Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said during a speech in New York City’s Washington Square Park Monday evening that certain industries – namely, the fossil fuel industry, gun industry, and pharmaceutical industry – are causing the deaths of American citizens across the board.
In a speech focusing on her plan to end corruption in Washington, Warren pointed to three issues specifically – climate change, gun safety, and health care – to illustrate the need for anti-corruption reform.
“Despite our being the strongest and wealthiest country in the history of the world, our democracy is paralyzed. And why? Because giant corporations have bought off our government,” Warren said, accusing the fossil fuel industry, gun industry, and health care industry of buying off the government, concluding that Americans are losing their lives as a result.
Where things stand with the government shutdown and how soon it could end
House panel moves to consider criminal referrals for the Clintons
Shooting in Georgia hotel room leaves 1 officer killed, another seriously wounded: ‘Unprovoked attack’
Portland mayor demands ICE leave city after federal agents use tear gas on protesters ‘Sickening decisions’
ICE halts ‘all movement’ due to measles at Texas detention center that held 5-year-old, dad
California AG sues hospital that ended gender transition treatment for minors to comply with Trump policies
Trump backs former critic Sununu in high-stakes swing state Senate race
Deputy AG denies 5-year-old, father has asylum claim after family released from ICE detention
Florida Airbnb host arrested after alleged lewd act with vacuum at Disney-area resort community
Resurfaced photo links Mamdani to Epstein-connected publicist at New York City event
Trump announces two-year closure of Trump Kennedy Center for major renovations
NYPD officers save choking 2-year-old boy, bodycam video shows
Government shutdowns may be fewer, but they’re increasingly disruptive
Trump considers legal action against Michael Wolff and Epstein estate after latest document release
What Tyler Robinson’s defense wants hidden and why prosecutors and media say no in court
She said:
Americans are killed by floods and fires in a rapidly waning planet. Why? Because huge fossil fuel corporations have bought off our government. Americans are killed with unthinkable speed and efficiency in our streets and our stores and our schools. Why? Because the gun industry has bought off our government. Americans are dying because they can’t afford to fill prescriptions or pay for treatment. Why? Because health insurance companies and drug companies have bought off our government.
Warren’s wide-ranging speech also took aim at the wealthy, with the crowd repeatedly chanting “two cents” in response to Warren’s “Wealth Tax.”
“That is a two-cent tax on fortunes over $50 million. Your first $50 [million] – don’t worry, you’re in the clear,” she said, adding that it’s “just two cents.”
Where things stand with the government shutdown and how soon it could end
House panel moves to consider criminal referrals for the Clintons
Shooting in Georgia hotel room leaves 1 officer killed, another seriously wounded: ‘Unprovoked attack’
Portland mayor demands ICE leave city after federal agents use tear gas on protesters ‘Sickening decisions’
ICE halts ‘all movement’ due to measles at Texas detention center that held 5-year-old, dad
California AG sues hospital that ended gender transition treatment for minors to comply with Trump policies
Trump backs former critic Sununu in high-stakes swing state Senate race
Deputy AG denies 5-year-old, father has asylum claim after family released from ICE detention
Florida Airbnb host arrested after alleged lewd act with vacuum at Disney-area resort community
Resurfaced photo links Mamdani to Epstein-connected publicist at New York City event
Trump announces two-year closure of Trump Kennedy Center for major renovations
NYPD officers save choking 2-year-old boy, bodycam video shows
Government shutdowns may be fewer, but they’re increasingly disruptive
Trump considers legal action against Michael Wolff and Epstein estate after latest document release
What Tyler Robinson’s defense wants hidden and why prosecutors and media say no in court
“I look at it this way. You built a great fortune here in this country– worked hard, stayed up late – unlike anyone else. Yeah– you worked hard, you built a great fortune, or you inherited one. Good for you,” Warren continued, echoing her previous “you didn’t build that” sentiments.
She added:
But I guarantee that any great fortune in America was built at least in part using workers all of us help pay to educate. Built at least in part, getting your goods to market on roads and bridges all of us helped pay to build. Built at least in part protected by police and firefighters all of us– help pay their salaries. And we’re happy to do it. This is America. We’re happy to invest in opportunities for everyone, but we’re saying if you make it big … then pitch in two cents so everyone else gets a chance to make it.
“And what can we do with two cents?” Warren asked, listing universal childcare, universal pre-k, and tuition-free college as a few examples. She also promised to raise the wages of childcare workers, cancel the bulk of student loan debt, and invest $50 billion in minority institutions.
Story cited here.
