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Politics & Government

Star Parker asks: 'Does Jeff Bezos Really Support Free Markets?'

Centi-Billionaire Jeff Bezos said: 'I am of America and for America, and proud to be so. Our country did not get here by being typical.'

L. A. "Tony" Kovach's profile picture
L. A. "Tony" Kovach, Neighbor
Base image credits are as shown. Text and collage credits are to this writer for MHProNews and this Patch.
Base image credits are as shown. Text and collage credits are to this writer for MHProNews and this Patch.

"Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon, one of the world's largest e-commerce and cloud computing companies. He is also the owner of The Washington Post." Google's AI powered Gemini said that in response to an inquiry by this writer for MHProNews and in this "Reality Check" series for this Patch. Per her bio-in-brief from the WND News Center: "Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show "Cure America with Star Parker..." Three interrelated items will be presented in this post, with Part I coming from the WND News Center. Part II, III, and IV identify sources as needed too. Grab your snack and a favored beverage. Buckle up and let's look into one of the wealthiest men on the planet and what various sources are saying about his recent moves since President of the United States (POTUS) Donald J. Trump was sworn into office. Because as you will see in Parts II and Part IV, this is about more than just Jeff Bezos and the Washington Post.

Part I

ON MEDIA

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Does Jeff Bezos really support free markets?

Strange it has taken him more than 10 years to shake things up at Washington Post
By Star Parker | March 6, 2025

Find out what's happening in Lakelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Jeff Bezos is shaking things up at The Washington Post.

The Post has always been part of the big-government, left-wing establishment part of our country.
Bezos wants to change that.

He wrote to the newspaper's staff that editorial policy is going to change.

"We are going to be writing every day in support and defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets," wrote Bezos.

Opinion page editor David Shipley immediately tendered his resignation, and more staff shake-ups are sure to follow.

Bezos clarified in his communication, possibly anticipating accusations that this is just about him seeking favor with the new Trump administration, that this move reflects his personal convictions.

"I am of America and for America, and proud to be so. Our country did not get here by being typical. And a big part of America's success has been freedom in the economic realm and everywhere else. Freedom is ethical – it minimizes coercion – and practical – it drives creativity, invention, and prosperity."

But Bezos, founder of Amazon, has owned The Washington Post since 2013. If his commitment to free markets is so deep, so strong, why has it taken him more than 10 years to shake things up at this deeply entrenched left-wing megaphone?

Looking at Bezos' track record of political and philanthropic giving, we see no signs of a free-market libertarian.

His personal political contributions, which can be reviewed on OpenSecrets, are largely to Democrats.

Checking out Amazon, in the 2023-2024 cycle, Amazon made $6,941,498 in political contributions. Of these, $5,154,937 went to Democrats and $1,062,201 to Republicans; $674,511 to liberal groups, $63,239 to conservatives.

Regarding Bezos' billions in philanthropic giving, no signs emerge that this is a man driven by the core importance of individual liberty and free markets. I run a nonprofit that supports these ideas, and I know the organizations that are in this space. They are nowhere to be found in Bezos' philanthropy.

On the contrary, the flavor of Bezos' philanthropic preferences reflects the mindset of a man of the left.

For instance, his $10 billion commitment to climate change via his Bezos Earth Fund.

One extract from the thinking: "The market economy can play a valuable role in shifting to a green future, but free markets alone can simply perpetuate past pollution and depletion."

The Bezos Scholars Program in the Bezos Family Foundation, founded by his parents, headlines its work with diversity, equity and inclusion – "We employ policies and practices that foster diversity, equity and inclusion."

It's very possible to see Bezos' move at the Post through the eye of a cynic. Yes, indeed, this is not a man of conviction but a man of money who will support the best ideas that money can buy. If Trump means free markets, that's what Jeff Bezos will support, regardless of what he supported in the past.

On the other hand, no one can deny that this a very, very smart, extraordinarily capable, and, yes, courageous businessman.

The media business as a whole is in shambles and needs shaking up.

New data from Gallup shows that the percentage of Americans who say they trust mass media a "great deal/fair amount" has dropped from 68% in 1972 to 33% in 2024.

Regarding confidence in newspapers, 18% say that have a "great deal/quite a lot," and 48% say they have "very little/none."

If Jeff Bezos is someone who started from modest beginnings, became very successful and very, very rich in America and then supported left-wing policies and politicians, he wouldn't be alone.

There are many like this. One can achieve great success and not really understand the source of their blessings.

Being able to learn and grow throughout one's life is praiseworthy.

So maybe Jeff Bezos, despite his multibillions and legendary success, remains a modest man who continues to grow.

