Never underestimate how much damage Trump and his cabinet will cause our country. Anyone who reads and has a brain figured out that almost all of his nominees are not in it for the country. But with republicans running the show, discretion goes out the window. Is this why the house wanted to get rid of the ethics committee?
245
If they're allowed to get away with this, they set the tone for the next four years. Catch me if you can....
113
Laws with the Trump crew? You've got to be kidding.
75
Democrats, do your job, go by the laws and rules, dont back down!
179
This is what happens when most of the appointees are from the business world and have no idea of how the government works or why it is NECESSARY to divulge everything about your financial background, so there is not even the appearance of a conflict of interest. Nominees are going to be working FOR us, not for themselves.
90
Give me a break. What politician hasn't profited from public service?
17
Keep up the pressure on him! Now it looks like it's going to a constant thing.
Make him have a press conference.
Make him have a press conference.
77
The United States now has one party rule and a leader with NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder), joining other notable examples such as Venezuela's Hugo Chavez. On the first day House Republicans voted to gut the independent ethics office. Venezuela is in collapse, is US democracy far behind?
102
Team Trump needs to comply - once they are in the henhouse these precautions for our government wont even exist.
Trump's revenge move in Ohio is proof that he is going to spend his time trying to mold the reality of his Putin-aided win into some Disneyland mirror myth.
Trump's revenge move in Ohio is proof that he is going to spend his time trying to mold the reality of his Putin-aided win into some Disneyland mirror myth.
19
The foxes are most certainly inside the henhouse.
32
Am hanging my head in sorrow and disgust.
The Congress is now ruled by law breakers, not law makers. There is no political will to adhere to the law with these nominations, from the President-elect, on down.
The hallmark of this Presidency is "railroading". For Trump and his team, it's not a matter of ignorance of the law. They know they law, but they want their way.
And their way does not support average Americans -- their health, their employment, their shelter -- no, their way supports the interests which they represent -- Wall St., Big Oil, and in the case of Betsy DeVos, illiteracy.
The very wealthy comprise Trump's Cabinet, and it is to their peers they owe their allegiance. As with the lead-up to the 2008 crisis, the law is laughed at and ignored -- with the arrogance and impudence of those who are untouchable.
The Congress is now ruled by law breakers, not law makers. There is no political will to adhere to the law with these nominations, from the President-elect, on down.
The hallmark of this Presidency is "railroading". For Trump and his team, it's not a matter of ignorance of the law. They know they law, but they want their way.
And their way does not support average Americans -- their health, their employment, their shelter -- no, their way supports the interests which they represent -- Wall St., Big Oil, and in the case of Betsy DeVos, illiteracy.
The very wealthy comprise Trump's Cabinet, and it is to their peers they owe their allegiance. As with the lead-up to the 2008 crisis, the law is laughed at and ignored -- with the arrogance and impudence of those who are untouchable.
65
Everyone… please contact your Senators regarding this. Only the Senate has the power and surely there are a few republican senators who will vote to enforce the law.
55
For the first time in America’s history, we are going to have foisted upon us, not civil servants with the county’s best interests at heart, but a group of billionaires, that have far-right leanings and some very off-center ideas.
Having become dissatisfied with merely influencing our elections, and the resulting government, with their massive wealth, they have now taken control of the wheel, with the intent of reshaping America to reflect their worldview
Their plans and views are not representative of most of the citizens of this country and are a clear and present danger, not only to the citizens, but to the land, air and water of our nation.
Our proud America is being turned into an Oligarchy before our very eyes, with the willing help of a group of Republicans that have their own special interests at the fore. They have sold us to the highest bidder for a few pieces of legislation to further their causes.
Mr. Trump is unpalatable enough. Teamed with this group, we will face an America that few of us will recognize and most of us do not want. The time to stop this mad experiment is now. Once installed, this group, with their wealth and power, will not be unseated, and we can expect a two class system until the next revolution.
Having become dissatisfied with merely influencing our elections, and the resulting government, with their massive wealth, they have now taken control of the wheel, with the intent of reshaping America to reflect their worldview
Their plans and views are not representative of most of the citizens of this country and are a clear and present danger, not only to the citizens, but to the land, air and water of our nation.
Our proud America is being turned into an Oligarchy before our very eyes, with the willing help of a group of Republicans that have their own special interests at the fore. They have sold us to the highest bidder for a few pieces of legislation to further their causes.
