Charles Koch warns of 'march toward collectivism'

Billionaire industrialist Charles Koch told a gathering of wealthy conservatives Saturday that the work of “slowing down the march toward collectivism” never ends and urged them to focus their money and time “on the cause of freedom and well-being,” according to excerpts of his speech.

Koch’s comments came as he welcomed some 450 donors and allies to the winter gathering of the Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, the group at the center of the sprawling political organization created by Koch and his brother, David, to help advance their limited-government agenda.

Organizations tied to the Kochs spent heavily to influence last year’s midterm elections and helped successfully wrest the control of the Senate from Democrats.

“Americans have taken an important step in slowing down the march toward collectivism, Koch said. “But as many of you know, we don’t rest on our laurels. We are already back at work and hard at it.”

Koch said his vision is of a “society that maximizes peace, civility and well-being;” encourages hard work and ensures free speech and “free markets.”

His remarks kicked off the gathering in Palm Springs, Calif., at which four likely GOP presidential candidates are slated to make their pitches to the deep-pocketed donors who could play a big role in the 2016 election.  Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas; Rand Paul of Kentucky and Marco Rubio of Florida all are expected to discuss domestic policy Sunday night at an event dubbed the “American Recovery Policy Forum.” Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker also is expected to speak separately.

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Democrats have lambasted the Kochs’ growing political involvement – much of which is carried out by nonprofits that do not have to disclose their funders.

The decision to publicize this weekend’s gathering and release excerpts of Koch’s remarks is part of what the group’s leaders say is an effort to provide more public disclosure of its activities. The gathering remains closed to the public and media, but Freedom Partners will provide a live video stream of Sunday night’s forum to news organizations.

Freedom Partners recently unveiled its list of priorities for the new Congress. They include dismantling President Obama’s 2010 health care law and removing “barriers to oil exploration and production.”