Rep. AOC Exposes Price Gouging underlying 'Inflation'

It is a MYTH that the price of every day goods, like meat, are going up because major companies are also facing higher costs. In REALITY, there's a lot of price gouging going on.
How do companies get away with price gouging? In short, 'market consolidation' aka effective monopolies. 1 in every 4 retail sales in the U.S. is made by two companies, Walmart and Amazon. In a system like this, prices aren't being dictated by 'supply and demand.' They're being dictated by CEOs. And, cruelly, this 'market consolidation' is happening in sectors where Americans don't have a choice but to buy - groceries, retail, meat.
This lack of competition doesn't just hurt consumers. It also depresses wages because there's less competition for hiring - and because the power of these huge companies makes it much harder to form a union.

[@corriemathiowetz8897]

Amazon is increasing its charges by 5% to its vendors, even though it has trillions in tax free profit

[@samyang4667]

Doesn't make sense, unless Amazon wants some control of all the markets.

[@josephnotoempire2949]

Now that is what I call price gouging, monopolist behavior. In Accounting I was taught every "fee" can also be considered a tax. Govt. taxation has the possibility of being invested in public saftey net projects, while a tax collected by a corporation goes to the maintenance of private interests, like monopoly control.

[@rao8559]

@@samyang4667 Amazon has aoc in it's pocket

[@jd190d]

@@rao8559 Do you even remember when the Republicans were attacking AOC nonstop for her fighting against Amazon in New York unless they had to pay taxes for their business. Comments like yours are so stupid they are painful.

[@marjorjorietillman856]

Corrie, don’t forget big WALMART!! Gobbling up smaller stores, and paying their employees less, as they up the prices. They do this, because they figured that nobody will research their unfair practices. And they know the GOP base doesn’t research this stuff, they just listen to Fox false propaganda. They purposely keep their base focused on CRT (that’s not being taught in Math nor History), while these big rich corps cause more suffering with lower wages and higher prices, and hurting the lower working class of both parties!

[@vwm8534]

I remember in 2008 the price of milk went up supposedly because of high gas prices. Funny thing is the gas went down the price of milk did not.

[@phriedokra6158]

and when oil fell under 50 bucks a barrel all the things that should have decreased in price... DIDN'T... and won't...

[@guysumpthin2974]

Anti-gouging laws should have been applied during the “pandemic”, most states have them , many states cover “ALL/ANY” . Commonly covered : fuel , building materials, food , cleaning supplies. The only application of the law that i heard of : a man in Tennessee hoarding hand sanitizer for the purpose of gouging.

[@guysumpthin2974]

3/4 empty milk shelves at the store; while distributors told farmers to “dump their milk in the field “

[@saltinewarrior8192]

Milk is subsidized by our gov't, both federal and several states. It's price moves are affected by these subsidies and the prices are mostly set by these agencies. They may raise prices because of increased gas costs and if they went up because of these price increases and didn't go down when gas went down, look to the Agriculture Dept. Not to the "evil" dairy farmers.

[@saltinewarrior8192]

@@guysumpthin2974 Can't believe the farmers would dump their milk in the fields without compensation. Who paid for this?

[@emmasakie2040]

Many people have been talking about this including Dr. Stephanie Kelton. I love how she clarifies the background in such an accessible way. Way to go AOC 👍🏻

[@gheller2261]

There is not a single Republican in Congress who can tackle an issue in this way and do so honesty.

[@andrewgonzales1359]

Oh my god yes, we really don’t have perfect competition in the States! I’m so glad people are finally saying this.

[@anonomadic8293]

Lord protect this woman’s life through this fight!

[@daringabler8352]

If Jeff Bezos were lighting orphanages on fire, people would still shop at Amazon. Most Americans just don't care. Which is why we need a system that doesn't allow this stuff to happen- we need leadership here, not just blindly letting "the market determine blah blah blah". Some of what she says is elementary to some people, but BOY do we need to hear it more often. I'm so glad she was elected.

[@clefnoteproductions6695]

I encourage you, Bernie Sander, Katie Porter, and others to continue exposing things like this. Grow your base and let's take down oligarchs and do what's best for constituents, not corporate business

[@chrislaprise398]

Yes!

[@yvonneplant9434]

Porter and AOC have only been in Congress for 3 years. It will be a while before they have any actually power in Congress.

[@chrislaprise398]

@@yvonneplant9434 Bullshit.

[@chrislaprise398]

@@yvonneplant9434 They have power already with their no votes. They both are top quality representatives. In fact, I would like for porter for president VS Biden and AOC as vice.

[@MrBreeze66]

So by calling corporations oligarchs, you are saying they are government officials? Wouldn’t they be the opposite of an oligarch? Many of the corporations, like Tyson foods, don’t they employ thousands of constituents?

[@douglasjohnson8935]

OMG, AOC you never cease to amaze me with your talent. One cannot argue facts. Thank God you are are a driving new force in our government.

[@miquelbiggs5721]

No talent here - just nonsense

[@BeardiusMaximus]

@@miquelbiggs5721 what did she say that was nonsense, exactly?

[@Tessmage_Tessera]

@@BeardiusMaximus You'll never get an answer from those people. They wouldn't know a fact if it bit them on the ass.

[@BeardiusMaximus]

@@Tessmage_Tessera I know, but I prefer not to let their B.S hang there unanswered. Now anyone who sees his comment sees mine also, and realizes they don't actually have anything but their own nonsense to go on

[@chrislaprise398]

@@miquelbiggs5721 you are so wrong!

[@patriciamaddock500]

Thank you AOC for your work.

[@miquelbiggs5721]

What work??

[@notchomomma239]

@@miquelbiggs5721 saying dumb shit based on nothing doesn't make you right, it just makes you dumb.

[@patricianorwood1075]

Thank you for being a voice of reason in a Congress full of craziness. Thank you for speaking for the rest of us and not just the rich and big corporations and pharma. You are much appreciated and I hope you are able to stay true to yourself and your agendas in Congress for a very long time. Your state is blessed to have you representing the citizens of this country.

[@billybob5337]

Democrats ARE the party of the rich, big corporations, and big pharma. If AOC was legit, then why does she actively support the mainline Democrat agenda through and through? Why did she back Biden? Why is she usually on the same side as the massive, ultra-wealthy Big 6 Corporations???? It seems that AOC is working for a future where we have absolutely no freedom from the radical, Far-left, mega Corporations.

[@jimsullivan2818]

Not just pointing out the problem, but practical solutions as well!!!

[@bik7083]

When are MTG or Lauren Baubert going to hold a questioning like this? They would just sit there mouths wide open with big questionmarks circling around their heads! AOC has brains!

[@ReyosBlackwood]

The right likes to talk about her having been a bartender, a lot of people forget she graduated cum laude with a degree in economics and international relations.

[@tombrown5924]

unfortunately they are located where she sits.

[@pls_explain9608]

or jump up down shouting ‘they are all commies wanting to take our guns’

[@tombrown5924]

@@pls_explain9608 but like like like you know like we're all Dead in 5 years from climate change. Never mind I have never had a real Job in my life it's like you know like the giant corporations like. It has nothing to do with a government spending and printing money which in turn causes like like inflation. I like have an economics degree like like but coudnt get a job in like the most diverse city in world like. It's like racism racism racism.