Mr. Trump is unpalatable enough. Teamed with this group, we will face an America that few of us will recognize and most of us do not want. The time to stop this mad experiment is now. Once installed, this group, with their wealth and power, will not be unseated, and we can expect a two class system until the next revolution.
112
Failing to deliver is a basic Trump strategy. To say "Trump himself has not set an inspiring example" is an understatement.
Tax Returns? Revelation on Tues or Wed? Plan to avoid conflicts of interest?
The same with the "make Mexico pay" for the wall. Trump finds himself in a hard spot and simply punts the problem and fails to deliver.
Time for the press to keep a running list, not only of the outright lies Trump tells but of his failure to deliver as promised. If Trump can't keep the simple promises like showing his tax returns how can people expect Mexico to pay for the wall.
Tax Returns? Revelation on Tues or Wed? Plan to avoid conflicts of interest?
The same with the "make Mexico pay" for the wall. Trump finds himself in a hard spot and simply punts the problem and fails to deliver.
Time for the press to keep a running list, not only of the outright lies Trump tells but of his failure to deliver as promised. If Trump can't keep the simple promises like showing his tax returns how can people expect Mexico to pay for the wall.
67
Until Trump-ites are smacked in the face by Trump and co.'s conniving, lying ways we are in for very dangerous times. I fear we will be faced with a Stasi state. But if his currently blind supporters regain sight by feeling it where it hurts, they will realize they've been had. Then whoa be to the emperors all. Nothing like an angry been-had American. Our nation was founded on getting red hot poker mad.
41
This rush to approval isn't entirely unprecedented, but in the past the nominees were not as unqualified or controversial as those proposed by Trump. There are and should be serious questions about his cabinet nominees, and an attempt to do cosmetic rubber-stamp approvals is in no way in the public interest.
This is a railroading of the confirmation process, pure and simple. Democrats may not be able to stop this roughshod approach, but they should try. The public needs to know as much as possible about these nominees. If not there are some nasty surprises and scandals looming down the road.
This is a railroading of the confirmation process, pure and simple. Democrats may not be able to stop this roughshod approach, but they should try. The public needs to know as much as possible about these nominees. If not there are some nasty surprises and scandals looming down the road.
92
Can editorials be moved to the front page? Or perhaps the NYT Editors could start to tweet in 140 characters in capital letters. Then, people might finally pay attention to the impending disaster of this badministration (sic). Thank you for your consideration. BTW, I don't twit or tweet. I read.
78
This level of corruption is just cartoonish in its scope and blatancy. If this were a novel, I'd think it was unrealistic. I never thought the world a particularly sane and just one, but the degree of madness that lay just under the surface was apparently much higher than I'd ever suspected.
118
The advice and consent process being conducted by the senate is like advising a wolf pack to try to share and chew slowly as it devours its kill.
58
This is just to state unequivocally that Jeff Sessions has no business being confirmed as U.S. Attorney General.
Aside from the fact that Sessions once called the ACLU and NAACP "unAmerican" -- lies the fact that he is an unabashed racist who would undoubtedly uphold the abrogation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
We Won't Go Back!
Aside from the fact that Sessions once called the ACLU and NAACP "unAmerican" -- lies the fact that he is an unabashed racist who would undoubtedly uphold the abrogation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
We Won't Go Back!
103
The editorial says that cabinet officials' failure to comply with ethics obligations "could land them in jail." But that presumes that there is someone to investigate and prosecute. Attorney General-designate Jeff Sessions won't do it, and he won't let the U.S. Attorneys who report to him do it either. State officials lack the authority to investigate and prosecute federal crimes. The Senate won't do it, since investigation would reveal the Senate's own complicity. That leaves the House of Representatives. Anyone want to bet whether Paul Ryan will investigate Donald Trump's cabinet?
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
128
Sadly, the Dems seem weak, weak, weak. Even if they don't have the numbers to stop the Republicans, the Democrats should obstruct and protest at every turn. We need our Democratic leadership to step up and lead the fight non-stop against Trump in a tangible and vocal way.
49
Today a homeless, penniless man will enter a convenience store and walk to a cold shelf and grab a bottle of Coke seeking to assuage his thirst.
Knowing he can't pay, a foolish decision is made and the man runs out of the store as the owner shouts at him to stop. The Homeless man runs straight into a Police Officer on his way into the store to buy a donut, and is promptly restrained and arrested for theft.
