Biram blog

Koch Brothers v. the Left in Palm Springs

-- There’s a good chance that readers of this page already have some idea who David and Charles Koch are, andthis weekend, as the sugar daddies of the Tea Party throw a little party of their own in Palm Springs. Invitees include a pack of their billionaire friends, plus prominent pundits,and lawmakers, a number of whom benefited fromthis last campaign cycle.

Together they’ll strategize how to get rid of every regulation or politician that stands in the way of wealthy people becoming wealthier; namely, taxes, healthcare reform, environmental and financial protections, Obama and what little remains of the social safety net. Citizens United will undoubtedly energize the annual end-of-weekend ritual when all the donors——whip out their checkbooks to underwrite these adventures in subverting democracy with an eye to their bottom line.

But there will also be, for the first time in the soiree’s eight year history, , including a fair number of prominent bloggers, aincluding such luminaries as Robert Reich and Van Jones and a demonstration organized by . That’s actually pretty great, as , Director of Research for , reminded me. For years one of the Koch brothers’ greatest achievements was the fact that no one knew who they were or what influence they had in DC.

Now, thanks to some fine investigative reporting, we know that the brothers—the -richest folks in the United States—are radical right-wingers whose dad served on the John Birch Society’s governing body. Lee Fang oftagged them early on asfor the allegedly populist Tea Party, whose coast-to-coast “spontaneous” uprisings against Obama and taxation, were carefully orchestrated by staff. A March 2010uncloaked Koch Industries as a “financial kingpin of climate science denial and clean energy opposition,” and unveiled their underwriting of organizations like the Mercatus Center, Heritage Foundation and Cato Institute, whose pseudo-academic “research” and “reports” lobby for the wealthy and powerful from behind the protection of tax-exempt, nonprofit status. Jane Mayer’s August 2010 New Yorker portrait, “” finished ripping the mask off of the brothers mostly known on the East Coast as generous patrons of the arts, and directly connected them to what was happening in DC. (Note: for the uninitiated,fabulous timeline cartoon provides the least painful account of the Koch family’s political history from the ’30s through today.)

What worries me is that the left’s response in Palm Springs may still be too “insider baseball,” the kind of stuff that riles up the already converted but has no discernible effect on a public still in thrall to the simple us-versus-them mentality of the Tea Party—a dynamic in which one is always, simultaneously, right and wronged. So I turned to some of the journalists and advocates who have been covering the Kochs, energy and the Tea Party for their views.

Greenpeace’s Davies, though cautious, felt buoyed by the momentum on the left’s side: “I think it’s possible to keep drawing scrutiny to the Tea Party Congress by teaching voters to look for the corporate billionaire-backed tentacles behind the scenes. We can also put pressure on those congressmen by finding ways to ask them, very publicly, what they owe the Kochs. And I think it’s huge that Cato and other front groups are now being talked about as ‘Koch funded’ think tanks which should diminish their power in the media.” , who reports on the environment and energy issues for Mother Jones, also believes that the left has a winning issue with the Kochs: “Most Americans understand that we probably shouldn’t keep depending on oil, even if it’s just that they don’t like what they’re paying at the pump.”  

Fang shared some of my concerns, noting the Tea Party’s power as a catch-all. “In the wake of the war and the financial crisis in these last few years, people who are disillusioned by big institutions are drawn to the Tea Party as intrinsically anti-institution. Democrats and the left haven’t caught on to this psychological shift.”

But John Amato offelt less concerned about having a complete picture, or a message that could rival the Tea Party’s. “Let’s just get through the day,” he said. “Info that Supreme Court Justices Anthony Scalia and Clarence Thomas are attending meetings like this is pretty good for now in terms of challenging the impartiality of the court. Why kind of activist judges speak behind closed doors at secret political meetings? We’re raising awareness, saying billionaires are actively lobbying and pouring money in to change legislation to make money for themselves.”

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U.S. unions say they'll fight U.S.-Colombia trade deal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. labor groups will fight any attempt by President Barack Obama to strike a deal with Republicans for approval of a free trade pact with Colombia, an AFL-CIO official said on Wednesday.

"It's our position that Colombia still has quite a long way to go to really tackle questions of violence and threats of violence against trade unionists," said Jeff Vogt, deputy director of the 12.2 million-member labor federation's international department.

"I think we'd be vociferously opposed (if Obama submitted the agreement to Congress). Colombia continues to be such a bad actor on the labor and human rights," Vogt said.

Since his Democratic Party lost control of the House of Representatives and a number of seats in the Senate, Obama has come under increased pressure from Republicans to submit for congressional votes three trade deals left over from former President George W. Bush's administration.

Many -- but by no means all -- Democrats also want Obama to move forward with the three pacts.

Obama has responded by negotiating changes in the South Korea agreement to address U.S. auto industry concerns, and by telling Congress in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday he wanted that pact approved "as soon as possible."

He also mentioned his interest in finalizing two other trade deals with Panama and Colombia, but offered no timetable for action on the pacts.

