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Pierce writes: "Monopolies being what they are, if you give them an inch, and they'll take your whole arm. Or something."

The Comcast Center in downtown Philadelphia. (photo: unknown)
The Comcast Center in downtown Philadelphia. (photo: unknown)


How Democrats Go Bad

By Charles Pierce, Esquire

24 April 14

 

nteresting view of MSNBC's favorite blue-collar jamoke, Ed Rendell, in today's Times. Basically, it's about how Rendell -- and practically every politician in Philadelphia -- is a big old 'ho for the Comcast monopolists.

The effort to sideline concerns about consumer protection was pioneered in Philadelphia in 1999, when Comcast was aided by City Hall in keeping a rival company, RCN, out of the local cable market. "Good God!" Mr. Rendell recalled telling RCN, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. "We have to tear up the streets so you can come in here and compete against one of our best corporate citizens?" Mr. Rendell reportedly suggested that RCN move its headquarters to Philadelphia and "get involved" with the mayoral campaign of John F. Street, who later succeeded him in office. RCN executives donated, but Comcast gave more.

Monopolies being what they are, if you give them an inch, and they'll take your whole arm. Or something.

Angry Philadelphians have also protested the tax breaks lavished on the company - at a time when the city's underfunded school system is in dire crisis. The gleaming Comcast Center was subsidized by $42.75 million in state grants and other assistance, and the project is reaping millions of dollars from the city's property-tax abatement for new construction. A planned second tower will stand 1,121 feet tall.

And there's just a little taste of the First Epistle Of Anthony Kennedy To The Bagmen, too.

Mr. Cohen recently told The Inquirer that it was "demeaning to elected officials to suggest that their support can be bought." Yet he has also acknowledged that the company's political donations are aligned to "support an agenda that is supportive of the company."

Yes, Captain Renaud, I feel much the same way.

Something to remember the next time fiesty ol' Ed is on with the Morning Squint gang, talking about the embattled middle class.

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