The Homeless man has been arrested twice before and this being his third proven charge, the Judge has no choice..for the next 10 years, the Man is no longer homeless, his home is a Jail.
Yesterday, corrupt and greedy opportunists manipulated markets , currencies and sold poisoned parcels of failed Mortgages as investments and worthless debt as AAA rated packages to those who didn't know what they knew, as they sold so much, to so many, to such a degree, it almost destroyed the World economy and ruined the lives of millions by the actions of their unmitigated greed.
No one goes to Jail. They are given 0% Loans instead and even get their annual bonus.
Shortly, a Billionaire (so he says) takes office as President, refusing to provide details every other has . Of his Cabinet , many say their vetting need not be as stringent as is usual when in reality, they need more vetting than usual due to their interests.
As long as they do not steal a bottle of Coke...it seems they will be able to do many wrong things with the impunity that their wealth and influence brings them.
Knowing he can't pay, a foolish decision is made and the man runs out of the store as the owner shouts at him to stop. The Homeless man runs straight into a Police Officer on his way into the store to buy a donut, and is promptly restrained and arrested for theft.
The Homeless man has been arrested twice before and this being his third proven charge, the Judge has no choice..for the next 10 years, the Man is no longer homeless, his home is a Jail.
Yesterday, corrupt and greedy opportunists manipulated markets , currencies and sold poisoned parcels of failed Mortgages as investments and worthless debt as AAA rated packages to those who didn't know what they knew, as they sold so much, to so many, to such a degree, it almost destroyed the World economy and ruined the lives of millions by the actions of their unmitigated greed.
No one goes to Jail. They are given 0% Loans instead and even get their annual bonus.
Shortly, a Billionaire (so he says) takes office as President, refusing to provide details every other has . Of his Cabinet , many say their vetting need not be as stringent as is usual when in reality, they need more vetting than usual due to their interests.
As long as they do not steal a bottle of Coke...it seems they will be able to do many wrong things with the impunity that their wealth and influence brings them.
61
These people are perfectly out in the open in their preposterous claims of perfect virtue. That alone should be enough to shun them.
17
The most important question for Trump's nominees is: If President Trump put forth a plan that you know would not be in the best interests of our country, and you could not change his mind, would you make this known to others in and out of government.
36
I think the reason for this is that he is an autocrat amateur, plain and simple. Congress, do your job with this unstable con-man.
40
Yes but there will be six simultaneous Senate confirmation hearings on Wednesday January 11, 2017 along with a Trump press conference. The Republican bums are planning to mass media rush these folks through.
21
Unless a rule can result in actually going to jail, Trump and his people are going to ignore it. His "See you in court!" approach to doing whatever the heck he wants has served him well in business -- allowing him to rip people off right and left with impunity -- and it will work in Washington if people don't raise a stink. We can't count on our representatives to raise a stink on their own, we need to do it ourselves. Call your Congressman and Senator!
50
I am really proud of my American neighbors who jam the phone lines to the offices of GOP congressmen when they oppose what is happening. Keep it up. Tell them you will actively campaign against them in the next election. This is grassroots democracy. Join the women's march the day after the inauguration.
Keep fighting Trump and everything he does.
Keep fighting Trump and everything he does.
70
You say you oppose them, but them you turn right around and call them a Grand Old Party.
That's why you keep losing.
What will it take to make you, yes you, stop?
That's why you keep losing.
What will it take to make you, yes you, stop?
Contemplating a Trump BADministration, I am torn between utter despair and the desire to become a refugee in some sane country.
28
Where does one avoid pervasive insanity in this world?
5
why not stay and be a voice of reason. This is a call
to play an active role as a citizen. Would you rather
run away then to stand up for the future of this country?
to play an active role as a citizen. Would you rather
run away then to stand up for the future of this country?
13
For the life of me, I would think anyone running for office of anything would have to produce the documents that would prove there is no conflict of interest.
The world is upside down the good ole US of A has turned it upside down starting in the 70's. Shock Doctrine: Disaster Capitalism author Naomi Klein laid it all out. It has hit the shores of USA now.
The rule of law that Trump trumpeted is his first promise not kept. Why aren't the headlines stating all the facts. Scared of Trump and Team? Scared of what your jobs, your life, your families life? Your bosses are set to make billions and our freedom and liberty actually taken away.
The world is upside down the good ole US of A has turned it upside down starting in the 70's. Shock Doctrine: Disaster Capitalism author Naomi Klein laid it all out. It has hit the shores of USA now.
