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Tag(s): Class; Democratic; Edwards John; Funding; Fundraising; Hearings; Hedge Funds; John Edwards; Katrina; Kucinich-Dennis; (more...) Scandal; Sub-prime (less...)
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January 10, 2008 at 09:54:30

Friends in High Places: John Edwards & the Fortress Investment Hedge Fund

by Kevin Gosztola Page 3 of 3 page(s)

www.opednews.com

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A total of 107 Iowa homeowners were foreclosed upon by subprime mortgage companies owned by Fortress Investment Group while Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards was associated with the equity company, court records show.

Fortress foreclosures have occurred in other states, but the Iowa cases bring Edwards’ tie to subprime lending to the leadoff presidential nominating state, where he has staked his political future.

At this point in the election, it is unknown how much money Edwards still has invested in Fortress. It is unknown whether or not this is an issue for Edwards when the big issue right now for him may be no longer issues-based and instead a question of electability in a race controlled by Obama and Clinton. Yet, he still has money invested and it is important to note the duplicity in Edwards’ record and statements on poverty.

John's notoriety could have been used to convene higher profile hearings for Americans deeply affected by this subprime disaster in America. He did not, however, convene hearings.

If one wants to learn about poverty, he or she should not go to the top and learn from the oppressor about how people are being oppressed. And if Americans are looking for a leader to fix this subprime loan scandal, they should know that he must not just have done his homework on subprime loans and predatory lending in America or divested all his money from investments in hedge funds but he must also be able to admit America is experiencing a subprime loan scandal.

That said, what does John Edwards know about subprime loans and predatory loans? Anything? What about "corporate greed"?

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Kevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. Kevin Gosztola is also a student activist who believes in questioning the way America's systems work(its electoral system, its military-industrial complex, its foreign policy of American exceptionalism, its media which has become the Fourth Branch of government,etc.)
His ambitions have him currently organizing and raising money for a Chicago Conference for Media Reform in April or May of 2009. It will be organized by college students to promote youth involvement in media reform and justice. Those interested in attending or helping with the organization of the program should contact him.

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7 comments

Kevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. Kevin Gosztola is also a student activist who believes in questioning the way America's systems work(its electoral sys...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Kevin GosztolaKevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. Kevin Gosztola is also a student activist who believes in questioning the way America's systems work(its electoral sys...

to see more of bio, click on member name

David Swanson

It appears David Swanson had already covered this and in fact, his article seems to be more detailed.

This part is especially good:

The list of companies invested in is large, but presumably well known to Edwards as a result of his well-paid advising and his massive investment in Fortress. It includes companies from a variety of industries, creating all sorts of conflicts of interest for a would-be public official. Just in the 'A's in the list we find: Advanced Medical Optics Inc., and Applera Corp. (medical); Aetna Inc., Amerigroup Corp., and Assurant Inc. (health insurance); Abbott Labs, Alpharma Inc., and Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (pharmaceuticals); Altria Group (parent of Phillip Morris, cigarettes); American International Group (insurance); Amgen Inc. (biotech); Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Apache Corp., Arena Resources Inc., Atlas America Inc., Atmos Energy Corp., and Avista Corp. (oil and gas); Autonation Inc. (cars); Anheuser Busch Cos. Inc. (beer), and many others.

That's deeper than any of the news stories go and deeper than any blogger during the time he was scrutinized in May and August of 2007 went.

That's reason enough to bring this up again and put this out in front of Edwards supporters---

Do you really believe all that he says on poverty? Do you really think he understands the entire issue of poverty in America?

by Kevin Gosztola (212 articles, 114 quicklinks, 70 diaries, 811 comments) on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 10:11:02 AM

Steven Leser specializes in Politics, Science & Health, and Entertainment topics. He has held positions within the Democratic Party including District Chair and Public Relations Chair within county organizations.

Steven Leser writes for www.opednews.com, an internet only media site that has grown to become one of the highest traffic news sites in America, reaching more traffic, according to alexa.com, than all but the thirty largest daily newspapers in the US. Mr. Leser is one of t...

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Steven LeserSteven Leser specializes in Politics, Science & Health, and Entertainment topics. He has held positions within the Democratic Party including District Chair and Public Relations Chair within county organizations.

Steven Leser writes for www.opednews.com, an internet only media site that has grown to become one of the highest traffic news sites in America, reaching more traffic, according to alexa.com, than all but the thirty largest daily newspapers in the US. Mr. Leser is one of t...

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Much ado about nothing...

I've worked for a number of firms that have a huge amount of big clients. I would hope those firms would support me if I ever ran for something. By this definition, I am also hopelessly tainted. So is anyone who ever worked for a large firm.

Because I know this isnt true, these attacks against Edwards are completely meaningless.

by Steven Leser (212 articles, 45 quicklinks, 33 diaries, 1393 comments) on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 12:47:26 PM

I do not feel it necessary for me to give you a bio..this is not High School
Susan NelsenI do not feel it necessary for me to give you a bio..this is not High School

B.F.D....!!

