbyists-chamberleaks/

Your modern American business interests at work.
 
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lol. Good job, Anomyous. Now, look into some of the larger unions and post some of their e-mails. I'm sure you won't find anything bad... ever...
 
[quote name='UncleBob']lol. Good job, Anomyous. Now, look into some of the larger unions and post some of their e-mails. I'm sure you won't find anything bad... ever...[/QUOTE]
It wasn't just unions. It's basically a black list of organizations to proactively undermine and infiltrate. I mean seriously, wtf.
 
But what of this is illegal? Leaking fake documents to people who aren't supposed to have them, then laughing at them when they use them? Which part of it did we not "know" was happening already? Groups of powerful people using sleazy tactics to undermine other, opposing, groups of powerful people.... I'm not surprised - at all - and, deep down, neither are you. I'm glad this came to light, because it makes for awesome reading - and, perhaps, does open a few eyes to what happens when a lot of power is controlled by small groups of people... but it'd be even better if Anonymous would expose all types of groups - just to show that it's not one type of group that is full of "bad guys".
 
They only did this because HBGary was fucking with them, they didn't start out trying to expose the Chamber of Commerce.
 
[quote name='UncleBob']But what of this is illegal?[/quote]
Unethical? Immoral? Against their charter?
Leaking fake documents to people who aren't supposed to have them, then laughing at them when they use them? Which part of it did we not "know" was happening already? Groups of powerful people using sleazy tactics to undermine other, opposing, groups of powerful people.... I'm not surprised - at all - and, deep down, neither are you. I'm glad this came to light, because it makes for awesome reading - and, perhaps, does open a few eyes to what happens when a lot of power is controlled by small groups of people... but it'd be even better if Anonymous would expose all types of groups - just to show that it's not one type of group that is full of "bad guys".
Click to expand...
You were aware that lobbyists, whose charter is to further the interests of commerce in America, proactively attacked perceived enemies? This isn't war between states, this isn't international espionage. This isn't even a company attempting to hide secrets or combat bad publicity. This is an organization going after individuals and entities only because they disagree with them politically on run of the mill issues.

I think you watch too many movies, Bob.
 
1: Bob Quackenboss is the second worst name I've ever heard.

2: "They were posted by members of “Anonymous,” the hactivist community responsible for taking down websites for oppressive regimes in Tunisia, Egypt, and American corporations that have censored WikiLeaks."

Holy fucking image makeover not fucking knowing anything about Anon, Batman.
 
[quote name='The Crotch']Holy fucking image makeover not fucking knowing anything about Anon, Batman.[/QUOTE]
I noticed that part too. The media really has trouble with Anon. The whole concept seems to totally escape them.
 
[quote name='speedracer']Unethical? Immoral? Against their charter?

You were aware that lobbyists, whose charter is to further the interests of commerce in America, proactively attacked perceived enemies? This isn't war between states, this isn't international espionage. This isn't even a company attempting to hide secrets or combat bad publicity. This is an organization going after individuals and entities only because they disagree with them politically on run of the mill issues.

I think you watch too many movies, Bob.[/QUOTE]

Do you honestly believe the Chamber is the *only* group of people that would partake in such sleazy activities as this?
 
I know you love to find balance. You love to show the 'other side' doing it.

Rather than speculate, go ahead and post the 'other' groups doing it. Post unions et al. partaking in 'sleazy activities' such as this one.
 
[quote name='IRHari']I know you love to find balance. You love to show the 'other side' doing it.

Rather than speculate, go ahead and post the 'other' groups doing it. Post unions et al. partaking in 'sleazy activities' such as this one.[/QUOTE]

Does this work for you?

PS: RE: "Rather than speculate"
We don’t know if the proposal was accepted after Phase 1 was completed
Click to expand...
While I have little doubt in my mind that some in the CoC have no doubt used tactics like this (or worse), isn't it just speculation at this point anyway? For all we know, the Chamber could have paid Team Themis to come up with a plan - and when this was presented, the CoC just demanded their money back.

Also - Out of "40-60,000 emails", I'm honestly surprised that tricking people into believing fake documents, then laughing at them when they fall for it is the worst they found...
 
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You'd think the Chamber of Commerce would be more interested in creating jobs and business opportunities. Instead, they act like the frat kids they used to be. And these are the guys that are supposed to pull America out of the recession?
 
[quote name='IRHari']I know you love to find balance. You love to show the 'other side' doing it.

Rather than speculate, go ahead and post the 'other' groups doing it. Post unions et al. partaking in 'sleazy activities' such as this one.[/QUOTE]

Oh, crap... how could I forget the Crash The Tea Party Counter-Movement...
 