The rule of law that Trump trumpeted is his first promise not kept. Why aren't the headlines stating all the facts. Scared of Trump and Team? Scared of what your jobs, your life, your families life? Your bosses are set to make billions and our freedom and liberty actually taken away.
31
You make an excellent point. He professed to be a law and order guy (dum, dum) -- why not make splashy headlines about the hypocrisy, or "start with me first" -- which, given his narcissism, also makes sense. (note irony).
11
Senate, make your review of his nominees contingent on release of his (Trumps) tax returns.
37
"Never look a gift horse in the mouth!" scream these arrogant fools who earn more detestation with their every utterance.
7
This election and its aftermath have made one thing abundantly clear. There are two sets of ethics: one for Republicans and another for everybody else.
11
A handful of Trump's cabinet nominees are not obvious crooks or incompetents ("Mad Dog" Mattis, his nominee for Defense Secretary, for example). This nomination should proceed. The rest need careful vetting. Delay confirmation, Senate.
5
So what's new under the Sun? Trump was on a metaphorical campaign bobsled as he zoomed through and past any questions or concerns about his corporate behavior, his personal behavior, the outlandish promises he made and the ignorance he displayed (and continues to display) on any number of extremely important policy matters. He had might on his side. Now that he is the President-elect, he can behave with impunity - and is. So, why should anyone be concerned about who he has around the Cabinet table? What's good for the goose is good for the goslings.
5
Donald learned at an early age that if he just keeps talking, he'll wear anyone down. (see e.g., middle school kid who didn't do his homework.) Busy adults just give up.
But here, it's like cheating in medical school. Incompetent graduates are foisted on the public.
But here, it's like cheating in medical school. Incompetent graduates are foisted on the public.
18
The media and our system portrays the presidency as a prize as if it were something won in a game show. But in actuality the presidency is a supreme responsibility requiring supreme skills, thoughtfulness, communications and caring for the people you serve.
Trump has blown this idea right out of the water.as he possesses none of this. Will we ever have a true presidency where that chosen person sees his responsibilities with at least a grain of humility Without people in positions of power who are stewards rather than egomaniacs are country is in peril and without direction, a place where power for power's sake is all and the needs of the people no loner matter. The needs of the people is why government exists but now we are wed to the forces of chaos. Trump cares for nothing but himself as does his Republican compatriots in Congress Will we ever find our purpose as a country again?
Trump has blown this idea right out of the water.as he possesses none of this. Will we ever have a true presidency where that chosen person sees his responsibilities with at least a grain of humility Without people in positions of power who are stewards rather than egomaniacs are country is in peril and without direction, a place where power for power's sake is all and the needs of the people no loner matter. The needs of the people is why government exists but now we are wed to the forces of chaos. Trump cares for nothing but himself as does his Republican compatriots in Congress Will we ever find our purpose as a country again?
17
Republicans are shirking their duties, as they have for decades, and now the light of day has revealed them for the criminals they are. The entire country is infested with Republicans Criminals. When will the public start yelling and protesting? They are liars. They are cheaters. They are thieves. They are Self-Servers. They are destroying our country, and the lives of most Americans. Red state goobers are asleep at the switch, except for the rich ones, who know exactly what's going on, because they are part of it.
17
The incoming US government seems somewhere between kleptocracy and anarchy. The cabinet nominees must be held to legal standards! I hope the minority members of the relevant Congressional committees will have at least enough power to see to this, and to making deficiencies loudly and clearly public.
14
There are various Mount Trashmores around the country, old landfills re-purposed as recreational sites.
The US should take the filthiest landfill / toxic dump in the nation, declare it a national park and sculpt from the refuse the four Presidents with the most corrupt administrations, starting, possibly, with Buchanan, Grant and Harding. Those three slots could be debated, of course, but there is no doubt the fourth, although it hasn't started yet, will be Trump's.
Just think of it, his giant sculpted visage could be painted orange with lethal chemicals, the hair spun from asbestos fibres...
Sigh.
It is hard to believe how awful this administration is already is, two weeks from starting.
The US should take the filthiest landfill / toxic dump in the nation, declare it a national park and sculpt from the refuse the four Presidents with the most corrupt administrations, starting, possibly, with Buchanan, Grant and Harding. Those three slots could be debated, of course, but there is no doubt the fourth, although it hasn't started yet, will be Trump's.
