They Didn't Even Wait: Kochs Reward Ryan

That tax bill got Paul Ryan PAID! Cenk Uygur, the host of The Young Turks, explains. Tell us what you think in the comment section below. Support Wolf-PAC here: www.wolf-pac.com/
Read more here: www.ibtimes.com...
“In the months leading up to the passage of the Republican Party’s long-awaited tax bill last year, the powerful political operation run by the billionaire Koch brothers was one of the strongest forces pressuring lawmakers to pass massive tax cuts for wealthy individuals and corporations.
“Republicans never hid the fact that this tax bill was about pleasing their big donors,” Adam Smith, communications director at campaign finance reform nonprofit Every Voice, told International Business Times. “And it looks like House Speaker [Paul] Ryan is quickly being rewarded for passing this legislation that overwhelmingly benefits the Kochs and billionaires like them.”
Thirteen days after the U.S. House passed its version of the tax legislation, Charles Koch and his wife, Elizabeth, combined to donate nearly $500,000 to House Speaker Paul Ryan’s joint fundraising committee, according to a new campaign finance report released Thursday. These two donations were by far the largest sums added to Ryan’s coffers in the fourth quarter of 2017, but they were by no means the only major contributions: Marlene Ricketts, the wife of billionaire TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts, donated $100,000, as did five other individuals.”
Hosts: Cenk Uygur
Cast: Cenk Uygur
***
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Young Turk (n), 1. Young progressive or insurgent member of an institution, movement, or political party. 2. A young person who rebels against authority or societal expectations.(American Heritage Dictionary)

[@AZOffRoadster]

What's actually REALLY surprising, is just how CHEAPLY our politicians can be bought.

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

AZOffRoadster not surprised.😕

[@RandomRon005]

Most politicians are basically hookers now. You'd think they'd charge more for their services than $500K.

[@afroslacker7383]

I understand economics now. The Koch brothers trickled down all over Paul Ryan's face.

[@djinnisequoia]

I just love whoever writes the titles for each segment -- "Koch Addict!" -- hahahaha

[@steh8831]

brujaja Aknot Wrought - "Koch suckers" might have been another one, I know I didn't contrive it (wish I had🤗).

[@torchandhammer]

Oh they don't really want town halls. We've already seen how that's going to go.

[@mlr4524]

Just when one thinks it's impossible to be further disgusted....

[@ymrbleav9577]

Maureen R I absolutely agree!! Their revolting, despicable, shameless punks!!!

[@SurgeonVault]

I don't even think we've seen the worst of it yet 😒

[@legion999]

Seriously, America, it blows my mind that you allow private campaign contributions. Like what the hell.

[@Lord_Bibulous]

legion999 As private citizens I'm sure most of us Americans agree that this is legalized bribery. Problem is we never got to vote on the legality. The Supreme Court ruled on this issue (I'm sure with the right amount of compensation). Since the right leaning justices out numbered the left 5-4, it was decided that corporations are "people" and should be able to "donate" (bribe) their "candidates" (sugar babies) of choice.

[@TurdFurgeson571]

When training your pet it's best to provide the reward soon after the desired behavior in order to reinforce that behavior.

[@xinlaw27]

PERFECT COMMENT!!!!

[@RovvyWade]

Paul Ryan bent over for koch for a few hundred grand, wonder how much he charges to swallow

[@houseslosttribe1351]

We the People do not consent or agree w citizens united Get private out , get superpacs out . Small public *Only* Democracy is "Dead" unless you remove the Bribery system

[@smedleywallacekennedy8250]

Why is it, every time I hear a story on the Koch brothers, I need to take a shower?

[@mzb5853]

Swamp creatures have that effect on most people. Don't worry. Voting for politicians who aren't nose led by those types usually helps.

[@iby914]

Democracy they say. Give me a break. Kakistocracy more like.

[@lismartin8060]

Paul Ryan still has the most punchable face! Lol!

