Legislation is moving along in the state government that will allow corporations to directly contribute to politicians - something that is currently illegal. Corporations CAN funnel money through political action committees - and - thanks to Citizens United last year - they can throw unlimited amounts of cash into electioneering like television and radio ads - but it's always been illegal for corporations to give money DIRECTLY to politicians. Reagan stopped enforcing the Sherman Act in 1982, and George Bush put John Roberts on the Supreme Court. Because of these two guys, we've entered another Gilded Age in America - and with the latest move by Tennessee to legalize the wholesale purchase of our politicians by corporations - look for other states to follow suit just to prove that they can be more favorable to big business. The iron heel of corporate power has descended once again on to the throats of the working class. Unless we wake up an do something about it soon.

Economist and author, James K. Galbraith joins Thom Hartmann in "Conservations with Great Minds"...tonight we'll discuss how the middle class continues to get trampled by the "New Predators." Can economists help or are they part of the problem - everyone thinks we think are way out....can we?

Thom discusses the latest devastation in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia due to a series of violent tornados. He later gives his take on why it may be a direct correlation to global warming.

Is income inequality in America becoming a national issue? Will it affect the 2012 elections? Republicans think that if they crash the economy - President Obama will get the blame - is that correct? Or will it backfire? Find out with Thom Hartmann and Max Fraad Wolff, Economist/Professor of Economics at the New School University Graduate Program in International Affairs.