[@America-First2024]

CC is a grift

[@BillySBC]

She and Bernie Sanders are the two main people in our government trying to make this system live up to our ideals as Americans.

[@thehalloweenheavymetalmusicwar]

So true. We need more people like them both.

[@bikeradam]

I also would like to see the world burn. Let's go AOC!

[@deadwingdomain]

@@bikeradam are you confirming the problem with the right is your sense of nihilism? Because I always assumed the right liked Trump because they want us all to die. Including yourselves.

[@bikeradam]

@@deadwingdomain I don't care who burns it down. I just think AOC would do it faster. I'm not a good one to ask about the right. I don't like them either

[@cherylklaver7233]

Don’t forget Katie Porter.

[@futurestoryteller]

Almost can't believe this isn't being talked about more. Except we all know why. Our boring dystopia

[@afry6400]

I can. Unfortunately the left is just not good at getting their messages out as much as what is necessary to share this information while the right on the whole is really good at picking up and running with propaganda, regularly, consistently... insistently.

[@futurestoryteller]

@@afry6400 It's really about money and mental illness. Social media feeds obessive minds, obsessive minds have problems, social media feeds problems. Put on top of that the agendas of people who already hold power and the wealth they have to preserve it and simple common decency is at a distinct disadvantage.

[@tgorman82]

@@futurestoryteller watch the BBC documentary on Edward Bernays "Century of the self" Explains alot about how we got here.

[@lobola956]

You know she’s clueless and dumb by how smart she tries to sound. Anybody who believes this is just as evil and wicked as her

[@gregorywright9971]

I actually don’t think people like Biden Or Nancy know about this. Mitch I think dose but the others no. I don’t think they see or notice anything sense they never had to worry about a meal. Mitch however I think is just a leech and makes it pretty known he doesn’t care.

[@amyjones2490]

We have a tiny on farm meat market here in Michigan, filled with meat we raise ourself. During the pandemic we couldn’t get our beef and pork processed for 2 years because of the long waiting list for our local small USDA processing plant. This really put our customers and our business out of sync. Makes it really hard to have a small business.

[@chrislaprise398]

Sorry to hear that.

[@jwatson181]

This is what big government does. AOC policies will make this stuff more likely.

[@johnt.7471]

Its probably intentionally done against small businesses. Why? because Lobbyists for the big Four are greasing the pockets of a few influential politicians in DC.

[@monarnyc]

So what can you do?

[@Spiral.Dynamics]

This isn’t about you.

[@Jockinoz]

Do I suffer from tunnel vision or is it only AOC that does any work in government.

[@PCproffesorx]

No the rest do plenty of work, at the behest of major corporations.

[@nevannarence6542]

bernie and others do alot of work too.

[@erich6860]

AOC blocked Amazon from coming to her neighborhood, because it would of gotten millions in free tax subsidies, and F'd over the people who lived there, and Republicans claimed she did it because...... she's anti-capitalist. This is amazingly stupid on Republicans behalf. When you give corporations millions in tax breaks, it is more socialism than capitalism. That is millions they do not spend building the facility, and millions in taxes for the infrastructure that company will use when it is up and running. Real capitalism tax breaks would not be a thing. You want to build a company here, pay for it. Proof? If you decide to open a pizza shop, do you get a tax break,,, F no. So why would you support any other company getting one?

[@ShasLaMontyr]

There's Katie Porter as well.

[@ReyosBlackwood]

You suffer from tunnel vision. There's Porter and Sanders too

[@tomcampbell6384]

So here I am after I retired from big brown after 40yrs 7mons and 7days. And I come from a coal mining family And I can trace my lineage all the way back to William Wallace So I'm very pro union to a point So when I try to explain to my trump supporting ex-coworkers that he doesn't support unions or union workers, they all say that, "Well, we have a contract" And I just shake my head and say that contract is only worth what the paper it's written on unless our government is willing to back it up w sanctions and penalties for union busting company tactics... SMH I call it modern day slavery... Working at a Walmart or Target or Starbucks Or any of the other multinational billionaire companies

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

yeah they have a contract for Black Lung. hillary wanted to bring them new horizons....

[@gilbertgaines672]

There is one company that has great pay and are super fair to their workers. While still making a healthy profits. That is InNOut hamburger chain. The lowest store manager wages in 1 year is $172,000 per year. The other store managers average above $200,000 per year. Because the InNOut managers get a commission on the volume of customers per day. It takes 3 years training to become an InNOut cook. They are paid up to $35.00 per hour. But there is a reason it takes 3 years. InNOut even starts with a 401k plan with an extra retirement plan pension. The actual truth is, the majority of the American public are purposely lead to misunderstand true economics in any corporation or business. Dude, America GDP today is 20 trillion per year. When in Bill Clinton Era. The American GDP was at 32 trillion hitting 38 trillion towards the end of the century. How does America now making 600% more profits then the 1990s, but only making 20 trillion GDP in the end year? Tax cuts took 12 to 18 trillion out of the American government hands. And placed it dead in Ceo hands to distribute only amongst themselves. The reason I know about America making 32 trillion GDP. Because that was before NAFTA was signed. I was educated on America actual GDP at the time. Then 1996 happened and in the NAFTA provision. They changed the names of forklift drivers from driver mechanic to transportation. That 1 word change, turned a $16.00 per hour forklift job. To a $9.00 forklift job overnight. A $7.00 hourly pay cut hurts badly. The job knew all the old worker were going to quite. A 2 week check went from $1 500 per 2 weeks to $800 2 weeks no overtime pay anymore. They set the hours to mandatory 40 hours per week only. When we were working 12 hour shifts. 6 pm to 6 am 6 days a week if we wanted it. And we all wanted it. What companies and Republicans dressed as Democrats have done. Is make the entire working class a slave workforce. In Nevada, a Pharmacy Technician starts off at $12.00 per hour. This is a position you need a college Bachelors Degree to get hired. In Los Angeles the Ambulance drivers start out at $16.00 per hour. On a job you have to pay $1 200 to take the test. That's not counting the medical education you need to know. An Ambulance driver in the 1990s was making $36.00 per hour. Well before NAFTA of course. I can go on forever about the payment disparities from the later half of the 19th century to now. And everyone has passed math class?

[@Damacles9]

"Freeeedom!"

[@impeachy1518]

NAFTA was key being wool over the eyes and majorly force shifting economic perspectives to the right.

[@gilbertgaines672]

@@impeachy1518 NAFTA made America workers compete with third world pay scale rate.

[@Clints30]

What I don't understand is why all of a sudden in 2021 and 2022 large corporations just decided to price gouge but didn't do that before then? If inflation is created from price gouging as you are trying to argue, then wouldn't have this been happening all along. These are the same government experts who told us "inflation was transitory" in 2021. The problem is failed policies, government overspending, and constantly printing money has directly accelerated the inflation rate and devalued the dollar. This is really really stupid.

[@krismurray0723]

Oh Clint....you silly little boy. I'm going to try and break this down Barney-style for you. Predators jump on the prey when they see an opportunity. These corporations knew that coming out of this pandemic that there were inevitably going to be supply chain issues. They knew that they could feed this to the media, and people like you that would believe it, and they could GOUGE us into the stone age because they had their narrative set. No major economic event, no gouging. They wouldn't be able to get away with it on this scale. I hope that helps. If you seriously can't understand what I just wrote, please do us all a favor and go outside and smash your own head in your car door. Thank you

[@darylhoward2485]

It has been going on since 1986 sorry you weren’t paying attention I’ve been paying attention the whole while. You probably weren’t born in 1986.

