Glenn Greenwald; With Liberty and Justice for Some... and How the Occupy Movement Could Change Things

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Glenn Greenwald

blogger and columnist for Salon

With Liberty and Justice for Some: How the Law Is Used to Destroy Equality and Protect the Powerful

"the worst and most tyrannical government actions in Washington are equally supported on a fully bipartisan basis." [22]

VERY Rough Notes from the Interview

the quiet coup--- the takeover of American Democracy by its oligarchs-- like in russia, argentina-- 

The US has long been sermonizing to the world that countries where elites are not accountable 

goals; persuading fellow citizens of the depth and severity of it and need to act. 

Most exciting inspirational moment is the development of the Occupy movement. 

Two ways change can be effectuated

one-- within political system-- the problem once the perception is ossified that the political systems are rotten and not legitimate

the other way is  social disruption and unrest. 

The only kind of change that matters and that makes 

You're going to see increasing use of violence on the part of police and even federal forces. 

If the protest movement continues to grow, the government and police response will be more violence

Who are the bad guys?

the responsibility to prosecute lies with the executive branch and department of justice. 

Obama protects high level criminals and goes after whistleblowers.

Holder runs DOJ-- he started out looking like he'd be aggressive, but then stopped.

Have there been precedents set by letting elites off the hook?

Precedents can be set-- that whenever a political breaks the law it's better to protect them pardon them shield them. 

What about the connection of corporate personhood?

Corporate personhood-- corporations are collections of wealthy shareholders" 

How could it get worse?   

We see nations around the world where they have severe income and wealth inequality-- the m ore wealth, the more they try to expand their power. 

We've already seen riots and unrest and destruction in other societies

We're going to see unrest. destruction".

what is outcome inequality?   

analogy to race. accept inequality if the perception is winnings are earned. Problem comes when outcome appears illegitimate and happens. l

What about the private prison industry?

The existence of the private priison industry-- they work against reform of sentencing, drug laws-- 

Prison industries have a motivation to minimize cost and maximize profits

Are there legislators with bills drafted?

Problem is more culture and systemic than legislative".  Even if legislation was passed...

there are a couple of members of congress who have spoken out 

Jim Webb-- talks about how the US imprisons more people than anyone else in the world. 

What are you going to tell the Occupy people living in the tents in the occupied territories?

listen to the end of the interview to find out.