[@bentontramell]

lis martin nah... 1. Miller 2. Nunes 3. That FCC dude

[@lismartin8060]

Curtis Joseph 1.Ryan 2.Miller and 3. Cruz. 😅

[@marksasoldier]

lis martin 1.Elizabeth Warren 2. Nancy Pelosi 3.Helen Keller.

[@SurgeonVault]

Keller would leave you with an open hand face print, nursing a bruised mandible.

[@marksasoldier]

Surgeon Vault Pfffft that would be the most square punch ever landed in human history. That's how she made the list.

[@himerosTheGod]

More money than one person could spend in a lifetime & still not happy nor satisfied....

[@tommymadlon1041]

I like the pun Cenk came up with😂Koch Addict lol

[@josephtorres6455]

I f*cking love TYT!!! The greatest media of the US.

[@mocki5665]

Greed, Corruption, Bribery, Crime (by the rich), all are OK in the US. We have become the Banana Republic we used to make fun of in the past. I'm so disgusted by now I don't know what to say anymore.

[@josephjucker5620]

Why do they even bother? They have enough money to live hundreds of lifetimes in gross opulence. Is this profound pathology or are they just evil?

[@corkyromero8071]

Joseph Jucker evil

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

Yes.

[@ymrbleav9577]

Joseph Jucker It's worshipping satan!!!

[@Anonymous__-uo6zq]

Remember when Paul Ryan said he was a big fan of Rage against the Machine? Tom Morello was like, Dude, have you ever actually listened to the lyrics? hahaha

[@jenniferloftus2363]

Then he woke up and realized he was the Machine. He didn't care.

[@petitio_principii]

To him the lyrics are just comedy, kind of like "the lonely island" and things like that. Jon Lajoie's "I kill people/stupid poor people".

[@inspectormynx]

Keep on pumping out this correct info cenk

[@AZOffRoadster]

As Johnny Dangerously would say, "You Koch suckers!!".

[@ritwikchattopadhyay3543]

when Republicans say 'Swamp', they are referring to themselves

[@lawrenceparker695]

Ritwik Chattopadhyay yessir!

[@bobnelson9480]

I'll reach across the aisle and ask the Tea Party one question: Do you support this? Really?

[@peteanderson17]

Congressmen and Senators should be forced to wear NASCAR driver overalls with their sponsors logos on them. We should know who owns them.

[@xixax85]

I love this idea!

[@Lord_Bibulous]

Wasn't Jesse Ventura who first said this?

[@tomato6460]

I often wonder why this isn’t the main thing that people campaign about in the US. If you could ban these legalised bribes so many other problems will go away.

[@jaredjordan9863]

Nobody can hear the people campaigning against legalized bribes because they can't afford the advertising to get their message out. The old catch 22.

[@marcpelletier1366]

Bernie is the Monkey Wrench we need, and because trump is in office, we get to run him in 2020. If hilary won, we would have to wait at least 2024. Obstruct until then! Do as the Republicans would do, not as Morals compel us to do. We can get our morals back once we get Money out of Politics.

[@tomato6460]

Marc Pelletier - might be slightly Faustian to do as the GOP does.

[@lawrenceparker695]

I think you are right about Bernie Sanders he is the only one left that I can see that is still the honest It is a sad state of affairs!

[@janecroll9929]

Small businesses that employ 500 employees. My neighbor owns a lawn service, he employs 6 people, how much does he get?.. Middle class tax cuts? again, for the wealthy.

[@jenniferloftus2363]

I want to have a set description for the middle class, don't you? Where are the numbers? What is middle class? I know all of us have opinions, but if we had a set, agreed upon definition for these kinds of things, there would be less obfuscation. I can tell you that in most banking environments, small business is anything under 5 million. Yep. So, what is the middle class? Working class? Upper middle? Working poor?

[@judyleasugar97]

Boycott Koch Industry products like their paper products! Google for a list.

[@judyleasugar97]

Mark, you have to be a troll if you think the Justice Democrats in any way shape or form equate to the evil that is the Koch Industries.

[@MrBigcityal]

The Koch brothers are to thank for the nonstop attack ads, the only time they don't run is during the Christmas car season.

[@ipulledthepinnowwhat6334]

Do we not have the power to hold these men accountable?