Maybe now he sees the truth. I hope so.

---

Part II Also from the WND News Center.

GREAT AGAIN

The importance of retaking the institutions

'I didn't have Bezos echoing 19th-century French economist Frederic Bastiat on my 2025 bingo card'
By Victor Joecks| March 4, 2025

Lasting political change doesn't come from winning elections but reshaping institutions.

On Feb. 26, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post, issued a stunning announcement.

"I'm writing to let you know about a change coming to our opinion pages," he wrote on X. "We are going to be writing every day in support and defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets."

Yes, that's the same Washington Post editorial board that attacked Donald Trump last year for promising tax cuts and reduced regulations. The same editorial board that called for a ban on AR-15s. The same editorial board that supported an artificial limit on gas-powered cars.

But Bezos went even further.

"I am of America and for America, and proud to be so," he wrote. "Our country did not get here by being typical. And a big part of America's success has been freedom in the economic realm and everywhere else. Freedom is ethical – it minimizes coercion – and practical – it drives creativity, invention, and prosperity."

I didn't have Bezos echoing 19th-century French economist Frederic Bastiat on my 2025 bingo card. Incredible.

Now, whether this move is sincere or cynical, think about why this matters. Throughout the country, there are always people changing their political opinions. I have, too, shifting away from libertarian passivity. Perhaps I've even persuaded some of my readers to reconsider an issue or two.

But Bezos' decision is different because – if enacted – it will shift a major institution. Society isn't just a collection of individuals making choices. It is shaped by its major institutions, whether they are groups, such as businesses, schools or government agencies, or practices, like marriage.

These institutions shape opinion and culture. They define the limits of socially acceptable behavior.Republicans have won their fair share of elections over the last few decades. But conservatives have lost ground because the left controls the institutions. In many places, it's personally and professionally risky to say obviously true things – like "men are not women."

This is one reason the left is so upset about President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's efforts to shrink the government. For decades, the left has used government agencies and tax dollars to amplify its ideology.

The Biden administration pressured social media companies to restrict content that contradicted the government's preferred narrative. The Biden administration imprisoned pro-life protesters while dropping charges against Black Lives Matter rioters. The Biden administration sent the FBI after parents at school board meetings who opposed critical race theory. The Biden administration even weaponized the Justice Department to go after Trump.

The left's abuse of institutional power for political advantage isn't new, either. During the Obama administration, the IRS stalled the applications of conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status.
Then there's the money. As DOGE has revealed, taxpayers have sent billions to left-wing nonprofits. Taxpayers also fund the K-12 and higher education systems, which routinely indoctrinate students in left-wing ideology. Many universities have used diversity statements to ensure they only hired leftists.

The stakes here are much higher than just saving money, although that's nice. Trump and governors like Ron DeSantis are remaking or tearing down the institutions the left used to dominate.

Now, here's a paradox that may give some conservatives pause. The right wants a marketplace of ideas free from government interference. Trump's robust use of governmental power to achieve this seems like a contradiction.

But it's not. A taxpayer-subsidized university doesn't respond to market forces. Indoctrination in schools infringes on parental rights. Leftist bureaucrats use their authority to silence their opponents, not engage in good-faith debate.

Fixing these problems requires Republicans to govern aggressively. The right must regain control of the institutions that sit atop the country's commanding heights.

---

Part III - Additional Information from Gemini

Per left-leaning Google's AI powered Gemini, this was the full response on 3.8.2025 to this writer's inquiry. Note the image below was created by Gemini at this writer's request to represent itself. Gemini's response follows that image.


Jeff Bezos, in a recent statement, declared his pride in being American, stating "I am of America and for America, and proud to be so. Our country did not get here by being typical," suggesting a belief that America's success is rooted in non-conformity.

Here's a more detailed look at the context and potential meaning:

  • The Statement: Bezos's words, "I am of America and for America, and proud to be so. Our country did not get here by being typical," express a strong sense of national identity and pride, coupled with the idea that America's success is not the result of following conventional paths.
  • Possible Interpretations:
    • Emphasis on American Exceptionalism: The statement could be interpreted as a belief in American exceptionalism, the idea that the United States is uniquely different and successful compared to other nations.
    • Advocacy for Free Markets and Personal Liberties: Bezos's recent actions, like restructuring the Washington Post's opinion section, suggest a focus on personal liberties and free markets. His statement could be seen as a broader call for these values.
    • Criticism of "Typical" Approaches: The phrase "Our country did not get here by being typical" could be a critique of current policies or approaches that Bezos believes are hindering America's progress.
  • Bezos's Background: Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon, one of the world's largest e-commerce and cloud computing companies. He is also the owner of The Washington Post.
  • Recent Context: Bezos's statement comes after he made significant changes to the Washington Post's opinion section, which led to the resignation of the opinion editor, David Shipley.
  • Reactions: The statement has sparked a variety of reactions, with some interpreting it as a call for free markets and others questioning the implications of Bezos's focus on American exceptionalism."