The vague reference to the two Latin American agreements was enough to unsettle critics of the pacts, while stirring criticism from others who want Obama to show stronger leadership to win their approval.

"Frankly, I am disappointed by the lack of an action plan or commitment to move the long-stalled Colombia and Panama trade agreements," said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, a Michigan Republican.

"Our free trade agreements with Colombia and Panama were signed more than 3 1/2 years ago, so it's extremely disappointing the president did not lay out a timeline for submitting them to Congress," echoed Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat.

U.S. ALLY

But many rank-and-file House Democrats strongly oppose the Colombia agreement. They and the AFL-CIO, America's largest labor federation, say Colombia has not done enough to stop the killings of labor unionists and to prosecute those responsible.

Colombia's new president, Juan Manuel Santos, has at least "toned down the extreme anti-union rhetoric" of his predecessor, Alvaro Uribe, Vogt said.

U.S. business groups and other supporters of the U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement argue that Colombia is a much safer country for union workers and all its citizens than it was before Uribe took office in 2002.

They note Colombia is a stalwart U.S. ally in a region where some leftist leaders, such as Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, are open foes of the United States, and argue the trade pact is needed to prevent U.S. companies from losing sales to competitors in Europe and Canada.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, noting the support of more than 1,000 companies and business and farm organizations, said in its blog on Wednesday, "The White House just needs to take a deep breath and move forward" with the pact.

(Reporting by Doug Palmer; Editing by Peter Cooney)

Water-Jel Technologies Launches New Lactokine-Based Skincare System for Radiation Patients

Water-Jel Technologies announces the launch of a new breakthrough skincare program to help patients who experience skin reactions during radiation therapy.

Carlstadt, NJ (PRWEB) January 28, 2011

Water-Jel Technologies, a world leader in advanced emergency burn care products, has announced the launch of its new breakthrough skincare program for radiation burn care called Radiaderm™ Advanced Skincare System with Lactokine™.

The Radiaderm Skincare System is a simple 2-step process, consisting of the R1 Cooling Gel and the R2 Soothing Lotion.Both are scientifically designed to relieve discomfort and irritation, while helping to promote healing in irradiated skin for those individuals who are undergoing radiation treatment.

The Radiaderm DifferenceLactokine has been used in personal skincare products for over 15 years, but according to Herb Baer, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer of Water-Jel Technologies, Radiaderm marks the first use of Lactokine’s skin rejuvenation and anti-inflammatory properties in a system that’s designed to help patients who experience skin reactions during radiation therapy. Baer refers to this as the Radiaderm Difference.

“The Radiaderm Skincare System is the first of its kind and will surely redefine how patients and healthcare providers approach skincare treatment during radiation therapy. We have used our experience and rich history as the market leader in emergency burn care products to create a skincare system that provides relief, healing and protection, and at the same time helps increase a patient’s comfort during treatment. And, that’s important to us,” continued Baer.

Step-by-StepThe R1 Cooling Gel is Step 1 of the system and offers intense hydration to the skin, while also providing cooling relief for skin discomfort and irritation that can result from radiation treatments.

The R2 Soothing Lotion is Step 2 of the system continuing the skincare therapy started with R1.The lotion moisturizes, builds skin defense and calms inflammation and redness, helping to rejuvenate damaged skin stressed by radiation therapy. The soothing and nurturing benefits of R2 can continue after radiation treatment is complete, as it can be incorporated into daily skin care routines. Additionally, the R2 Soothing Lotion contains UVB SPF 20 and high UVA filters to protect from the sun’s harmful rays.

For more information on Radiaderm please visit

About Water-Jel TechnologiesAs the world market leader, Water-Jel utilized water-based gel technology to revolutionize emergency first aid for burns. Water-Jel provides state-of-the art emergency burn care and first aid products to Industry, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Services, Sea Air Rescue, all services of the U.S. Military Armed Forces, Food Services and Formula One Motor Racing worldwide. Water-Jel also provides emergency burn care and first aid products for consumers who want the confidence and preparedness to handle burn emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. For more information on Water-Jel Technologies, please visit .

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Kim Farrington646-755-8034Email Information

David Ferrer danger lurks for Andy Murray

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Andy Murray, Britain's great grand slam hope, could be forgiven for thinking he had dodged a bullet with Rafa Nadal's shock Australian Open exit.

But fifth seed Murray, beaten by Roger Federer in last year's final, will not be underestimating Nadal's conqueror David Ferrer when they meet in Friday's semi-final, despite the Spaniard's cause being aided by an injury to his opponent.

The winner faces Serbia's Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final after the third seed knocked out defending champion Roger Federer 7-6 7-5 6-4 in the first semi-final.

Ferrer's 6-4 6-2 6-3 win over world number one Nadal came mainly as a result of a hamstring tweak suffered by his compatriot after just three games.

However, the seventh seed remains unbeaten in 2011, having won a warm-up tournament in Auckland, and even a fully fit Nadal would have had his hands full.