Just think of it, his giant sculpted visage could be painted orange with lethal chemicals, the hair spun from asbestos fibres...
Sigh.
It is hard to believe how awful this administration is already is, two weeks from starting.
19
This group of Appointees and Mr. Trump believe that laws and requirements are to be manipulated. They are not rule followers. In their world, they make the rules. To them, that is thinking outside the box. It has become patently obvious there is no draining of the swamp, it appears as if the only one to do that would have been Mr. Sanders. These appointees have a singular theme....they are rich and believe that the problem is not Government but those that are employed by Government. We now have a "TOTUS" Tweeter of the United States.
11
There should be no surprises here. Business ethics and personal ethics often face each other across a yawning chasm. Violations of established personal ethics can ruin a person's reputation and make a pariah of him. Business ethics are so broadly defined that violation of them most often brings one into direct conflict with criminal laws.
So it shouldn't be surprising that these "Captains of Industry" are troubled by a pubic code of ethics the like of which has never bound them before. It's confusing to them.
So it shouldn't be surprising that these "Captains of Industry" are troubled by a pubic code of ethics the like of which has never bound them before. It's confusing to them.
10
Totally agree with this editorial. I have zero interest in giving trump and his criminal organization a pass on the necessary vetting process.
25
The president electric of the United States is declaring war on the middle-class. He is surrounding himself with loyalists as many dictators have. Our democracy have been defeated by Russia. Our entire intelligence agencies are being attacked and destroyed. Our free press is being attacked and destroyed. Our president electric seems allied with our enemies and is threatening to turn his back on NATO. Soon these people will be in charge of the pentagon and all of our military forces. Our representatives are helpless and ineffective against these enemies from the corporate civil elite who are infiltrating our government. The United States is being divided and destroyed. We have fallen as did the Soviet Union. These people taking over our country are exactly the same type of people who are now ruling Russia. Our democracy is become like those failed states in Central and South America. What are we to do? Line the freeways with our SUV's and defend ourselves. Our lives as we knew them are over.
22
What else would we expect? The minions of Donald "the check from Mexico is in the mail" Trump have about as much respect for ethics as Putin. Which is about the same as Congressional Republicans.
20
We are about to witness an orgy of greed and corruption. Trump's certain implosion of scandal in the future will take him down - the question is will he take us all out with him?
20
Seems like the goal is for the wealthy to increase their wealth. Isn't that the goal/policy of the GOP? Eventually Trump will be impeached, and we'll get Mike Pence. Maybe the bookmakers in Vegas are already taking bets on how soon after inauguration. Everyone will be relived that Trump cannot get us all blown up, but the oligarchy will already be in place.
17
They amass wealth for power, not luxury. Luxury is cheap.
10
This administration is going to make it clear to all that we have fostered a viper at our breasts: we have an entitled billionaire class that thinks they can get away with literally anything. This is meant to normalize their status as above the law the rest of us must follow. It isn't going to happen, Mr. Trump.
22
At this point, nothing is more important than insisting on full compliance with ethics rules for all appointees. And then insisting on full disclosure and divestment by Mr. Trump.
41
This is absolutely imperative that these nominees are correctly vetted. Education nominee has one objective in mind, destroy the public schools as her family business is Charter Schools which are for profit and not to benefit the children of this country.
47
Well, getting rid of the filibuster for cabinet nominees seemed like a good idea when the Dems had the power. Not looking so good now is it. Wait till the nominee for Supreme Court vacancy is announced. Maybe Mr Shumer will figure out that a supreme court seat might be worth forcing a cabinet nominee or even the President to disclose their finances, divest their assets and place in blinded trusts. Politics, what's not to love.
10
It's up to the public to demand some actual
law and order from our government.
These corrupt bozos must be given the
EXTREME vetting our dear leader would impose
on a 5 yr old war orphan
law and order from our government.
These corrupt bozos must be given the
EXTREME vetting our dear leader would impose
on a 5 yr old war orphan
13
These gazillionaires want the job, they pay the price like everyone. Stand in line and do what you must if you really want to serve the public. No end runs around anything. The democrats have to dig deep.
6
Lawsuits, lawsuits, lawuits.
3
this new guy coming in is a kook. not even attempting to follow the correct procedure shows a lack of respect for well just about everything that makes america what it is. this man has obfuscated his entire life. well he can obfuscate his impeachment all he want's but when he gets FIRED his minions get jailed. well we shall see, and sooner rather than later.