[@Clints30]

@@darylhoward2485 I was born in 72. You obviously have no understanding on macro economics

[@hskrgrad]

Your exactly right. There is always inflation. Our current overly high rate of inflation is due to our government injecting trillions of dollars into peoples pockets during the pandemic encouraging them to spend someone else's money on crap they didn't NEED which was over priced due to the fact that we had limited supply because of Covid shutdowns to production, processing, and transportation of goods world wide. It has nothing to do with how many or few large corporations are in charge of production and pricing. Its all about consumers over buying the production of goods and until there is a contraction in spending so that production can catch up there will be no drop in the inflation rate. But no one in our government wants to see a slowdown in consumer spending because that reflects poorly on the GDP and stock market....the baseline factors for how they tell the country they are doing a great job!

[@krismurray0723]

@@hskrgrad It most definitely has SOMETHING to do with the few and large corporations that control pricing. Yes, politicians do not want to see a drop in GDP, but these disgusting lobbyists that these mega corporations hire to beg politicians to do their bidding....well, they expect a return on their investment so they make sure that these politicians keep people spending to satisfy their seemingly unquenchable thirst for power. Yes, people spent money on shit they didn't need, but let's not act like there aren't MASSIVE internal factors pushing this as well.

[@rodgermckinney4755]

The rollback of Anti-Trust laws in 1986 by Congress caused this scenario. Monopoly's knock down competition in our country resulting in high prices. 4-5 airlines, 5 class one railroads, 2 shipping Co' (Fed Ex, UPS). Corporate greed is causing consumers to pay more without laws regarding monopolies.

[@Damacles9]

"Mission Accomplished!!!"

[@MrBreeze66]

But she isn’t talking about monopolies. What she is saying is stupid. Consumers CHOOSE to buy from these big companies which is how they got big.

[@sciencemansandera]

@@MrBreeze66 yeah but thanks to Reagan All of these companies are owned by one company that company is JP Morgan and they own the media, TV ,and satellite transmissions and every one of these corporationsThey hate my guts every time I tell people that because I ran a long investigation on them and trees down all their dummy corporation and they all go back to the same place

[@sciencemansandera]

Yup Reagan fuck this country all these companies are owned by JP Morgan now they govern the United States by monopoly

[@velvetrose7729]

@@MrBreeze66 Weird you say Consumers CHOOSE to buy from these big companies....ignoring their Choices are Limited....because 4/5 companies Control...What they are Able to Buy..... While commenting on Social media....Which ONLY gives YOU 3 or 4, Options...from which you can CHOOSE to USE? Did YOU......CHOOSE to post your comment Specifically on UTube....because it was the BEST option....OR because it was the ONLY option.....Available To YOU? Sure YOU can Choose to Not Comment on Social Media platforms, controlled by 3 or 4 big companies BUT people can't CHOOSE to....Not EAT....because the FOOD in their grocery stores are Controlled by 4 or 5 big Companies!

[@ww-bp9el]

More of these AOC, we need your service, let's have more of this for public witness. Notice the representitives responding to the questions are showing respect.

[@bikeradam]

Don't confuse a rehearsed plot with respect. They know what she's going to ask, she knows what they will reply with. It's all a script.

[@space.youtube]

@@bikeradam You say that like it's something remarkable, or worthy of suspicion? lol That's the whole point of these testimonies, to inform, educate and illustrate. If you think preparation and forming a narrative such that information and its implications are clearly understood by as many people as possible is a bad thing, you don't understand politics.

[@bikeradam]

@@space.youtube If you say so

[@space.youtube]

@@bikeradam and I do.

[@bikeradam]

@@space.youtube presenting facts to the public so the public can be informed is one thing. Putting on a show that makes yourself look like a hero while doing it is a PR stunt. It's also a good way to spread propaganda.

[@srgreeniii]

Oh look, an elected official actually doing their job.

[@chrislaprise398]

She’s a badass representative for all people, not just our side..

[@topherjoe1]

So now when hearing her speaking truth, with facts to back them up, how can people support her being attacked by the GOP? What are they afraid of?

[@chrislaprise398]

@@topherjoe1 that's what they do.

[@chrislaprise398]

@Vempyre Soros troll here.

[@afry6400]

This happens a lot more often than you think... at least on the left. Go fig.

[@eugenefudge1883]

That's what unbridled capitalism is. It's no longer a free market system when only four company's control the industry we no longer have a free market system. This woman knows what she is talking about.

[@politicallycorrectredskin796]

Lol, no she doesn't. She mixes drinks. Anything she says is a script written by someone else.

[@ericdravis815]

@@politicallycorrectredskin796 and you could do better?

[@ericdravis815]

@@politicallycorrectredskin796 you think that are some kind of magic? Bwahahaha

[@politicallycorrectredskin796]

@@ericdravis815 Anyone could. Look at her income before and after being recruited to do this. Then come back to me and tell me how wonderful she is. In a decade or two she will be living in a mansion, just like all the other democrat frauds, and still be lying to you about this stuff. She's a commie. Or at least her handlers have told her to be. Her reward is and will be swinish wealth and a complete legal protection for her corruption and betrayal.

[@politicallycorrectredskin796]

@@ericdravis815 And do you think it are magic that her policies are currently destroying the middle class and eradicating the lower class? Who do you think a person with policies like that is working for?Bwahahahaha. Illiterate ape.

[@samwebb585]

This perfectly explains why supermarkets (even here in the UK) are complaining that inflation is crippling them, while simultaneously reporting record profits. Doh!

[@darthkek1953]

Supermarkets did well in the pandemic as restaurants and pubs were closed and inflation was low, so you would expect high profits to be reported.

[@Wildledroses]

Another supermarket would undercut supermarkets that are price gouging.

[@tomconverse7862]

This just goes to show you that the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing OR they just don't give a damn and just assume that people are too apathetic and don't care. The outright CORRUPTION runs deep! The corporations are just making up for lost profits BECAUSE of the pandemic! This whole thing is just a sham/smokescreen.

[@heyjoe9228]

When u go to the mid class stores the Shelves are empty but when u go to Costco and Sam club they shelves are over packed why Becaz the dem trying to cut the middle class people out and let big Business take over

[@liviofazi4017]

@@Wildledroses no the don't....besides , most "supermarkets' operate under one umbrella - Every major umbrella has at least one No Frill store - which - isn't independent

[@almag0410]

I thought I was crazy for questioning supply and demand but I’m not! Supply and demand is not correlating with what is happening now

[@maliksmith9003]

The problem with using supply and demand as an immutable law of economics is that not all purchases are optional, not all necessities are given enough investment to be available to everyone, and that it is entirely possible for distributers to collude to set a price above/below a given product's/laborer's value. Supply and demand is to economics what the Bohr's model is to atomic theory; a fine model for illustrating some basic concepts for entry-level study, but by no means representative of all the pivotal forces at play.

[@keepruvthknight]

I was telling my friend today that there is no actual 'inflation', something just doesn't fit. Then, miraculously this ended up in my suggested list.

