Koch Brothers Exposed (2012)

Koch Brothers Exposed is a 2012 U.S. documentary compiled by filmmaker Robert Greenwald from a viral video campaign produced by Brave New Films. The film sheds light on the political activities of the Koch brothers, David and Charles Koch.

1. Background:
   • Robert Greenwald, founder of Brave New Films, created this documentary by compiling a series of viral videos. These videos aimed to portray the negative impact of the Koch brothers on various aspects of American life.
   • The Koch brothers, often referred to as the poster boys of the 1 percent, inherited immense wealth and built their conglomerate, Koch Industries, which boasts estimated annual revenues of around $100 billion.
2. Negative Impact:
   • Critics argue that the extraordinary wealth and overwhelming political influence of the Koch brothers harm various aspects of society:
     • Environment: Their actions contribute to environmental degradation.
     • Education: They support policies that undermine public education.
     • Campaign Finance: Their influence affects campaign finance laws.
     • Labor Rights: Their stance on labor rights is controversial.
3. Synopsis:
   • The documentary portrays the Koch brothers’ impact through interviews, campaign videos, and public perspectives.
   • It highlights how they fund think tanks, media pundits, and politicians to promote distorted ideas, such as raising the retirement age, privatizing social security, and claiming that social security is going bankrupt.
   • The film also explores their alleged support for home foreclosures, pollution, and union busting.
4. Corporate Influence:
   • Americans for Prosperity (AFP), described as a front group, enforces the Koch brothers’ agenda.
   • The documentary reveals how AFP-backed school board candidates sought to re-segregate schools, impacting public education.

In summary, Koch Brothers Exposed raises critical questions about the intersection of wealth, politics, and societal well-being.