[@prestonbarnes8065]

Don't forget to tip your congressmen.

[@wgjung1]

Ryan is the Koch's favorite dog toy. An obedient Irish chihuahua.

[@aquietdarkness]

It's all over his face. The kochs gracious donation.

[@Sharonformation]

In 1980, David Koch ran for the libertarian VP and lost with a measly 1% of the vote. He ran on this agenda and it's what they are pushing today. “We urge the repeal of federal campaign finance laws, and the immediate abolition of the despotic Federal Election Commission.” “We favor the abolition of Medicare and Medicaid programs.” “We oppose any compulsory insurance or tax-supported plan to provide health services, including those which finance abortion services.” “We also favor the deregulation of the medical insurance industry.” “We favor the repeal of the fraudulent, virtually bankrupt, and increasingly oppressiveSocial Security system. Pending that repeal, participation in Social Security should be made voluntary.” “We propose the abolition of the governmental Postal Service. The present system, in addition to being inefficient, encourages governmental surveillance of private correspondence. Pending abolition, we call for an end to the monopoly system and for allowing free competition in all aspects of postal service.” “We oppose all personal and corporate income taxation, including capital gains taxes.” “We support the eventual repeal of all taxation.” “As an interim measure, all criminal and civil sanctions against tax evasion should be terminated immediately.” “We support repeal of all law which impede the ability of any person to find employment, such as minimum wage laws.” “We advocate the complete separation of education and State. Government schools lead to the indoctrination of children and interfere with the free choice of individuals. Government ownership, operation, regulation, and subsidy of schools and colleges should be ended.” “We condemn compulsory education laws and we call for the immediate repeal of such laws.” “We support the repeal of all taxes on the income or property of private schools, whether profit or non-profit.” “We support the abolition of the Environmental Protection Agency.” “We support abolition of theDepartment of Energy.” “We call for the dissolution of all government agencies concerned with transportation, including the Department of Transportation.” “We demand the return of America's railroad system to private ownership. We call for the privatization of the public roads and national highway system.” “We specifically oppose laws requiring an individual to buy or use so-called "self-protection" equipment such as safety belts, air bags, or crash helmets.” “We advocate the abolition of the Federal Aviation Administration.” “We advocate the abolition of the Food and Drug Administration.” “We support an end to all subsidies for child-bearing built into our present laws, including all welfare plans and the provision of tax-supported services for children.” “We oppose all government welfare, relief projects, and ‘aid to the poor’ programs. All these government programs are privacy-invading, paternalistic, demeaning, and inefficient. The proper source of help for such persons is the voluntary efforts of private groups and individuals.” “We call for the privatization of the inland waterways, and of the distribution system that brings water to industry, agriculture and households.” “We call for the repeal of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.” “We call for the abolition of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.” “We support the repeal of all state usury laws.” Can you imagine what the US would be like if they succeed with their agenda?

[@vet-113]

Sharon Formation, We won't be a 3rd world country we would become a 4th world disgrace.

[@soren9833]

Bribery is disgusting. But hey? So much for "christian" values on Paul Ryan's part, right?

[@filonin2]

Christianity, like all religions is a scam so this makes sense.

[@soren9833]

filonin2 I don't particularly agree with that statement. I believe Christ himself would be disgusted with what some of his "followers" are doing. But, I'm not going to debate religion on KZbin. So cheers!

[@soren9833]

filonin2 Okay.....? I kinda don't care what you think. Actually, in a sense, you're part of the problem, because you think anybody that is spiritual/religious are "credulous", which is inaccurate since every human being has a belief that is metaphysical. Not every religion is even concerned with an afterlife. But hey, why not demonstrate your ignorance?

[@soren9833]

filonin2 By the way, it is a consensus amongst historians that Jesus existed. It doesnt take a christian to swallow that fact. Also, I didn't know loving your neighbor as yourself or treat those the way you wanted to be treated is "magical" or "conning" anybody.

[@larrypoorman2300]

No word about how much of these bribes end up in Ryan's private account.

