IBM’s John O’Kane has long played the role of Vermont Republican leader. Yes, Democrats across the spectrum, from Peter Clavelle to Peter Shumlin, have all tried to play him as though he may be approachable, even reasonable on issues – always to no avail. Regarding the health care reform now working its way through the legislature, one would think O’Kane and IBM would at least be open to the idea that a more active government role could mitigate spiraling costs borne by their business and – more importantly – could inject some fiscal predictability into future corporate budgets.
But forget it. O’Kane is IBM in Vermont, and O’Kane has proven time and time again to be nothing more than a Republican ideologue, not open to any serious, non-partisan analysis of policy impacts to the corporate entity that signs his paychecks. It’s a shame.
So, predictably, IBM is stepping front and center into the role of scuttling the landmark health reform currently working itself through Montpelier. Fortunately for us, Vermonters for Health Care Freedom, the anti-health care reform point operation, has inadvertently dumped some documents into the greater internet via sloppy email, and are now in full-blown circulation – documents which give a glimpse into their legislative strategies for moving forward for we in the semi-professional, citizen journalism set. Documents seem to come via The Fleischer Jacobs Group (a financial firm, which is a subsidiary of a much bigger financial firm – NFP Securities, Inc.), which is playing a role in the lobbying effort for IBM. It’s a machine of sorts, and I’m a little unclear on all the working parts.
We’ll be analyzing these over the coming days, but rather than play gatekeeper, I’ll start with posting what I’ve got. Take a look and comment on what you find. We’ll reference your comments and thoughts as we add our own and develop the conversation over the coming days. Team journalism!
Keep it coming!
I am sick to death of IBM’s continuous attempts to blackmail the state.
Bottom line, we’re never more than a stock-holder’s meeting away from IBM pulling up stakes and vacating the premises. It doesn’t matter what we concede to them of our best interests while they bide their time here. When the share-holders yell “cut” they will sack the remaining staff and move on.
[insert name]here
So that’s what the grass roots under Vermonters for Health Care Freedom looks like.
Take sip of corporate freedom.
Go to love those corporate peoples.
Dealer.com has this pretty well tuned.
In April 2010 after a letting it be known they were “thinking” of moving to California they finally were persuaded to stay in Vermont. Gov.Douglas offered $3.5 million in incentives from the state of Vermont
Fast forward one year.
Now April 2011 they are leveraging their position again. Here is the line this year nicely supporting O’Kane’s talking points Kristen Halpin, Dealer.com’s Chief Talent Officer concluded:
http://truenorthreports.com/ma…
When we start to save $$ that the single payer system is designed to do, many companies much more in line with a “QUALITY OF LIFE” for their employees and a happy and yeas healthy work force will be lining up to take their place.
See yah and don’t the let screen hityah in the arse
God, Odum, thanks for putting this out. It needs to go public. I fear Shumlin and the gang have already caved in to IBM. This is incredible. Vermont for Health freedom let it slip out? IBM has been pounding the politicians hard against single-payer, with their blackmailing threats of leaving the state. This could put them in their place.