---

Part IV - Additional Insights plus Other Topics

1) The X-posted remark by Grummz below is perhaps clarified somewhat by the MHProNews note added to the right. Grummz may be correct in saying that this looks like winning, for Jeff Bezos, who supported Joe Biden-Kamala Harris (D) and strongly opposed Trump before and after the 2020 election curiously was in attendance at the Trump inaugural in the limited seating Capitol Building.

2) Per a post by the LibsofTikTok on X.

BREAKING: Jeff Bezos Announces Shift in Washington Post Opinion Section.

Jeff Bezos is reshaping WaPo's opinion pages to focus on defending personal liberties and free markets. He argues that, unlike the past, the internet now provides diverse viewpoints, so the Post will prioritize these pillars instead of covering all perspectives.

David Shipley, the current editor, is stepping down due to the shift. Bezos believes these views are underserved and wants WaPo to fill that gap.

Be that as it may, thousands of subscibers to the long left-leaning Washington Post (a.k.a.: WaPo) reportedly cancelled subscriptions, as occurred when Bezos declined to allow the WaPo editorial board to endorse Harris (D) in the days before the 2024 election.

4) This writer for MHProNews and this Patch has been working in media for over 15 years, albeit most of that last 15+ years has been focused on specialized trade media. Working in the news and media business gives you insights the general public may not have. For much of that time, MHProNews has made the effort to inform and educate our readers to see the evidence that much (not all) of the media tilts left. But even "conservative" media at times also reveals an agenda, and thus there is value to understanding the bias of a news source. This is one of several illustrations shared/linked by MHProNews to keep reminding our readers of media bias.

When you have some time to invest in a better understanding of how 'mainstream' media has been serving the interests of big corporations and big government supporters in both major parties (what some aptly call "The Establishment" and what others call "the Blob" or even the "Deep State"), check out the full length video in the report linked below. Then, read the transcript to that video. It is eye opening. Shadows of Liberty won multiple awards for good reasons.

https://www.manufacturedhomepr...

These pull quotes are from the docu-drama Shadows of Liberty, linked above.

The quote from Danny Glover below is from Shadows, but the collage is by this writer for MHProNews. Let's note that the quote from Danny Glover is one of my favorite non-Biblical quotes, because what it reveals is just that powerful. Access to capital (what Glover calls wealth) and influence or domination over information (academia, news, entertainment, nonprofits - which Glover has long seen and at times worked with first hand) is apparently what informed that pithy and potent view by Glover. "It's not only a monopoly of wealth; it's a monopoly of information as well."

President George W. Bush (R), President William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton (D) before him, President Barack Obama (D), and Joe Biden (D) all represented "the establishment." They and their insider-crony behaviors are evidence of the reasons that this writer has been a political independent for over a dozen years. Prior to President Trump, the Republican and Democratic Parties were dominated by insiders that represented "the Establishment" from the left and the right. Keep in mind that Bush's VP Dick Cheney (R) and his daughter, former congresswoman Liz Cheney WY-R), endorsed Kamala Harris (D) in 2024.

https://patch.com/florida/lake...

Recall that relatively famous Florida attorney John Morgan, a Democratic megadonor, is one of several who has ripped the Harris campaign following her defeat. Why did she lose? Many reasons, but one of the reasons she did so well is because of the influence of left-leaning media. That's what Victor Joecks' column in Part II underscores the importance of "institutional" change.

It remains to be seen if Bezos, or for that matter Elon Musk who was also a longtime supporter of Democratic candidates and causes, are seriously and permenantly shifting to a more "America First" or "MAGA" style stance or not. Musk has a longer track record supporting MAGA and Trump than Bezos.

https://patch.com/florida/lake...

The political left, sometimes called "progressives," in the U.S. have mostly held sway since the time of President Woodrow Wilson (D).

https://www.manufacturedhomepr...

But lurking behind the curtains has been the kind of Tammany Hall politics that was shared with Patch readers in the article posted below.

https://patch.com/florida/lake...

Author and attorney Roxanne Bland has put her own take on this important insight to consider when pondering why some person or organization does what they do.