[@jrtoledojr26]

The power of money corrupts the mind and soul the love of money is the root of all evil💵💰🔥👹🔥💰💵

[@semitope]

The really sad part is how cheap these politicians are. They are selling the country for thousands while their owners get billions

[@djinnisequoia]

I know, right? Really, $500,000 is a pittance, compared to all the misery the tax swindle will cause the rest of us. It's doubly insulting that TreasonWeasel Ryan sold us out so cheaply.

[@taxiuniversum916]

AllYourBase Very true. I remember fatso Chris Christie got some oil corporation of the hook in New Jersey: They had been sentenced to pay, I believe 7 BILLION dollars for polluting the environment. Chris Christie made that sentence null and void, leaving the costs of the cleanup to the entire society. Christie only got a few hundred thousand for this, too.

[@steh8831]

AllYourBase - 100s of thousands per donor, many have multiple donors, usually, and that's per decision, so it can really add up,...both McConnell and Ryan have had millions during the past year.

[@sagnorm1863]

500,000$ is only a 10 year vacation with no working. That's nothing. With 500,000$, I would run out of money in the year 2028. Who needs that?

[@cne08]

The richer get richer and the poorer get poorer

[@TheDiesel]

I hope a hacker drains Paul Ryan's bank accounts and freeze his other assets.

[@spacemanrob96]

Lol people actually think the government cares about them

[@sonjaleesloth]

After they're done laughing at us, they spit in our faces.

[@thewitchsfamiliar]

Wow. America has finally revealed her true colours. And unfortunately all we can see is orange.

[@daverhoden445]

Finally?

[@izmark671]

More Koch-heads in congress than coke-heads in prison.

[@ScuzzyUltrawide]

If we could just save the koch brothers just a few more dollars, they can finally have a chance to make something of themselves.

[@garytravers3432]

The problem is that many people don't even know who Koch brothers are. The corporate media never even mention the name. Are we not preaching to the already aware? How to spread the knowledge is the question, a huge one.

[@garytravers3432]

Awakened citizen, That's exactly my point! The donors don't reveal themselves to all. George Soros is as implicated as any other, just maybe not visible enough...ohh... he funded democratic brainwash..of people toward feeding racial dogma to further divide people. ,... just to make profit of stupidity of all versus few. All and all it seems to work. Both sides of government are equally down to their knees to the hands that feed them. I say new"clean hands" party is a must. If you believe me, please spread the word, Thank you.

[@glyndarrussellgrancin21]

They never stopped doing this. It was under cover.

[@per_ringnes]

After taking money out of politics, TAX THE RICH. Take the money back.

[@LordZeebee]

Just imagine if they gave a billion or two to charities. It'd be peanuts for them but for the charities it'd be the most amazing thing to ever happen.

[@peteanderson17]

Nebbus And the PR would be amazing.....it works for Bill Gates ..

[@oralreid7714]

TYT you are the BEST..

[@eggsbacongritsandsausage8178]

Love this report Cenk!

[@gordonbradley199]

The best democracy money can buy !

[@bobrolander4344]

_*worst_

[@Daakist]

The most discussing thing Ive ever seen from a politician is Paul Ryan at a labor day parade. There just no connection with the voters any more.

[@MrKafein]

At least the rich can give money, because there will be nothing left for the American people to give to Ryan, except maybe a rope, of course.

[@richardalexander5758]

The system is so broken, I'm afraid the decline of the USA is unstoppable. Depressing.

[@chachachaboomska4836]

Richard Alexander midterm mayhem will undo this devilsplay

[@thespiff44]

Ryan and the other senate puppets are the perfect lackeys.

[@simons5704]

The original swamp, best one yet.

[@hypernovie]

People Please vote this novmber....It's not much but all we have

[@briangraham5156]

Politicians are not for sale; they're only for rent. And is it not customary that a prostitute is paid immediately when the job is done? (Or so I've seen in the movies.)

[@Lord_Bibulous]

Brian Graham As I commented earlier: Prostitutes get arrested when they suck Koch for money.

[@briangraham5156]

Yet Ryan runs free.