[quote name='depascal22']You'd think the Chamber of Commerce would be more interested in creating jobs and business opportunities. Instead, they act like the frat kids they used to be. And these are the guys that are supposed to pull America out of the recession?[/QUOTE]

It's too easy for the big corporations to bankroll corrupt politicians and spread disinformation to the patsies, compared to the hard work of actual capitalism where you go out and create a better product that competes on it's own merits.
 
[quote name='camoor']It's too easy for the big corporations to bankroll corrupt politicians and spread disinformation to the patsies, compared to the hard work of actual capitalism where you go out and create a better product that competes on it's own merits.[/QUOTE]

It's also easier to point the finger at the left and say they do the same things.

I thought all the money they saved with the Bush tax cuts was supposed to CREATE more jobs and not fund garbage like this.

Bob, the Chamber of Commerce in each city is basically a union for the businesses in that area. Funny thing is that you seem to be defending them. Why?
 
I'm actually more intrigued that Bank of America tried to stop the dish about them coming out and they're not part of the government. The American public has been relatively apathetic about WikiLeaks so BoA must have some pretty juicy skeletons in their closet to wanna shoot stuff down before it even happens.
 
[quote name='depascal22']Bob, the Chamber of Commerce in each city is basically a union for the businesses in that area. Funny thing is that you seem to be defending them. Why?[/QUOTE]

I'm not doing a very good job at defending them. I mean, calling these actions sleazy, saying I'm not surprised they'd do it and that they've probably done worse... that's not a very good defense.
 
[quote name='UncleBob']I'm not doing a very good job at defending them. I mean, calling these actions sleazy, saying I'm not surprised they'd do it and that they've probably done worse... that's not a very good defense.[/QUOTE]

Well let's be honest, it's not like you've ever made a good arguement on these forums. You're good at irritating people, but that's about it.
 
[quote name='camoor']Well let's be honest, it's not like you've ever made a good arguement on these forums. You're good at irritating people, but that's about it.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, your opinion is one that matters to me. Considering all you tend to do is sit back and call people you disagree with trolls, you do seem to like replying to me often. It's almost flattering, if not creepy.
 
[quote name='UncleBob']Yeah, your opinion is one that matters to me. Considering all you tend to do is sit back and call people you disagree with trolls, you do seem to like replying to me often. It's almost flattering, if not creepy.[/QUOTE]

I gave you a shot, but you never argue any point seriously. You have no credibility with me.
 
[quote name='camoor']I gave you a shot, but you never argue any point seriously. You have no credibility with me.[/QUOTE]

Let me assure you, tonight, I will cry into my pillow.
 
[quote name='depascal22']Bob, the Chamber of Commerce in each city is basically a union for the businesses in that area. Funny thing is that you seem to be defending them. Why?[/QUOTE]

[quote name='camoor']I gave you a shot, but you never argue any point seriously. You have no credibility with me.[/QUOTE]

Why do you guys even give Bob a chance?

'Oh yeah, well ALL groups are bad. That is my thesis. You Jelly?' What the fuck. All he managed to do is tank the thread (mission accomplished) and take heat off of his beloved corporate overlords. There is not even a veneer of impartiality in his posts. Why don't you just ignore him?
 
Because he's all we've got to argue against basically. Of course even on things which some of us libtards don't all agree, we manage to come up with decent reasons why usually.
 
Two wrongs do not make a right, but sometimes you have to ensure that everyone knows it happens elsewhere as well when you present the story with a "look what they are doing to us poor liberals" twist.
 
[quote name='Clak']Because he's all we've got to argue against basically. Of course even on things which some of us libtards don't all agree, we manage to come up with decent reasons why usually.[/QUOTE]

So he gets attention only by default? Man, that is some sad shit right there. Poor guy. Maybe it's time to fire up some of those emergency alts.
 
[quote name='cochesecochese']There is not even a veneer of impartiality in his posts.[/QUOTE]

How so? I'm not impartial because I say this is the same kind of crap that all powerful groups of people do?

[quote name='Clak']Yeah, a similar thing was done to Rahm Emanuel before they let him back on the ballot. What's your point? It's one thing to be a stickler for rules, it's another thing to knowingly spread false information. [/quote]

Yeah, I mean, politicians (again, on both sides of the fence) never partake in spreading false (misleading) information... But regardless, wasn't there a big hub-bub not too long ago about minority voters getting the shaft because of people being sticklers for the rules?
 
^ yes, someone somewhere is doing something somehow and sometime, so we should never ever be upset about anything that happens. that's all the response you're going to get from me in this thread, bob. and it's a good clip more than you deserve.

http://www.uschamber.com/facts

The Chamber is stepping up big time, making very strong assertions denying any truth to their hiring the agencies. Their words leave no ambiguity - so it's either phony or CoC is doubling down.

I know which of the two I think is the case (they're doubling down on bullshit) - not the least of reasons being that we'd have to believe that Anonymous are now a lobbying group hired by Think Progress to concoct a scam in the first place.
 