[@MajimeTV]

@@keepruvthknight its deliberate. I work for a franchise chain restaurant and my particular location sells chicken fries for more than the hand breaded chicken in order to force customers into paying a min of $10 per main, side and drink combo.

[@solortus]

This is the most batshit liberal thing idea ever. Supply and demand is economics 101. Literally taught in high school

[@TheOleHermit]

IMO, it's not a matter of either or, but all of the above. Moderated inflation is normal. Yes, there's pandemic supply chain disruption. Yes, there is increased demand, thanks to (necessary) ARP stimulus. Yes, OPEC have been limiting their oil production to push their prices higher. Yes, American oil corporations are also limiting their production. Yes, Russian oil sanctions are causing further turmoil in that energy sector. Higher oil prices mean higher shipping costs, especially for globally shipping from China. China is pissed off at US over tRump's tariff wars and verbal attacks. Everyone looks at all of this market turmoil and corporate shareholders shout, "CHA-CHING!!" as they jack up their prices to achieve record profits during the pandemic. Most of these problems are self-inflicted due to greed and ignorance. Greedy corporations relocating to sweatshop labor. Ignorant consumers, who buy the cheapest products, regardless of where they were manufactured, nor how many children have been exploited to produce those products @ substandard living wages. President Biden is making all the right decisions to dig ourselves out of this funk.

[@samp9418]

This is fantastic, I love it. Lots of interesting research being talked about here

[@ianbrewer4843]

Agree

[@jamesbrownn6164]

What research? Anyone with half a brain knows there are increasing monopolies and obamacare created the biggest toxic monopoly- the health industrial complex. REVOKE. AND NEVER REPLACE OBUMMERcare!!!!

[@josephespinoza992]

Welcoming more than a look at Her From When She Started? Is it Stressful? 🃏

[@davidgarcia8343]

We need Unions,unions, unions. There are unfair labor practices everywhere.

[@jakepadgett5569]

Unions are trash.

[@chrislaprise398]

@Vempyre Soros is a troll!

[@solortus]

Dumbass the US is already the second largest lobbyists in the US. Second only to the NRA

[@WeatherMondacicci]

I agree, seems like all of this crap that people are going through with work came about once "right to work" legislation passed.

[@nezantra]

Unions hurt workers just as often as they help them, unionization is overrated by leftists.

[@josephnotoempire2949]

I had global economics, and global finance in grad school. M.S. Accounting. It's such a blessing to hear Keynesian economics & anti-monopoly concerns discussed. Monopoly is anti-capitalist because it is anti-competition. Without competition the best, honest businesses & products are sabotaged out of business, by white collar criminals and their crony govt office holders. The collusion of Govt and Corps against consumer/workers is fascism by definition. It disrupts normal market forces that keep costs low and wages up by creating captive consumers with little choice. Like buying a hot dog at Yankee stadium for 9 dollars. Taking Government program competition out of the market removes the largest, most efficient competitor to corporate dictatorial power - which is further monopolization and price fixing collusion. This is where the billionaire olegarch kings are coming from in a supposedly capitalist democracy. It's white-collar crime and governmental crime. The republican party is the most dangerous criminal organization in the history of the world. In many ways it is literally above the law. Germany outlawed fascist political parties, the United States tolerates and elevates their criminality.

[@chrislaprise398]

❤!

[@MrMajikman1]

You say: "The republican party is the most dangerous criminal organization in the history of the world" but what I find soooooo ironic about your statement is the fact that ALL of the companies that AOC listed, are all Democrat leaning. Jeff Bezos is NO "Republican" by ANY stretch of the imagination, and neither are the Waltons of Walmart🤣🤣🤣🤣🤦‍♂️ To be honest, I was in agreement with almost everything you said.....until that point. BTW, if you do some actual research, you will find that Democrats in Congress are far richer than Republicans in Congress. BOTH sides take money from all of the big Corporations.....not just Republicans. That is just the brainwashing you learned in school! I have watched both sides take corporate money, just to turn around and make laws that favor their "donors" to make even more money......for 45 years!

[@josephnotoempire2949]

@@MrMajikman1 The tax law republicans passed and championed (grover norquist)? the corporate personhood the republican members of the SCOTUS (scalia) which legalized election bribes by corps and individuals? Amazon wouldn't exist without monopoly shipping rates and monopoly zero internet sales tax? The entities Amazon and Walmart evade taxes. The people behind the entities are irrelevant. I went to a republican business school, seton hall for my education. Brainwashing is what you get when you don't have an advanced education, but you do have cable tv news.

[@notayoutuber09]

Ummm republicans are guilty? Lol hey hows that billion dollars Obama gave to Solindra? Hey, how about those bank bailouts under the Dems? To call out one party shows ignorance, both of them are corrupt and both parties are in bed with special intrest and corporations.

[@chrislaprise398]

@@notayoutuber09 yes, Republicans are much more guilty. Said the insurrection were tourists, helped design and create the insurrection, initiated it, committed many crimes obstructing a federal election, believed the lies, voted no to investigate the insurrection, Trump stalled on the covid saying it will be gone in 15 days, gave advice to inject cleaner in the body along with bleach, withheld weapons that Ukraine needed desperately, universally voted no on two impeachment and a whole lot more. Then there's the Kitangi trials, formed elationships with autocratic leaders governments Russia and China, ruined the lives of ambassadors, made enemies of our nato friends and more. More that democrats they take corporate money and consider corporations as people. You are one of them. Stop believing the lies you are told. It's Republicans who ate responsible for over 6,000,000 lives during covid. Trump gave ventilators to Republican states before Democrat states. Sold ventilators to China and we ended up with a shortage. This is enough evidence to dispell your unfounded claims and this is just what's at the top of my head. Go cheerlead for your evil party and realize democrats work for all people including you and other ignorant Republican voters .

[@jaelo2314]

Perfectly presented for the truth to come out.

[@windstorm7756]

Good thing MTG is not in this committee. She will have a hard time understanding what AOC is talking about.

[@jasons8479]

She has a hard time understanding her ABCs, much less AOC. She has demonstrated time and time again her penchant for disproven concepts.

[@yvonneplant9434]

Smithfield is owned by the Chinese company WH Group.

[@clarencesedell2232]

Notice she left out oil companies, tech companies. Media outlets .

[@estebanlara3702]

All big companies are the problem because they reduce competition and therefore create monopoly effects like inflation and low wages.

[@dallasakira]

So good! She recognized the problem did research and brought the receipts. Way to go. And by the way, not bad to see the Congress can actually carry on a meeting without a circus breaking out

[@tombrown5924]

Wow you are the reason these incompetent people get elected. The research? She doesn't have a clue which explains why she had a real job.

[@elmerfudd7202]

Couldn't have anything to do with Fed printing money and spending it on free benefits to buy votes?

[@janetprice85]

BS! Democrat failed energy policies and the resultant supply chain problems lead to DC.

[@roguesheep3083]

All would've been tied together better with a scooby doo meme. Couldn't help it 😆

[@NoOneIsHome]

Amen. She's doing the work she was sent to do. Not grandstanding.

[@moranmike36]

So glad to hear anti-trust and unions. Thanks

[@nirad6766]

Well done. Now do BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street.