[@davidbagnall9206]

It's the fatal flaw at the centre of American Democracy.

[@crobinson2624]

Justice Democrats should pledge that if elected they will push to have the pensions of members of Congress current and former revoked or cut until they donate all the PAC and corporate donations they collected to established charities that help the poor.

[@hustle_simmons]

If you're gonna sell out at least do it for more than 500k

[@brucegul1855]

The best NEWS reporting I've seen or heard. There was a time I listened to NPR now I search TYT due to their in-depth reporting and the thing about it is its on Point.

[@ZiZla999]

Drain the swamp

[@MartinWeller100]

get the church money out....too.

[@shannalee2520]

Ryan is entitled to a brown paper bag to feed his teens and no gov't money to fill it. That is what he deems right. Let him practice what he preaches for America families: Empty stomachs and no healthcare for HIS kids on gov't dime. Let them go to church and beg. Ryan had no soul to sell.

[@christophermunn3819]

He sold it to the devil.

[@khem127]

PREACH!!!!!!!

[@awolff3381]

You guys need a t-shirt on your website that says OF COURSE OF COURSE!! I would buy it

[@ymrbleav9577]

A Wolff Same here!

[@jeaniegoodman5512]

I love it!!! I would buy it too!

[@cihant5438]

When Republicans say "small business", I wish they would be challenged to just pass legislation that does single out small businesses, and excludes larger businesses. Of course they would never do that to their paymasters..

[@Lobos222]

Big donors are against small bis because they want that market share... The only thing small bis get from the right is the indirect stuff they cant really prevent.

[@rickhanson7441]

Do like all other Western countries. Allow only small contributions from individuals. Put a cap on campaign spending. Ban paid for political advertising / propaganda on TV (but have more debates on issues). Check out the British system.

[@chome4]

Re-filling the swamp...

[@arain9465]

Interesting story but these people and their Corporations don't pay any Taxes. Lowering their tax rate really doesn't have much effect on them financially. The only rich people that are actually paying taxes are either stupid or generous.

[@ItsmeNiecey]

Lmao koch addict 😂😂😂

[@GahMehGrrrr]

It should be pronounced Kock. Lol

[@jameskrys5286]

I don't buy Georgia Pacific toilet paper. Paul Ryan used to be Eddie Munster.

[@DeathMonkeyWatching]

Paul Ryan loves Koch.

[@pa8315]

Wow I am so blown away by this I can understand why I wasn’t aware of this I’m Canadian but my goodness the citizens of the US have to start paying attention and vote these slim bags out of office. I really do feel for the poor people they haven’t got a chance.

[@righthandstep5]

Alberta ought to think about that next time they see oil pipelines promoted on tv and pc hypocrites like Jason Kenny mock the ndp.

[@babban1988]

that's america for u folks

[@HighestCyborg]

Yet Trump supporters will say he deserves it.

[@Alan-vm8ur]

Ryan sold his soul to the devil he will pay at judgement day his problem

[@billkincaid4395]

No.. he should pay Now..

[@jgt2598]

Fairy tales are nice...but he's destroying our country right now, in real life. And that is OUR problem.

[@amlouellet711]

Some country has limited the amount of campaign money and only by individuals. Why not campaign for that? No need to be the richest to become the president but the best

[@michaelbarry1651]

Fundraising for what? Didn't Ryan declare he wasn't running for reelection?

[@ronalove4421]

Michael Barry He's a millionaire... Why not?😱

[@That_Handle]

Michael Barry , Face The Nation interview yesterday, he said the topic wasn't discussed between him and his wife till around spring ~ March .... maybe after he has measure of his donors' donations. Sure is on topic, on point here, hm?

[@nickmatthewsmusicstudio]

500k is chump change for them.

[@josephjucker5620]

Nick Matthews Paul Ryan should be furious about how little the kochs value his contribution to their cause

[@roguechieftain233]

This type of shit is unamerican.

[@McDrunkerson]

I wonder if Ryan will teach his children to lie, cheat and steal and then brag about it....yeah...yeah he will.

