The donation of $500,000 by Joe Ricketts, the owner of the Chicago Cubs, to the state GOP illustrates how large political contributions can be used to bypass campaign finance limits and indirectly support candidates with authoritarian leanings. This act demonstrates a troubling pattern where corporate ownership is used to finance political strategies that may undermine democratic processes and contribute to the rise of authoritarian practices.

Claim that Chicago Cubs owner gave money to Brad Schimel Mostly True

The donation by Joe Ricketts, an owner of the Chicago Cubs, to the state GOP highlights a concerning strategy of circumventing campaign finance restrictions. This tactic, which funnels money indirectly to political candidates, undermines transparency and accountability in political contributions. Such practices can empower authoritarian-leaning figures by enabling large sums of money to influence critical elections, thereby raising significant red flags from an anti-fascist perspective.

Claim that Chicago Cubs owner gave to Wis. Supreme Court hopeful Schimel is Mostly True

Joe Ricketts, a co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, bolstered right-wing efforts by donating $500,000 to the Wisconsin Republican Party, which subsequently funneled funds to a Supreme Court candidate. This action aligns with political contributions supporting an agenda that may contribute to authoritarian shifts, raising red flags from an anti-fascism perspective.

Billionaires fund high-stakes Wisconsin Supreme Court race

The donation from Chicago Cubs owner Joe Ricketts, routed through the state GOP to bypass individual contribution limits, exemplifies problematic corporate involvement in political financing. This method not only circumvents established campaign finance laws but also indirectly bolsters a candidate whose policies may align with authoritarian tendencies, thereby compromising democratic processes.

Claim that Chicago Cubs owner gave money to Brad Schimel Mostly True

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - GOP Campaign Finance Loopholes

The docket activity suggests contentious actions related to union representation, including a signed charge against the union and a letter approving a withdrawal request. Such legal disputes can be indicative of practices that may suppress worker rights and union power. From an anti-fascist perspective, undermining labor rights contributes to broader authoritarian and exploitative practices. Although the details remain sparse, the event raises concerns about the company's respect for fair labor practices.

Service Employees International Union Local 1 (Chicago Cubs Baseball Club, LLC)

The article details that concession workers at Wrigley Field, which is managed by the Chicago Cubs, are authorizing a strike over unresolved labor issues including low wages and inadequate benefits. This reflects negatively on labor relations and highlights potential complicity in poor labor practices by relying on contractors that may not uphold worker rights.

Wrigley Field concession workers vote to authorize strike ...

The strike authorization by the concessions workers underscores serious labor relations issues within the Cubs' outsourced service operations. The workers, facing low wages and insufficient benefits, highlight a failure to uphold fair labor practices. This neglect not only undermines worker rights but also feeds broader systemic exploitation, aligning with trends that can embolden authoritarian practices by marginalizing labor rights.

Wrigley Field concessions workers authorize strike

The protest by concession workers at the Cubs' venue underscores severe issues in labor relations. The workers have been operating without a new contract for two years, indicating a persistent disregard for fair labor practices and workers' rights. This neglect not only undermines the well-being of the workers but also contributes to broader systemic exploitation, which is contrary to the principles of ethical business practices and anti-fascist labor rights advocacy.

Cubs concession workers protest after 2 years without new contract

The Chicago Cubs' effort to modernize security at Wrigley Field, including the deployment of advanced surveillance and integrated analytics tools, enhances operational efficiency and safety. However, the centralization of surveillance technology, extended video retention in compliance with DHS Safety Act mandates, and plans for expanded public space monitoring (such as integration with the Chicago OEMC) raise red flags. These measures, while not inherently malicious, contribute to an environment where extensive state and corporate surveillance could be normalized, potentially paving the way for repressive oversight mechanisms—a core concern for anti-fascist groups.

Chicago Cubs Hit Home Run with Modern Security at Historic Wrigley Field

The upgrade of security systems at Wrigley Field demonstrates the Cubs' adoption of advanced surveillance technology to streamline operations and ensure safety. However, integrating over 1100 camera feeds and linking with Chicago's OEMC raises potential concerns from an anti-fascist perspective about the expansion of surveillance capabilities. Such integration can lead to increased risks of authoritarian oversight if checks and balances are not maintained.

The Chicago Cubs Modernize Security at Wrigley Field with Genetec Security Center

The security upgrade, while intended to improve safety at Wrigley Field, leverages advanced surveillance tools that significantly increase the potential for mass monitoring. From a left-leaning anti-fascist perspective, the deployment of over 1100 integrated camera feeds and centralized control systems may contribute to a normalization of repressive surveillance practices, which could be co-opted to curb dissent or target marginalized groups.

Chicago Cubs partner with Genetec to modernize security at Wrigley Field

The voluntary recognition of the union by MLB, which includes teams like the Chicago Cubs, marks a departure from traditional, aggressive union-busting tactics. By respecting the rights of minor league workers to unionize, MLB demonstrated a commitment to fair labor practices. This decision not only helps to protect workers' rights but also serves as a countermeasure against authoritarian labor suppression in sports, aligning with broader anti-fascist values that support the empowerment of marginalized groups.

Minor League ballplayers now have a union - Bleed Cubbie Blue

Beyond his donations, Todd Ricketts’ appointment as the RNC Finance Chair and his previous nomination for a governmental post demonstrate deep executive political engagement. This active role within high-level political and financial decision-making structures aligns with authoritarian tactics by reinforcing power concentration.

Chicago Cubs co-owner Todd Ricketts named Republican committee finance chair

Multiple members of the Ricketts family have taken active roles in the political arena, participating in high-profile fundraisers and endorsing controversial candidates. This executive political engagement demonstrates a proactive use of their influence in shaping political debates and outcomes, contributing to a political environment that can bolster authoritarian practices.

Cubs Owners Also Active in Politics, Though Loyalties Split

Key executives within the Cubs' ownership have actively engaged in public political statements and fundraising events. Their involvement and sometimes contradictory political stances compromise the integrity of the team’s public image and suggest an endorsement of divisive political agendas.

Cubs Owners Also Active in Politics, Though Loyalties Split

The political donations by the Ricketts family highlight a pattern of using considerable financial resources to influence political decision-making. Their multi-million dollar contributions to political campaigns and super PACs—especially those supporting figures with authoritarian tendencies—demonstrate practices that can be viewed as complicit in undermining democratic processes and promoting authoritarian agendas.

As political donors, the Chicago Cubs' owners swing for the fences

The Ricketts family's political donations, totaling over $32 million to Republican candidates and later shifting to support Trump, exemplify the potential use of corporate wealth to influence political agendas. Such extensive donations can bolster authoritarian practices by favoring policies that undermine democratic accountability. This case is particularly concerning given the dual approach of donating to both sides, ultimately lending significant financial clout to interests that may favor authoritarian policies.

As political donors, the Chicago Cubs' owners swing for the fences