[@kevinmackfurniture]

HERE, HERE !!😐👍

[@takatsu5]

Vanguard is owned by the mutual fund owners. We can trace the low fund fees of today with the growth of Vanguard. Other providers had to lower fees to keep up and not lose customers.

[@susilemare198]

If companies like Amazon and Starbucks treated their employees well they wouldn’t need to unionize. It saddens me that corporations think employees are disposable. They should see them as partners and a resource. Best business practices are happy employees and a clean environment. Thanks AOC for keeping it real. We need to commit to a win win world.

[@darthkek1953]

Were the Young Turks treating their staff badly? They wanted to Unionize too.

[@scottmullins87]

Actually Starbucks offers health insurance and pays its staff a little more than the other coffee houses . Except for the managers it's a revolving door for students and first time jobs . Nobody is making a career out of it . AMAZON as I hear it pushes it's staff too hard and break their balls .

[@gheller2261]

And you know this how? Regardless, unionization makes sense even for employees who are treated relatively well. Why let any employer have so much power over you?

[@bevo1120]

Most of these big cheap crops employees on some kind of public assistance. Its corporate welfare

[@BigMac-jr4th]

If conditions were so horrible pretty sure they wouldn’t have over 1.2 million people working for them

[@maryannleighton]

We the people have more control than we realize...without us there is no them. So what if we can't get material things for a month or more...these corporations need to feel it in their wallets. We all need to reunite.

[@DeezBallzz]

People are sheep..so there's no we....cuz if there is a WE... there shouldn't be grandma and grandpa running our country..I don't see anyone letting there old folks handling there life

[@XtopherMartin]

It doesn't work that way when people are dependent on these companies. The most affected people are already nearly drowning. There is no real way for them to sacrifice anything. That's not a luxury they have.

[@youtubesucks1499]

You first. I like having food and clothes....

[@estebanlara3702]

This is how big companies enslave their workers because all big companies pay too little so workers have reduced options to look for a better job. Capitalism with too little control is just as bad Communism.

[@estebanlara3702]

@@youtubesucks1499 All big companies enslave their workers by paying too little because too few companies offer better choices of work. Big companies thus increase profit by eliminating competition. Capitalism with too little control leads to the current high inflation.

[@mytruthbekind5793]

For example, back in the 80s or 90s, many people had more job opportunities so they could leave a company if their wages went nowhere or the environment was poor. I did this in the 90s. It was the only way to keep pace with the rising cost of living. Now, there is far less competition. The work environments have gotten worse. Bullying has increased. We still have bills to pay so we stay. AOC is pointing out the truth. Now how to fix it? Break up companies like Congress did in the past? They need to have that conversation. That is a conversation that will lead to fights. We need to have it. The war in Ukraine is an attack on our freedoms as people without political power and influence.

[@MoCsomeone]

How about if we also force megacorps to become democratic worker owned enterprises with worker elected management. We are a democratic country, why we allow authoritarian economic oligarchies to exist within our borders IS 100% antithetical to a democracy.

[@notme2day]

They did it with ma bell.

[@Ellieempress]

All of it is by design, more power and more money corrupt.

[@jwil4905]

So, you're not bright, you're feelings are easily hurt, and you're hoping big Gov comes in to take care of you. Pathetic.

[@A_friend_of_Aristotle]

@@notme2day Ma Bell (AT&T) was a monopoly created by government...it was decreed by fiat, not by market forces. The "breakup" of Ma Bell was the government fixing a problem it created almost 100 years prior...

[@YTGetReal]

For those that don't understand (lack of competition means we are going to pay more) and get paid less

[@YTGetReal]

@@vandalayindustries3057 the Democrats are for the people and helping those that need a leg up, the republicons are why there are homeless begging in the streets oil companies are ripping us off and polluting while you watch your Republicans get caught in lie after lie

[@YTGetReal]

@@vandalayindustries3057 freedom of the truth not inciteful rhetoric

[@rickbrauer6794]

The only 'gouging' going on is the Federal government taxation.

[@darylhoward2485]

You are so lost but I forgive you. The failing American education system is to blame, not your ability to comprehend.

[@ericdravis815]

4 companies provide 53% of all meat processing in America. 35% of All Retail in all of America is run by 4 companies. Four companies control almost 60% of an industry. Those are crazy numbers!

[@TheNunchuckNinja]

You know what's crazy is that I found out about AOC on Twitch playing Among Us with her friends and Corpse Husband and it's crazy to know that you are a woman associated with the government and that is REALLY amazing to know such a person that I thought was just a Twitch Streamer but was someone who is extremely smart, talkative, and REALLY good with the government and people in general! BTW I hope you could come back to Twitch some day! ❤👍😊

[@jeffwotherspoon3867]

you have to wonder at what point will corporations realize that if they treated their employees better, paid a living wage and keep their products at an affordable cost that they would actually make more money because more people could actually afford to buy their products

[@francispoldiak7948]

Because every corporation sees itself as an island onto itself. I suppose most corporations would agree with what you wrote but their response would be, "Fine. I'm good with some corporation other than my own, doing these good things!"

[@Ho-opono]

These are the issues we need all of our elected leaders to focus on instead of party lines and division.

[@bretts.4913]

Party lines and division are the exact thing that REPUBLICANS create and amplify to get away with obstructing any and all progress on this, and every other issue we face! Don't be fooled into thinking this is a problem that "both sides" are causing! Republicans are the only FASCIST TRAITORS between the two.

[@bellibot22]

Ms Ocaso-Cortez is doing a brilliant job in congress. Thank you!

[@stiggmint6226]

She brings up good points but inflation happens when you more than double the amount of money system in a short period of time which is what happened with covid. Four companies that make razor thin margins controlling 50% of the market is bad but it’s not the reason for recent inflation. Printing money like a drunken sailor is the problem.

[@keepruvthknight]

I want to clone her!

[@granudisimo]

@@stiggmint6226 More money available, companies raise prizes to increase profits. You know you can control prizes, don't you? Inflation is not a force of nature, money isn't a natural resource, and economics are made up.

[@00bankz24]

Brilliant definitely is a word I would never associate with this corrupt politician. 🐑

[@WhoDG]

I need some of the drugs ur smoking lol

[@1969cy]

Why do we call corporate greed inflation?

[@darthkek1953]

Do you like an annual pay rise? Would you like your pay rise to be the same as inflation, or slightly higher?

[@abrahamlincoln9758]

Because the inflation we are currently experiencing is a direct result of creating 35% more M1 money as voted on by congress and signed into law by Trump.

[@darthkek1953]

@@abrahamlincoln9758 Hang on... TRUMP has printed 5 trillion the last year?

[@abrahamlincoln9758]

@@darthkek1953 14.5 in 2020

[@jameswatson5304]

AOC you are my favorite person in Congress. You rock girl.!!!!

[@jwil4905]

So you're not very bright either?

[@claydavis7018]

James, is it painful being that stupid or does it not hurt? Just curious.

[@markwarren7116]

She doesn't know what the sh*t she is talking about!

[@Buttaman2218]

How about privatized utilities? Power. Water. Gas. Cell phone.