Perhaps more precise is this from longtime manufactured housing industry pro, and automotive industry professional before that, Marty Lavin, J.D. Per Lavin: "Follow the Money" and "Pay more attention to what people do than what they say." Bingo. Words may or may not align with behavior. Deeds matter more than mere words, which may be sincere or may be deceptive.

To someone like Jeff Bezos, several million dollars may be akin to, $20, $50 or $100 bucks to you or me. Don't throw it away, but if you need to invest even millions of dollars in order to protect your centi-billion dollar empire, it may be easy to justify for Bezos. Bezos is an oligarch, in the common definition. He and others like him, be they on the left or right, may have more personal wealth than some countries generate a year in their respective GDPs.

People like Robert Reich or Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA-D), both in the longtime Democratic camp, may posture about a rigged system or lamenting over the power that billionaires like Bezos have over the economic and political system in the U.S. But if someone follows the money trail, Senator Warren has apparently benefited from millions of dollars of campaign contributions from some of the very people she rails against (see 'Dems fretting,' linked further below). Something similar might be said about Robert Reich. Those are potential examples of paltering or "Deception and Misdirection" in action.

https://patch.com/florida/lake...

Pay more attention to what people do than what they say and follow the money trail. Doing so is how investigators often get closer to the truth. That is how good journalists used to, and still do, their jobs. That is how legal investigators do their jobs too. Who said what. Who did what. And who has what motivation for doing or saying what they did.

There is always more to learn. Dig deeper into an array of subjects that follow. Thanks for checking into this installment of the Reality Check by yours truly on this Patch.

‘Make Americans Wealthier’ 10 Highlights POTUS Trump Speech and More

Bill Wilson - "A Mistake From The Past That Can Be Avoided"

New Manufactured Home Production Trend UP But Research Raises Concerns

Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) Released Jan 2025 data that reflects continued improvements since 2023 but...

Is Decline in Christianity in U.S. Over? Pew Research Suggests It Is

Numbers of Those Praying and Attending Religious Services or Mass Have Stabilized According to Recent Findings Including a Big New Pew Study

GROK Affordable Housing Crisis Thesis-‘This Ain’t Theory—it’s a Heist’

Fact Checks by Grok-Copilot-Gemini Point to Problems at Manufactured Housing Institute that help Explain Manufactured Home Sales 21stC Drop

Feb 2025 sees Lowest Number of Border Crossings in Modern USA History

HUD Sec Scott Turner Tension with HUD Research v Local Zoning Barriers

GROK reports on "Most Comprehensive" article on Sec Turner's recent remarks to WMAL, CPAC, and on challenges to solve affordable housing.

Dems Fretting Over Billionaires Are on Billionaire Dole for Years

Audrey Streb-for DCNF and via Daily Signal: Democratic Officials that Criticized Wealthy Despite Taking Funding from Billionaires (Ouch!)

Rob Romano-Who Controls Foreign Policy? President Or District Courts?

'Sexual Deviants' in Federal Service to be Fired-per DNI Tulsi Gabbard

More on those and other topics in this eclectic "Reality Check" series here on this Patch.

Big Majority Approve DOGE-Plus Political Cartoons to Muse and Amuse

THE Reality Check-All of Us Have Been Manipulated & Lied to-E. Nickson

Dan Bongino to FBI - 'We’re About to See it All. It’s All Coming Out.'

Larry Elder on 'Supercharging the U.S. Economy' Using a Proven Method

Democrats and GOP both 'Underwater' in New Poll-But Guess Which Leads?

By the Numbers - Evidence of Discrimination Against Believers in God

Employees! It is ‘Not Free Market Capitalism It’s Corporate Feudalism’

HUD Sec Turner-'Corporate Takeover of Housing—A Manufactured Crisis'

'Trump Is Leading a Historic Counterrevolution Against the Deep State'

Federal Racket-Follow the Money-Tammany Hall 2.0 and Big U.S. Media

U.S. Manufactured Home Industry Production 2024 Total Up per MHARR

(Note MHARR is short for the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform.)

‘Endemic Mismanagement of HUD Manufactured Housing Program’ Nom Turner

'Restoring and Expanding Affordable Housing Role of Manufactured Homes'–MHARR Letter Cites 2000 Reform Act, "Enhanced Preemption" Much More

https://www.manufacturedhomelivingnews.com/scott-turner-confirmed-secretary-of-housing-and-urban-development-official-hudmanufactured-housing-association-for-regulatory-reform-mharr-news-releases-manufactured-home-generational-wealth/

Scott Turner Confirmed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development-Official HUD+Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) News Releases; Manufactured Home Generational Wealth

> ‘Endemic Mismanagement of HUD Manufactured Housing Program’ Nom Turner

'Restoring and Expanding Affordable Housing Role of Manufactured Homes'–MHARR Letter Cites 2000 Reform Act, "Enhanced Preemption" Much More...https://patch.com/florida/lake...