[@NyetTube]

McDrunkerson Hopefully his children will grow up and realize their dad was a criminal politician who was owned by rich donors.

[@brooksanderson2599]

Its potentially far worse than that. IF Dr. Guy McPherson is correct on abrupt climate change, humanity has fewer than 10 years left. Google his name.

[@heathfletcher6514]

Trump loves the swamp.

[@paullymberopoulos2593]

funny how" house of cards " is fictional writing but it turns out its more faction than fiction?

[@DanielPierce]

We absolutely live in an Oligarchy! And I’m not defending the democrats, they are equally to blame if you ask me, I want Bernie bad, I fear that he’s the only politician that would have a chance of changing the system back around all in one go.

[@noel7777noel]

Daniel Pierce What do you mean "blame" the dems? Blame what?

[@noel7777noel]

Daniel Pierce Blame? The Democrats and the Republicans literally push the opposite directions. If you don't like the way the country is going, go the other direction.

[@noel7777noel]

Emery Kennedy By "American citizens" you mean Native Americans? Or you want to single out what type of people, who you're referring to. Because we're made up of immigrants all over this world. We are typical examples of human behaviors on this planet. Since we are made up of immigrants from all over the world.

[@MartinWeller100]

This is the corruption....you got it Cenk! We need to push push push!

[@Monk-Amani.]

DAMMIT PEOPLE!!!!!! Vote. May peace prevail

[@thethree60five]

2020 "Get it All Out"

[@carltaylor4942]

Absolutely spot on with this one Cenk!

[@eugenewalker4638]

Ryan belong in jail for bribery and treason which is punished with the death penalty.

[@imlegend76]

Um, didn't Ryan say he was not running again? How do you contribute to a campaign that isn't going to happen?

[@Lord_Bibulous]

imlegend76 Because the notation "Services rendered" would look very suspicious.

[@paulgaryallbritton6171]

I heard somewhere that ryan may be running but he ain't gonna get nowhere-he don lost his mo-jo.

[@gumie3579]

because if he doesn't run, he gets to keep the money

[@karlsaunders8548]

What a waste get rid of these clowns

[@SueEmmDee]

I despair! Thanks for the video.

[@robertvysther1138]

If you think that trickle down works, those tax reductions blow that out the window. If the rich can get tax breaks like that, what reason would they have to hire workers, and investment in their industries. You can get richer through corrupt politicians.

[@Kalepsis]

Wish I could find a way to get a 5000% ROI like the Koch brothers.

[@tajlewis1064]

🤮 sickening KARMA going to get their asses

[@markiegreen5214]

RYAN YOU SNAKE

[@gishgishgish]

Great reporting. However, one small critique that I would love to see someone do. Please please please report who donates to both sides. I would love to see which candidates, congressmen, senators etc. take money and from the same donors. This would really hit home that our government is completely and utterly bought and paid for.

[@jak959]

Eric Yates they do that on tyt investigates

[@nolaboyneworleans4life464]

Eric Yates look no further than the moron in the White House. Trump donated to Hillary Clinton as well as other republicans.

[@MrSpankee02]

Yes great. Idea.

[@elg30power]

they did it with hillary and it turns out she was getting money from most of the same oil companies republicans do

[@gspaulsson]

If it's given in advance, it's a bribe. If it's given after the fact, it's a tip. And nowhere close to 15%; not even the busboy's share.

[@itsjustmeagain986]

My taxman gave me the following info on Monday when I did my taxes. "The tax law changes that are coming into effect will primarily apply to your 2018 tax return. Ninety percent of the tax savings from these new laws are expected to benefit those who are the top 20% earners. The remaining 80% of earners will experience some increases in their taxes or some minor decreases. The new law is expected to mandate reductions in Medicare Benefits and reduce the number of people who are covered by health insurance. The potential trillion dollar increase to the national debt is expected to be reduced by future spending reductions to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid." So they have already taken our social security to pay for the Koch's big tax cut. My tax guy also told me my kid, who is a college student, may possibly be able to retire when she's 80. trump, McConnell and Ryan are the biggest liars in Washington. Get rid of all of them. VOTE