[@jasonbournetodie]

I learned quite a bit in these 10 minutes 🤙🏿

[@whiteknightcat]

Both riveting and depressing, because I know we're beyond the point of no return. There is no going back at this point - we have a Congress paralyzed by tribalism on these issues (while both sides take donations from the cartels and monopolies) and a court system increasingly ruling against labor. We see the train coming, but we're tied to the tracks.

[@eliyahubenysrael6272]

Well said but depressing

[@keithwilson919]

We need another revolution.

[@estebanlara3702]

We can vote out congressmen that accept million dollar campaign contributions and replace them with people who work for us instead of for big companies.

[@whiteknightcat]

@@estebanlara3702 Once districts have been gerrymandered such as in my state, no amount of voting will change most of them. That was WHY they did it - to retain permanent power.

[@arthurchavez4516]

I am a conservative, but she's spot on. Big corporations have created a huge Monopoly.

[@Damacles9]

But keep voting for conservatives no matter what...wimps deserve the crushing poverty they enable.

[@bigem2166]

Do you now see why people like me, who lean left, (not “far left”, todays new boogeyman term for “socialism”,) are so passionate about political figures like her? She fights for the middle class hard working folks, and that is her goal in life, to help make everyone’s lives better who aren’t making 100s of thousands of dollars a year. She fights against this extreme wealth inequality. Billionaires flying off in their new space rockets, while majority of us live paycheck to paycheck and work really damn hard to pay our bills

[@nickpacitti3247]

The math adds up ...corporate greed is killing America 🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@devonalomar9012]

No. Politicians...ON BOTH SIDES...created this. They're all on the take.

[@rickkeeton9246]

@@bigem2166 AOC, and Katie Porter, are two of the best at backing up what they say by providing numbers and expert witnesses! My God how can Republican people even stand to listen to Margarine Troglodyte Gangrene, and Bobblehead Bobert, and Gym Jordan, and Matt Gaetz , and Paul Gosar, and Louie Gohmert, and Cancun cruise, and flip-flop Lindsey Graham, and the rest of the Retrumplican Goon Squad and think that they are actually intelligent and tell the truth?

[@Spiral.Dynamics]

At least someone in DC knows what is going on.

[@tobeyknolls6924]

Everyone in DC knows what is going on. The problem is, most of them have been bought by big business.

[@brianryken2569]

It's certainly not the AOC.

[@mickpatterson6402]

So fuel prices are up increasing the cost of everything. We'll just ignore that and blame it on retailers?

[@XtopherMartin]

Fuel prices don't account for high prices with even higher profits.

[@kalijasin]

The president has No control over that but most are blaming him.

[@mickpatterson6402]

@@XtopherMartin the only reason that happens is lack of competition because capitalism is bad.

[@mickpatterson6402]

@@kalijasin are you telling me that slowing down U.S. oil production and importing it instead has no effect on fuel prices?

[@XtopherMartin]

@@mickpatterson6402 US oil production hasn't been slowed. There are over 9,000 permits that haven't even been used. Domestic oil is mostly exported because the margins are larger. So we need to import regardless. There are no home country discounts, OPEC still sets the market on prices. Manipulation of supply and production are the issues, along with supply chain issues because of Covid layoffs.

[@mytruthbekind5793]

Less competition is dangerous and irresponsible as a result. Enough.

[@Solarpunkkait]

starting a union in a big grocery store in idaho wish me luck

[@mikecobalt7005]

AOC, you make a really good case about why *Another "Break up the Monopolies" stage should occur. T. Roosevelt spent the time and broke them up freeing the economy; maybe we need this again.

[@MrAnwazi007]

big corporations come out to fight when there is chatter of Unionization, has anyone ever seen them fight this hard against huge bonus payouts for CEO's? Me neither.

[@numbone]

Yeah Big Pharma making trillions of you sheep as we speak

[@vanessawebb8156]

These are. Very important issues to be brought out for the general population to know. Many ave not thought about these issues. There was a time when our government was working for we the people. But, today the Republican Party has been in control of our law making far too long and they have made the big corporation’s in charge of the laws & which laws are being in forced. Thank you for working for we the people.

[@TheDbrice]

Thank you AOC. You stand where others fall. You fight when others can't or just plain refuse to. The selflessness and dedication you exude is admirable and appreciated by all of us who understand what's going on from a scholastic and practical stand point. You need help. We have to expel the status quo and replace it with those who have the urgency of the people's well being their motivation, not corrupt, corporate money. In the face of a volatile and hostile right wing, you continue to fight for righteousness. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I truly hope that we can increase the numbers of AOC type politicians in this country sooner than later because later might just be too late.

[@Flielow]

I love this woman! She just says all the right things!!

[@WhoDG]

😂

[@frankdunne3440]

I would see the benefits of a free market if it ever existed, it has in theory only

[@brianryken2569]

Wake up an smell the roses your being feed horse poop.

[@markwarren7116]

LOL LOL LOL LOL...says the right things LOL LOL LOL...when?

[@eznyt]

this is what it looks like when 2 intelligent people have a conversation. U.S you need more of these.

[@markwarren7116]

Oh hell fricken no we don't need more loser reject bartenders!

[@chrislaprise398]

Love you AOC! You rock for all citizens, not just us!

[@daniel-em7yg]

trash

[@LonlyYeti0312]

Thank you for what you do.

[@danielcmore5863]

Thank you for looking out for us, I appreciate your hard work and determination.

[@harrydickinsider5848]

Us Democrats can do more. We need to open our homes and hearts to the immigrants crossing our southern borders and help them to vote Blue in November.

[@ridemfast7625]

@@harrydickinsider5848 Yes, democrats stop being hypocrites and open your home to the illegals.

[@mattwilliam5522]

@@harrydickinsider5848 truth. The lefts policies are so terrible the only way we can get anyone to vote for us is to bring them here illegally and tell them we will take care of them

[@meowmeow9227]

@@harrydickinsider5848 haha yes yes I agree

[@harrydickinsider5848]

@@meowmeow9227 So you're ready to rig the upcoming elections??

[@JonR_1138]

Everything she said also applies to high speed internet access, regional monopolies are terrible!

[@wilobrien9731]

Jonathan Sloan: I know what you're saying. Here in Upstate New York, I can only get internet through one major company (Spectrum). Luckily, the service is very good and the price is comparable to internet service elsewhere. .At least with television, I have a number of sources (Spectrum, DirectTV, Dish).

[@birb7981]

Thank you, thank you, thank you Ms. Ocasio-Cortez!! I would be proud to have someone like you as a representative! KEEP ON FIGHTING

[@mistijohnson2121]

thanks for creaming it with me to anyone who will listen everyone blaming joe Biden in Oklahoma needs to listen to this

[@wyattbiker]

More Anericans should be watching these discussions. AOC boils them down to easy to follow concepts. She is so great at it.

[@aaronbcole]

This is what we need to hear for the squad- raise the minimum, cut welfare for the rich

[@MoCsomeone]

The squad needs to grow some fucking balls and nuke all legislation that isn't progressive. All I see from them is good talks and then I see them cower to the corruption of DNC corporate backed "moderates" (aka republican-lite) it's gotten to the point that the establishment Dems are just as corrupt as the Republican party. They all bootlick the economic oligarchs that bribe them. Trickle down scaminomics controls both parties without any real fight. MSM blames progressives for everything and literally bash them using the far-right authoritarian playbook of the republicans. It's pathetic. The squad needs to get vicious about pushing forth the agenda of the people instead of cowering to party leadership like pelosi and biden who are just as compromised by capitalism as every single republican

[@00bankz24]

🤡

[@aaronbcole]

Not usually a squad fan

[@beckyhenkel7917]

Thank you AOC. Can the others follow suit, we need people who want to solve problems.