[quote name='mykevermin']^ yes, someone somewhere is doing something somehow and sometime, so we should never ever be upset about anything that happens. that's all the response you're going to get from me in this thread, bob. and it's a good clip more than you deserve.[/quote]

Sure, sure Myke...
Better: In the big world of bad stuff that goes down, is the idea of the CoC leaking fake documents, then laughing at the groups that believe them really something we should all be getting in arms about?

And, as IRHari pointed out, at this point, it's all just speculation, as, so far, there's no evidence any of this actually happened or that any of this ever went beyond the discussion stage. As opposed to some of the things that have actually happened. (Not that I'd be surprised to find out this did happen... part of me wants to tie this into the earlier story, mentiioned in Myke's CoC link, with regards to the "foreign funds" that the CoC was supposed to be filtering into US Campaigns... It wouldn't surprise me if the CoC was involved with planting that story, just to come out and prove it wrong....)

[quote name='mykevermin']The Chamber is stepping up big time, making very strong assertions denying any truth to their hiring the agencies. Their words leave no ambiguity - so it's either phony or CoC is doubling down.[/QUOTE]

Very strong assertions. Should be interesting...
 
[quote name='UncleBob']Sure, sure Myke...
Better: In the big world of bad stuff that goes down, is the idea of the CoC leaking fake documents, then laughing at the groups that believe them really something we should all be getting in arms about?[/QUOTE]

yes
 
[quote name='UncleBob']Sure, sure Myke...
Better: In the big world of bad stuff that goes down, is the idea of the CoC leaking fake documents, then laughing at the groups that believe them really something we should all be getting in arms about?[/QUOTE]

Tell you what. We can all save a lot of time if you only ever post the following in any vs forum thread, since this is the only idea you ever contribute:

OMG! POLITICAL CORRUPTION? YOU DON'T SAY!

That way we can avoid hours of redundant back and forth that takes away precious, precious gaming time.
 
[quote name='mykevermin']Tell you what. We can all save a lot of time if you only ever post the following in any vs forum thread, since this is the only idea you ever contribute:

OMG! POLITICAL CORRUPTION? YOU DON'T SAY!

That way we can avoid hours of redundant back and forth that takes away precious, precious gaming time.[/QUOTE]

pssst... I'll tell you a secret. Now, I don't tell this to just anyone... so consider yourself lucky. No one else click this - this is for Myke's eyes only... honor system here...
You don't have to reply to my posts. No one makes you. Heck, you can even ignore them if you want - you don't even have to read them. Neat, eh?
 
*Reads OP

*Thinks

Why is this a surprise? It's been happening for years with every house of congress. When you get in power, you do whatever it takes to keep power. Acting like this is some new thing, and perhaps the only thing people in Congress do to keep their power is laughable.
 
[quote name='KingBroly']*Reads OP

*Thinks

Why is this a surprise? It's been happening for years with every house of congress. When you get in power, you do whatever it takes to keep power. Acting like this is some new thing, and perhaps the only thing people in Congress do to keep their power is laughable.[/QUOTE]

I don't think anyone on these boards is that surprised. It's just that after all of our suspicion, it's refreshing to see some cold hard proof.

It is unfortunate that this would be a surprise to the average American voter.
 
[quote name='camoor']It's just that after all of our suspicion, it's refreshing to see some cold hard proof.[/QUOTE]

We don’t know if the proposal was accepted after Phase 1 was completed.
Click to expand...

What, the Dubya-Iraq-has-WMDs level of proof? :D :D :D
 
[quote name='UncleBob']What, the Dubya-Iraq-has-WMDs level of proof? :D :D :D[/QUOTE]

I wish you could come up with better comparisons, or just plainly state your point of view. Your sense of humor is horrendous.

There is a circumstantial aspect to it, but when you add up all the known facts it doesn't look very good for the COC. You don't need to be Sherlock Holmes to figure this one out.
 
[quote name='camoor']I don't think anyone on these boards is that surprised. It's just that after all of our suspicion, it's refreshing to see some cold hard proof.

It is unfortunate that this would be a surprise to the average American voter.[/QUOTE]

Well is this news isn't going to circulate anywhere. Why? Well, here on CAG it was posted on Friday, and that means by Monday it'll be out of the news cycle. People don't watch the news on the weekend, so it's basically a dead story anyway.

But yeah, it sucks that it will surprise the average voter. But again, average voters don't like to talk about politics.
 
[quote name='camoor']I wish you could come up with better comparisons, or just plainly state your point of view. Your sense of humor is horrendous.

There is a circumstantial aspect to it, but when you add up all the known facts it doesn't look very good for the COC. You don't need to be Scooby and the gang to figure this one out.[/QUOTE]
Fixed for bob's understanding.
 
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