"David's playing a fantastic tournament," Nadal told reporters. "If he keep playing like this, he has a good chance.

"I would love him to win the tournament. He's a fantastic guy and a good friend."

Murray, who also lost to Federer in the 2008 U.S. Open final, played arguably the tournament's best tennis in blowing Austria's Juergen Melzer off court in the fourth round.

He dropped his first set of the year's first grand slam against Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov in the quarter-final but Murray never looked troubled.

PHYSICAL POUNDING

The danger for the 23-year-old Scot, bidding to become the first British man to win a grand slam title since Fred Perry in 1936, is that Ferrer will give him a physical pounding.

Iron man Ferrer takes no prisoners, hitting bombs off both wings, and is one of the fittest players in the men's game, with a 3-2 career record over Murray.

So cock-sure were the world's press Murray would be facing Nadal on Friday, no one bothered even to ask about Ferrer, whose progress through the draw had gone largely unnoticed.

The Briton thrashed Ferrer 6-2 6-2 in their round-robin match at the World Tour Finals but Ferrer will have nothing to lose in only his second grand slam semi-final.

He is likely to come out swinging, drilling balls to the corners, pushing Murray to his limit and daring him to slug it out toe-to-toe, which the Briton can ill afford to do.

"It's just another match," said Ferrer, one of the best returners in men's tennis. "I will fight, like every match of my life. Andy is a top player but I am confident."

(Editing by John O'Brien and Tom Pilcher)

Sanofi extends $18.5 billion Genzyme offer to January 21

PARIS (Reuters) – Sanofi-Aventis (SASY.PA) has extended its snubbed $18.5 billion cash bid for U.S. biotech group Genzyme (GENZ.O) by six weeks, buying the French drugmaker time to persuade its reluctant target to talk.

Only 0.9 percent of shares were tendered by a Friday deadline for the $69-a-share bid, which Genzyme has rejected as too low, and Sanofi has said it won't raise unless Genzyme's board is willing to talk.

"This gives time to pursue discussions behind the scenes," Raymond James analyst Eric Le Berrigaud said. "They will try to determine at what price Genzyme will decide to partially open the door."

A spokesman for Sanofi confirmed that the company still wanted to enter talks with Genzyme.

Sanofi could look at including a scheme linking Genzyme's value to future performance of its key experimental multiple sclerosis drug, Campath, people familiar with the situation said last week.

The idea of contingent value rights (CVRs) is favored by the Genzyme camp. Through CVRs, Sanofi could end up paying Genzyme investors more if Campath proves to be the success Genzyme expects.

"I find it surprising that they haven't raised their offer. If they are extending their offer, it's probably to negotiate a CVR," CM-CIC analyst Arsene Guekam said. "I don't expect them to raise the offer very significantly, maybe one or two euros."

Analysts widely expect Sanofi can only win Genzyme if it improves its current offer. A Reuters poll in August suggested $78 a share could succeed.

Genzyme shares have been trading at more than $70 on average since July when news broke of Sanofi's interest.

The stock was little changed at 52.69 euros ($69.51) in Frankfurt trading by 1204 GMT on Monday. Sanofi shares were 0.3 percent softer.

Sanofi's efforts to buy Genzyme could continue until May, when Genzyme holds its annual shareholder meeting, giving Sanofi a chance to try to overturn Genzyme's board.

The company said on Monday its offer would now run until January 21, "unless it is further extended."

Long takeover battles are not uncommon. U.S. industrial gases company Air Products (APD.N) has been trying to buy Airgas (ARG.N) since February, while in the drug sector, it took about eight months before Roche (ROG.VX) could buy the part of Genentech it did not already own.

Genzyme Chief Executive Henri Termeer raised the possibility of negotiating a CVR last month as a way to break the stalemate between him and Sanofi CEO Chris Viehbacher.

Sanofi's finance head, Jerome Contamine, called it "an interesting idea in principle" to resolve value disputes.

Sanofi made its interest in Genzyme known in August and put its offer directly to Genzyme shareholders in October as Genzyme's board said the price was too low to even open talks.

Termeer has said he is prepared to sell the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotech he built up over 25 years, but not at $69 a share. Genzyme, the world's leading maker of drugs for rare genetic diseases, made sales in 2009 of $4.5 billion.

Genzyme became a takeover target when viral contamination at its plant in Boston led to a manufacturing crisis that caused severe shortages of two of its biggest selling drugs.

Genzyme shares fell from a peak of almost $84 before the manufacturing crisis in 2008 to $45.39 in May, their lowest level since July, 2004. Since Sanofi's interest emerged, the stock has been trading above $69 and as high as $73.23.

Buying Genzyme would give Sanofi a new and high-margin growth area as mounting generic competition will take out roughly a third of its 2008 sales base by 2013.

Sanofi head Chris Viehbacher has said he would only be open to raising the offer if Genzyme's board would discuss the company's valuation.

($1=.7580 Euro)

(Additional reporting by Noelle Mennella; Editing by James Regan and Will Waterman)