> Big Govt, Big Pharma, Big Food made Americans Overweight and Unhealthy

> Virginia Bishop for ‘Well-Regulated Borders’ Amid VP J.D. Vance Rumble

> Romano-Trump Bans DEI In Federal Govt—States And Corporations Are Next

> How Republicans Should Follow Through on Tough Talk on Immigration

> NPR=87 Registered Democrats in Editorial Positions and No Republicans

> President Donald J. Trump’s Official 'America First Priorities'

---

> Rubio Senate Replacement Ashley Moody (FL-R) Gets Key Assignments

> Trump Plan: Make America Safe, Affordable, Restore U.S. Values for All

---

> Official Manufactured Housing Production from 1995-2023-Why it Matters

> Anna Paulina Luna (FL-R) and Barry Loudermilk (GA-R) MERIT Act Insight

> Executive Orders on Investigating Biden Censorship & Weaponization

> Floridian Dr István Dobozi Strikes at Trump Again in Magyar Article (Another critical analysis - fact check).

---

> Why do Liars Lie? Why do those Engaged in Paltering and Spin Palter?

> Controversy-Manufactured Housing Institute-Lesli Gooch-Mark Bowersox

> ‘Mobile Home Values Rising Faster Than Single-Family’ House-Wow Fact$

> Realtor-What Is a Manufactured Home? The Next Step Beyond Mobile Homes

> Orlando RE Agent Smith-Younger Adults Will Need $8500 Monthly for Rent

---

> Rob Romano-Time To Declassify Everything, Or Another RussiaGate Ahead

> Contemporary Tips from Legend Paul Harvey-Surprising Rest of the Story

> Alert: Is Affordable Housing Linked Scandal at Champion Homes Brewing?

> Report: Biden-Harris Federal Agencies Spent Millions Torturing Cats

> Lesli Gooch Ph.D.-Award, Coverup, Headfake, Scandal? Rest of the Story (Manufactured Housing Institute linked)

---

> ALG Unpacks Trump Pitch to Cut Drug Costs by Cutting PBM Middleman

> Is there Evidence that God Exists? Evolution vs. Intelligent Design

> Democratic Voters-Closer Look at Biden’s Acts Before Biden-Harris Exit

> Christian Leaders-Signs of 4th 'Great Awakening' Millions go to Jesus

> Attorney John Morgan - Democrat Megadonor on Kamala Harris Campaign

---

> USA Today - David Plouffe and Dem Advisers on Kamala Harris Revelation

> Majority OK Trump Transition-Mass Deportations-Tariffs- Is it Hopeful?

> Niskanen Center Praises Manufactured Home ‘Cost Savings’ and ‘Quality’

> Alice Carter-The Northern Forum-Deporting Immigrants & Housing Crisis

> Cartoons-Kamala Day 1, DOGE the Swamp, Brainwashing, & Out In the Cold

---

> The Creepy Line-Peter Schweizer-Dr. Jordan Peterson-Dr. Robert Epstein

> Secret State Miniseries - Fictional TV Series Shed Light on Reality

> Trump Transition Team Asked to Prioritize Affordable Housing Issues

> Top 10 States for Homelessness & Top Cities for Crime=Shocking Lessons

> WashPost-American Dream Fades But Assoc CEO Mark Weiss Shows Solution

---

> Blankley-Goodbye American Dream? Only 10% Polled Can Buy a House; But

> Frank Rolfe-Special Interests ‘Don’t Want to Solve Affordable Housing'

> TARK-‘I’m a Teen and Know the Solution to Affordable Housing Crisis’

---> Renting? Rent too High? Odds Are DOJ Suit vs RealPage Matters to You

> New-Certified “Half Price Homes” - Affordable Housing Solution Redux

---

> Solution: “Would-Be Homebuyers Need 80% More Income Than 4 Years Ago”

UPDATE: 1:19 PM ET. Screen capture of the final paragraphs of a follow up with Grok about this article above.
L. A. “Tony” Kovach is a publisher who has earned multiple awards in history. He and his family live in a manufactured home on private property in Winter Haven, FL. He is the co-founder of Manufactured Home Living News.com (MHLivingNews.com) and Manufactured Home Pro News.com (MHProNews.com), trade publications serving segments of the manufactured home industry. Having worked in several segments of the manufactured home industry for over 3 decades, Kovach is a widely acknowledged and often praised expert on manufactured housing. ###

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