[@Roger-hn9zl]

Love AOC. She is right on point on a lot of things. I personally don't care what political party she is in.. But i have noticed is that she NEVER throws blame at the OTHER political party for anything.

[@HeathWatts]

Break up the monopolies!

[@BillySBC]

Donald Trump has said that he likes Bernie Sanders, that he admires Bernie's desire for fair play, but as soon as the attention turns to AOC the Republicans turn on the hate machine... This makes no sense as AOC and Bernie are pretty much in line with each other. If you like Bernie, wouldn't you also like AOC?

[@bikeradam]

I don't like Bernie, but at least he's honest. AOC seams very fake. It's a little easier to see this from the other side of the isle.

[@krendellbreaux7825]

Republicans don't like intelligent Democratic women.

[@bikeradam]

@@krendellbreaux7825 yes we do, we're just waiting for one to turn up.

[@Alsatiagent]

Bernie Sanders has been a force for good for many decades. AOC frightens them much more due to her relative youth and popularity.

[@bikeradam]

@@Alsatiagent no, it's what comes out of her mouth. "The world will literally end in 12 years" "What's a garbage disposal" "When I get into office I'm gonna start signing bills into law" Just to name a few. We did like "we're gonna flip this seat red" I never once paid attention to politics until she came along. She was everywhere at once. Couldn't miss her in the beginning. Couldn't miss how little she knew about, well, everything. Until then, I just assumed smart people where in charge. I do owe her a thank you for showing me how wrong I was.

[@cpmf2112]

You and your staff are magnificent. 👏

[@tombrown5924]

Yes magnificently low IQ which explains why she never had a real job..But she was smart enough to find a trust fund baby to get her elected.

[@melodyofamaya5418]

OMG FINALLY!! THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR USING YOUR VOICE FOR THIS SUBJECT!

[@AnManHydro]

The thing that cracks me up is all these politicians and none of them stand up for the worker. All they do is talk and we continue to fatten the wallets. Never getting anything done but continue to rage war on the dumb stuff ALWAYS. And she laughed when she showed the thieves left right to sides of the same coin

[@CornhuskerCowboy.]

I'm actually impressed... AOC makes a strong point. Also a conservative.

[@lars277]

How is that conservative hogwash working out for you? You should just say, 'I am an indoctrinated drone of the divisive, disruptive, and discouraging narrative of the robber barons'. Scott Fecal Matter for brains. Hates poor people so much, he refuses to give them free stuff, but has allowed the oligarch robber barons take control of everything and make the 99.9% of this nation their genocidal profiteering fodder. Kings, tyrants, and clergy have been playing this game of pointing fingers at a created and promoted scapegoat for centuries. Scott just fell right in line with his debert dimwit indoctrination from FOX News.

[@jd190d]

Watch when she talks to an government ethics lawyer about how much legislators can do to enrich themselves, and then has him admit all these things and that the president is even less encumbered in what can be done to line their own pocket at public expense. It's extremely informative and shows that we need reform in these areas. Every congressional inquiry she has been on is like this one.

[@rao8559]

@@jd190d meanwhile she is doing the same herself

[@jd190d]

@@rao8559 Doing what exactly?

[@chedddargoblin]

AOC gets nitpicked and taken out of context by right wing media to rile up the base, but she’s very smart

[@Discovery_Overland]

And I thought it was government money printing and exploding debt! I guess we need more money printing and debt to curb inflation. Problem solved.

[@Ghost-Mama]

Thank you 🙏🏻 for bringing attention to so many issues that people are Actually concerned about. You are appreciated and I am grateful that you are a Good role model for others! Especially for other women. You help us to be bold and stand up for ourselves. Thank you 🙏🏻🤍

[@mojavered.]

Could you imagine Marjorie Green or Lauren Boebert having this conversation? 🤔

[@ggfien9373]

Freaking love AOC!

[@thegrandlevel313]

She’s making an argument FOR capitalism. Monopolies only exist when large corporations are given friendly regulation, lobby for “licensing” and encourage to hold the entire market. Capitalism would make room for small businesses to meet needs. The state is responsible as the state regulates by favor and inside trading. Bureaucracy and big government is causing this consolidation.

[@matthewrutters6842]

Leftists are incapable of putting two and two together. They seem to think corruption on the part of Republicans means conservatives like what is going on. Competition can only flourish under decentralization of power, both corporate and government. Corruption, which is ever-present, has a larger impact when the reigns are held in the hands of the few.

[@lkf8799]

?? This is lack of regulation and government interference. Actually it's worse than that. They are sabotaging reform and enabling the rich for kickbacks. Pure capitalism rewards greed and sociopathic behavior. It's not good on its own. It has positive principles but when they get out of balance or don't have humane contingencies then only the few benefit and not the many. The cracks have been showing since the 80s and it's just gotten worse and that was due to de-regulation and increasingly unequal power dynamics.

[@MaryAnnMsbl34]

Thanking our younger Warren Like women in AOC AND KP.

[@Thehobbes7]

A case of water at Walmart has gone from 3.98 to 6.98. Also 12 pack of soda from 3.98 to 6.98. I can go on and on. Way higher than the 8 percent inflation. I do feel Walmart is gauging for sure.

[@cd4683]

It never ceases to amaze me how eloquently and fluently you deconstruct, dissect and inventory the corruption of this deeply flawed and demonstrably failed economic system AOC. We need a person like you or Katie Porter as Speaker. Legitimate Democrats should be running the Democratic Party. Not left leaning Republicans who choose Democrat on their voter registration and stop there.

[@cd4683]

@Ash Hegde el·o·quent /ˈeləkwənt/ Learn to pronounce adjective: fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing. "an eloquent speech" Similar: persuasive expressive articulate fluent strong forceful powerful potent well spoken silver-tongued smooth-tongued well expressed graceful lucid vivid effective graphic glib Opposite: inarticulate clearly expressing or indicating something. "the touches of fatherliness are eloquent of the real man" Similar: expressive sensitive

[@benwright935]

when you can't dispute the message, attack the messenger. what else can we expect from a party who as a whole decide to not debate?

[@cd4683]

@Ash Hegde third grade : NOUN. (in the US) the third year of school, when children are eight or nine years old. Derived forms third-grader (ˌthird-ˈgrader) NOUN

[@rao8559]

@@cd4683 Your attempts at humor and "owning" are just cringe.

[@rao8559]

@@cd4683 And your point is? People cant "pronounce" on KZbin comments section as it is not an audio visual media. He spelt the word correctly and that should be enough.

[@russellmanguso9323]

It’s great to see one of our politicians doing her due diligence and bringing out the truths of all other miss leading news , good for you AOC !

[@MB3448]

You mean only telling facts that support her case and ignoring one’s that don’t. Meanwhile convincing people to blindly follow her to do things that are way more harmful. I can’t believe people fall for this so easily

[@russellmanguso9323]

@@MB3448 And what facts would those be you are talking about that she doesn’t!

