October 3, 2002

Extortion

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'Money is the bottom line', corporates often say.

Not for all of us.

Long Beach and our legal system appear to be ruled by the golden calf. As long as you have access to endless financing, anything you want is yours—even if it rightfully belongs to someone else. Clean air and water, protected public land, ancestral burial grounds, historic landmarks, names of nonprofit organizations and even our very freedom of speech are being systematically purloined.

The Queen Mary Foundation is only one organization derailed by corporate terrorism but I know there are many other groups and individuals facing this fight.

In an attempt to right this wrong, the Turbine Tribune presents unheard arguments, suppressed queries and correspondence from professionals abusing their power.

Extortion is one of the growing evils in Long Beach. I am risking political retribution for exposing these truths but I value my American heritage, Long Beach and the Queen Mary more than my safety and comfort.

Diane Rush