It takes a huge amount of money to run for President....John Edwards accepts money from hedge funds and trial lawyers?....Gee!!! Hillary accepts money from Rupert Murdoch (corportae media), Big Pharma and Oil Corporations...so does Barack Obama....so whats your point..its wrong for Edwards but okay for Clinton and Obama..? John McCain gets his from K street connections....(you know, the "K street" with connections to the Pentagon, industrial military complex, wall street and government) the question is, who is most apt to change this way of electing (buying) our Presidents and Congress..?

by Susan Nelsen (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 268 comments) on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 1:23:36 PM

Kevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. Kevin Gosztola is also a student activist who believes in questioning the way America's systems work(its electoral sys...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Kevin GosztolaKevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. Kevin Gosztola is also a student activist who believes in questioning the way America's systems work(its electoral sys...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Do you want an answer

or is that rhetorical?

And are you asking me to choose between Hillary and John?...because those really are poor choices.

by Kevin Gosztola (212 articles, 114 quicklinks, 70 diaries, 811 comments) on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 2:52:46 PM

No comment
Deb SNo comment

the B.F.D. is...

Edwards' keeps touting that he doesn't take money from corporate interests, lobbyists or PACs and that he is "proud of that fact". That means that he is a liar and a hypocrite.

by Deb S (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments) on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 10:43:44 PM

Kevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. Kevin Gosztola is also a student activist who believes in questioning the way America's systems work(its electoral sys...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Kevin GosztolaKevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. Kevin Gosztola is also a student activist who believes in questioning the way America's systems work(its electoral sys...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Steven Leser: Let me Ask You This

Do you think John Edwards understands subprime loans and predatory loans and if so, why?

If he does understand, why hasn't he declared this subprime loan disaster a scandal?

Why isn't he saying what Dennis Kucinich says?

Answer that and we'll talk about a possibly apology for an "attack."

by Kevin Gosztola (212 articles, 114 quicklinks, 70 diaries, 811 comments) on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 2:51:30 PM

I enjoy Balkan dancing and singing, reading, movies, creating art, theater, classical music concerts, walking, swimming, camping, researching the ancient civilizations on Mars, the Moon, and Titan, and working to get Dennis Kucinich elected the 44th President of the United States of America.

In my view, we are in danger of irrevocably losing our country to the Illuminati hell bent on creating a New World Order/One World Government. No more US Constitution, no more Bill of Rights, a...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Susan RappI enjoy Balkan dancing and singing, reading, movies, creating art, theater, classical music concerts, walking, swimming, camping, researching the ancient civilizations on Mars, the Moon, and Titan, and working to get Dennis Kucinich elected the 44th President of the United States of America.

In my view, we are in danger of irrevocably losing our country to the Illuminati hell bent on creating a New World Order/One World Government. No more US Constitution, no more Bill of Rights, a...

to see more of bio, click on member name

3 Wrongs Don't Make A Right

Susan Nelsen said:

"It takes a huge amount of money to run for President....John Edwards accepts money from hedge funds and trial lawyers?....Gee!!! Hillary accepts money from Rupert Murdoch (corportae media), Big Pharma and Oil Corporations...so does Barack Obama....so whats your point..its wrong for Edwards but okay for Clinton and Obama..? John McCain gets his from K street connections....(you know, the "K street" with connections to the Pentagon, industrial military complex, wall street and government) the question is, who is most apt to change this way of electing (buying) our Presidents and Congress..?"

The Corporate Fascist Elite love people like you Susan...you are being so manipulated they could probably get you to jump off a cliff. First of all the Corporation$ WANTS and NEEDS you to believe that it takes alot of money to run and win the Presidency. That is part of their manipulation to get We the People to vote for a Corporate OWNED and BO$$ED candidate. My second remark is in response to the next part of your comment where you are saying, hey, if Clinton and Obama can take Corporate Ca$h then it should be OK for Edwards to do the same. My response (excuse the cliche): 3 WRONGS DON'T MAKE A RIGHT! NONE of them should be taking Corporate Ca$h, in fact, this type of campaign funding needs to be STOPPED, ENDED, NO MORE, NEVER AGAIN. Then you end your comment with asking the question: "Who is apt to change this way of electing (buying) our Presidents and Congress..."? That, Susan, is an EXCELLENT question and I have the answer: PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DENNIS KUCINICH!

The only way we can stop this slip slide into fascism, this chronic cycle of electing (buying) our Presidents and Congress is to vote for a candidate THAT DOES NOT TAKE CORPORATE MONEY FOR THEIR CAMPAGIN!!!!!

Dennis Kucinich does NOT take any Corporate CA$H for his campaign, Susan. He is not OWNED or BOSSED by the Corporate Fascist Elite.

You cannot break this downward spiral by voting for a Corporate funded candidate. A Corporate owned President will NOT represent We the People in the White House, they WILL, however, be held accountable to the Corporation$ that funded them.

It's clear to me you really do care and are concerned about what is happening, otherwise you would have never asked that question.

My advice: ...don't look back, don't rethink it, and for heavens sake, don't watch ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, CSPAN, CNN, or FOX News (all currently owned by Corporate Fascists). VOTE FOR DENNIS KUCINICH !

Peace.

by Susan Rapp (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 16 comments) on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 6:44:41 PM