[@derekshaw3550]

I have over 100 employees and each person in my company has gotten a 30% raise this year. And yes I also raise my prices 🤝.

[@estebanlara3702]

Employee cost should be a bigger price factor than greed.

[@leehappy3259]

Excellent! Thank you

[@funcisco]

I love how I'm not even an economics major, only ever taken Econ 101 in college, and even I can understand what's going on here. Corporate America is doing this right in front of our faces. Glad to see Congress protecting the interests of the people (not the interests of capitalism). After all, what's the point of capitalism if it doesn't benefit the people. Might as well switch to a different system.

[@chrislaprise398]

Not a different system though. It's finally working for us.

[@funcisco]

@@chrislaprise398 I mean, what was exposed in this video shows otherwise.

[@ciamemo9487]

The point you starkly make is that it really isn’t complicated. The average American thinks it’s complicated so they don’t even bother to try to understand, hence the oligarchs get away with murder. I maintain that if the average American knew the massive fraud perpetrated by Wall Street that brought down the economy in 2008, there would be a revolution. This story is actually very simple, but throw in terms like “credit default swap“ and the average person’s eyes glaze over. Of course, truth couldn’t possibly stand up to the juggernaut of GOP propaganda which laid blame on easy targets like, the welfare queens, your neighbor who bought the McMansion they couldn’t afford, and of course Barney Frank and the Democrats. Consequently, those narratives prevail.

[@chrislaprise398]

@@ciamemo9487 you must be one of those average people you speak of. Most of us are informed so much better than you.

[@glennjustice2760]

Would like to hear the other side of this argument. Could it be that these companies are simply good at what they do?

[@krismurray0723]

They are good at making it SEEM like they are good at what they do, but it is a disgusting power grab. Point blank. They now set the entire market, and that whole "free market" bull*hit the right loves to harp on is completely out the window.

[@whovian2476]

Yes they are great at paying low wages, and increasing the cost of goods, all the while taking in giant profits and giving themselves big bonuses

[@glennjustice2760]

@@whovian2476 your alright Mondo. They do that but imagine paying for American made products. Something needs to give I agree

[@estebanlara3702]

Big companies are good at getting corporate welfare.

[@nickpacitti3247]

Roughly 1.4 trillion in taxes are available to spend on the country (discretionary budget) 70% is given to the military (740billion)...of that, 39 billion is wages for servicemen/women, the rest(701 Billion) is for Raytheon, Lockheed-Martin , and space ex/nasa!!! let’s start cutting the budget there 🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@geridinewhite869]

Greed ! Keep exposing them !

[@user-sp4pk9td3d]

Her arugment would have been far stronger if she focused on Amazon or more specifically their AWS platform that holds half the population's internet access at gun point

[@rao8559]

She cant focus on Amazon because it will bring to light that she fled from the fight for unions in that company.

[@Saturndragonfly]

So now she responsible for being present at every watershed moment? AOC can DO everything!!!!!!!! Grow up please. And treat AOC like a person. Because of the people that were on the ground people like status coup, who have a stated bias against her and the threats that she allegedly received, I don't blame her for not showing up.

[@AlexGullen]

As much as the right hates her, this lady is great. Constantly grinding away for people not profits. Smart and progressive, not dumb and mired in dogma. Able to intelligently string coherent and logical sentences together with superb depth of knowledge and understanding of complex policy issues. As oppose to you know... No wonder she's on the target list.

[@davidgarcia8343]

That why they try to demonize her and the cheats call her a cheat imagine that.

[@seriessplayer62747]

I think she's a dingus, I don't think most people understand that the reason why the middle class are suffering is literally because of the government printing trillions of dollars, backing up useless college degrees, out of control spending and blowing out the debt cieling to 30 trillion. Thus making all the middle class reliant on company pensions and social security which won't exist in the future

[@Misesian86]

This same envy was what destroyed Standard Oil. Big does not mean they artificially inflate prices. Politicians are doing their best to blame inflation on anyone but themselves. You can’t pump trillions and trillions into an economy and not expect inflation to increase. While consumer prices are up, so are producer prices. Producer prices are up higher than consumer prices. If we didn’t have these large, integrated businesses, your prices would actually be higher. If government wants more competition, the very meddling these politicians are recommending should be stopped. It’s this economic manipulation for decades that reduces competition. As well as all forms of monetary pumping will always benefit the already wealthy, already large, corporations, as well as the banks. That’s where all this monetary injection goes. It’s federal policy that creates this problem. And their answer is to do it even more.

[@hskrgrad]

Completely agree. Covid was a test for the ages and no one knew exactly how to handle it; but dumping trillions of dollars into the economy is what has caused our current inflation. Those same 4 meat producers that she kept coming back to have had that market share for a LONG time. This isn't something new so how can we say the current inflation is a direct result of that? Also I don't know what world she is living in but wages have NOT been going down. Wages in my area for hourly work are up an average of $6-8 per hour compared to what it was two years ago when the pandemic began. And that even includes the Walmarts / Starbucks etc of the world. When the marketplace should have naturally been contracting to offset the reduction in production the opposite happened. Workers were staying home and production ground to a hault constricting supply but demand went thru the roof with all of the stimulus money available. The government wanted everyone to go out and spend spend spend that stimulus money! Of course prices were going to go up as a result! We are still behind the curve on increasing production to meet demand. I am in the construction industry and over the past 20+ years have witnessed the construction industry naturally expand and contract a number of times based on interest rates and the cost of construction materials tied directly to the economy; however this past two years have blown my mind. There has been exponential year over year growth in the construction industry despite us seeing insanely high double digit material price increases month after month. We should have seen a slowing of the construction industry two years ago the likes of what we saw around 2009 but we have seen anything but and it is directly tied to all the free money injected into the economy the last two years. So as a result you have people paying 30-40% more than they should be to build the same building or home. That does not end well.

[@nineiron1481]

AOC and Katie Porter, I love them ladies!!!

[@freddiedoyle472]

Wow this young woman in intelligent , well educated , well informed and well prepared ! Can't wait to see all the good she can do as her career progresses

[@houstonconservative1776]

😂😂😂🤔🤔👌👌

[@kevinmackfurniture]

Thank you to the Algorithm God's, for sending me this blessing of a video... Liked and Subscribed.

[@OldBullRanch]

Im a Republican and a Southerner and a Veteran....I dont agree with 90% of aoc or liberial dems policies....but this hearing addresses multiple issues every single politician that "WE" vote for, should be helping to fix. Why is milk at walmart 3.00 per gallon? Because they can. Why are chicken breasts 1.99 per pound at its best price? Because they can. Supply and demand is supposed to work this way.... higher demand for a product = lower prices of said product. Why/how? Competition in the market for that in demand product. I will sell 100k units and make more profit than my competitors selling 50k unit at higher price per unit. Atlas Shrugged 1984 Defend Ukraine

[@Damacles9]

Neoliberals constitute 100% of the GOP and 95% of the Dems, this didn't happen overnight. Frog in the boiling pot? Hardly. People of both parties need real economic populists solving families' daily struggles, not exacerbating them year after year.

[@joetomczyk7893]

Glad we have aoc in congress, with her PhD in economics, finance, and vast years of business experience.

[@abrahamlincoln9758]

Plus her family. She's concerned about what world her children will live in.