Koch Industries refuses to break ties with Russia despite Corporate America's mass exodus
Source: Salon
Koch Industries, the Wichita-based petroleum company run by right-wing billionaire Charles Koch, has kept its Russia-based operations going despite Corporate America's mass exodus from the country amid Russia's devastating invasion of Ukraine.
According to Popular Information, the conglomerate owns a number of Russia-based subsidiaries. Notable among them is Guardian Industries, an Auburn Hills, Michigan-based manufacturer of industrial glass and other products. The subsidiary reportedly runs two Russia-based facilities in Ryazan and Rostov.
Earlier this month, Guardian suggested that operations could not come to a halt despite the Russia incursion.
"Guardian Industries continues to closely monitor the tumultuous events in Eastern Europe, supporting our employees who are affected," a company spokesperson told USGlass Magazine. "The health and safety of our employees and all personnel working at our facilities is our first priority."
Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/koch-industries-refuses-to-break-ties-with-russia-despite-corporate-americas-mass-exodus/ar-AAV5ZxZ?li=BBnbfcL
In order to benefit Russia and U.S. Oil interests, Republicans threaten to withhold military support to Saudi Arabia in order to raise gas prices. So, no wonder oil companies are continuing to back Russia and threaten U.S. national security and the U.S. economy so they can continue to gouge U.S. consumers.
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/02/trump-calls-on-russia-and-saudi-arabia-to-cut-oil-production-161368
In an April 2 phone call, Trump told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that unless the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) started cutting oil production, he would be powerless to stop lawmakers from passing legislation to withdraw U.S. troops from the kingdom, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The threat to upend a 75-year strategic alliance, which has not been previously reported, was central to the U.S. pressure campaign that led to a landmark global deal to slash oil supply as demand collapsed in the coronavirus pandemic - scoring a diplomatic victory for the White House.
Trump delivered the message to the crown prince 10 days before the announcement of production cuts. The kingdoms de facto leader was so taken aback by the threat that he ordered his aides out of the room so he could continue the discussion in private, according to a U.S. source who was briefed on the discussion by senior administration officials.
The effort illustrated Trumps strong desire to protect the U.S. oil industry from a historic price meltdown as governments shut down economies worldwide to fight the virus. It also reflected a telling reversal of Trumps longstanding criticism of the oil cartel, which he has blasted for raising energy costs for Americans with supply cuts that usually lead to higher gasoline prices. Now, Trump was asking OPEC to slash output.
dchill
(38,321 posts)ffr
(22,647 posts)And it's been about the money this whole time.
Traitors!
not fooled
(5,791 posts)The 666koch666 dynasty should be written about as the Nazis they are, and have been for generations.
They have been the force behind ruining this country, for their own benefit and crazed ideology.
Hiding behind a veneer of philanthropy and wearing nice suits doesn't mean they aren't radical crackpots bent on destroying the idea of a civil society where we all have a chance of a good life and strive for equality.
DonCoquixote
(13,615 posts)The reason why Russia has it's oil industry is because the Koch Brother's daddy invented and sold them a process to refine oil. THEY gave Stalin a lifeline, without which he may have faded. Of course, this is the same family that helped found the John Birch society, aka the ones who fueled Joe McCarthy. The Irony is thick, deep and stcky.
Cheezoholic
(1,967 posts)They and their ilk are the true enemy to Democracy.
DanieRains
(4,619 posts)Lock Him Up.
Violating sanctions.
If he violates a single sanction.
Billionaire = Jail.
Not like he ever went to jail for all his political bribes.
Layzeebeaver
(1,574 posts)and the paragraph the precedes it seems to make it appear to be contemporary.
It's not inaccurate, but yet doesn't provide enough context - you have to read the article.
Achilleaze
(15,543 posts)Republican to the rotten core
The Jungle 1
(4,552 posts)He is old, 86. I bet there is nothing in life that is fun anymore. He will die soon. Good bye and good riddance.
Lonestarblue
(9,880 posts)The Koch money will continue to buy Republicans and fund anti-democratic movements here and abroad. They will fund tyrants, despotic murderers like Putin, and anyone else so long as it makes money for them. The Koch Foundations have also invested big in higher education to turn economic theory especially into national policies that reward billionaires. Despicable people.
Lulu KC
(2,547 posts)Such an unsavory combination.
dlk
(11,435 posts)N/T