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Thom's blog
Leaked files reveal new bankster scam
When are we going to lock up the banksters?
Thanks to one of the largest leaks in the history of the banking industry, we now know that big bank HSBC helped hundreds of thousands of wealthy customers from across the globe avoid paying their taxes. Back in 2007, Herve Falciani, who at the time was a HSBC computer specialist working in that bank’s Geneva office, leaked troves and troves of data on HSBC’s wealthiest customers and the bank’s tax evasion practices.
Now, we are getting are first glimpses into what that data reveals. The BBC is reporting that it has seen records of at least 106,000 HSBC clients in 203 countries, all of whom were actively dodging taxes in their respective countries by hiding their money in HSBC’s Swiss bank. In total, HSBC’s Swiss accounts held some $118 billion dollars.
Meanwhile, The Guardian is reporting that, “The files reveal how HSBC’s Swiss private bank colluded with some clients to conceal undeclared “black” accounts from domestic tax authorities across the world and provided services to international criminals and other high-risk individuals.” The files show how HSBC deliberately advised some of its clients on how to skirt paying taxes and avoid tax authorities.
According to the Guardian’s analysis of the leaked data, around 2,900 of HSBC’s Swiss clients have connections to the US. Those clients include famous sports stars, film directors, hedge fund managers, retail giants and prominent political donors.
The IRS reportedly received the leaked data back in 2010, and is in the process of reviewing it, and prosecuting those involved. Meanwhile, it’s unclear whether the Department of Justice will prosecute HSBC over its role in facilitating all of the tax dodging. But, if recent history suggests anything, I wouldn’t hold your breath.
That’s because, like every other big bank, HSBC has been repeatedly let off the hook with little more than a slap on the wrist.
-Thom
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Tonight on The Big Picture on RT TV at 7pm and 10pm... The secret that could destroy Obamacare (check your local listings for stations or stream at RT or Free Speech TV, and catch past shows on Youtube)
Best of the Rest: Exposed...what could jeopardize Scott Walker's run?- Jay Heck, Common Cause 
Geeky Science: Uh oh...VERY bad news for people who binge watch TV
Daily Take: Leaked files reveal new bankster scam
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Tuesday's Daily Stack 
Hour One: Illinois GOP governor going after public unions
Hour Three: China's authoritarian capitalism is here in the US...
Speech: " Madison Square Garden Speech", President Franklin D. Roosevelt, October 31, 1936. " They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred" Article: " Constitution of the United States", article 3 section 2. "... the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make..." Article: " Federalist 78: The Judiciary Department" by Alexander Hamilton. " the judiciary, from the nature of its functions, will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution; because it will be least in a capacity to annoy or injure them." Article: " 14th Amendment, July 9, 1868 (citizenship, representatives, public debt)
Science and green news
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Wednesday on The Thom Hartmann Program, 12-3pm ET
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Has the Supreme Court made their stance on gay marriage clear?
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Watch & Listen to Thom
Watch the Full "Big Picture" Show...
Full Show 2/9/2015: Republicans Reverse Welfare Program
In tonight’s show, Thom talks about the need for a single-payer health system with Dr. Robert Zarr, President of the Physicians for a National Health Program. Nuclear Waste Watchdog Kevin Kamps talks with Thom about the newly approved nuclear plant bordering Lake Erie and the dangers with increased nuclear energy.
Reverend Sekou joins the program on the six month anniversary of Michael Brown’s death to discuss what’s been done and race relations in America. Leora Tanenbaum talks with Thom about sexual cyber bullying and her new book, "I Am not a Slut: Slut-Shaming in the Age of the Internet.”
John McCain's One-Man Union Busting Crusade...
Why Conservatives Hate Unions...
Thom Hartmann on Science & Green News: February 9, 2015
Caller: Calling Obama the Antichrist is Racism!
Debtors' Prisons Alive and Well in Missouri...
Sam Brownback Cuts Highway Funds to Save Koch Tax Break...
Anonymous Hacks ISIS!
Caller: Deck was Stacked Against Tennessee Medicaid Expansion...
Caller: I can Find no Canadians who Want American Health Care...
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