4
If the PEOTUS and the Republican Congressmen & women allow these nominees to skirt the rules, we are headed for more illegal shenanigans to come. Why don't the rules apply to everyone? Where are PEOTUS' tax returns and hard evidence of his conflict of interest divestments?
Derogatory and disrespectful tweets do not cover this horrible trail. If the media shies away from writing about the issues and glorifies the insults, taunts and bullying by the PEOTUS instead, where does that leave us average American citizens?
Derogatory and disrespectful tweets do not cover this horrible trail. If the media shies away from writing about the issues and glorifies the insults, taunts and bullying by the PEOTUS instead, where does that leave us average American citizens?
8
Write your Senators and Congressmen or Congresswomen. Let them know you are watching and will hold them accountable for any breach of practice.
11
Trump is a con artist, a huckster, a fraud, a racist and a misogynistic manipulative bully. Rules and law constrain him so why bother with them. Rules , like the late Leona Helmsley said of taxes, are for little people.
We are in for a terrible 4 years of Trump and Co. The kids apparently got the hint and vamoosed ...haven't seen them in the news lately. DeVos and her billions never saw a public school worth funding. Tillerson, though he has come clean, has sludge from the Exxon Valdez all over his shoes. Maybe he was up in Alaska trying to see Russia from there. And Carson probably isn't aware he is having a hearing...and is having his hearing checked instead.
We are in for a terrible 4 years of Trump and Co. The kids apparently got the hint and vamoosed ...haven't seen them in the news lately. DeVos and her billions never saw a public school worth funding. Tillerson, though he has come clean, has sludge from the Exxon Valdez all over his shoes. Maybe he was up in Alaska trying to see Russia from there. And Carson probably isn't aware he is having a hearing...and is having his hearing checked instead.
8
Jeff Sessions passed the ethics test? He's like the Dylann Roof of the Senate.
8
The Republicans shut down the US Government for 13 days in 2013 , which was not a normal state of affairs. Americans had to accept it, didn't they ?
Why should the Inauguration not be postponed for as long as necessary in order to enforce the law ?
Meaning that :(1)Trump must produce his income tax returns & divest himself of all his business responsibilities and
(2) ALL his senior executives must do the same ?
Why does this editorial attempt to give them all excuses that would never be accepted to other Americans ? You say that their failure to comply with the law may be due to "disorganization" or "lack of familiarity " with it.
Come on !
I'd like to see the ordinary citizen try to plead lack of organization and unfamiliarity of the law for HIS failure to comply with it in a timely manner !
Why should the Inauguration not be postponed for as long as necessary in order to enforce the law ?
Meaning that :(1)Trump must produce his income tax returns & divest himself of all his business responsibilities and
(2) ALL his senior executives must do the same ?
Why does this editorial attempt to give them all excuses that would never be accepted to other Americans ? You say that their failure to comply with the law may be due to "disorganization" or "lack of familiarity " with it.
Come on !
I'd like to see the ordinary citizen try to plead lack of organization and unfamiliarity of the law for HIS failure to comply with it in a timely manner !
16
Absolutely. We should really delay the inauguration and call for a new election, with the info that has been released on the Russian hacking, and which should have been released before the election!
7
This is neither surprising nor newsworthy in the land of fake news.
2
This is willful circumvention of the law. And, NYT, what have you done today to get Trump's tax returns? The story is there. Go get it. I rage at Trump that he needs to get ready to do his job (he's never had a real job), but it's time for you to do your job. By any means necessary.
9
Really ?
Not approving a question about whether the publisher is a billionaire ?
is this journailsm or a ptotected chat room ?
Not approving a question about whether the publisher is a billionaire ?
is this journailsm or a ptotected chat room ?
4
"Fish is rotting from the head".
You know what is great with having in government people who have potential hidden criminal liabilities? You can blackmail them.
Now, if you know something about some government functionary, you really can get a bit more free with running your business. Because, should you go under scrutiny, you make clear someone else will as well.
Business will be humming.
You know what is great with having in government people who have potential hidden criminal liabilities? You can blackmail them.
Now, if you know something about some government functionary, you really can get a bit more free with running your business. Because, should you go under scrutiny, you make clear someone else will as well.
Business will be humming.
4
A crook, is a crook, is a crook.
10
Republican hypocrisy in all its glory.
15
Most Republicans will confirm anyone Trump puts up - even if they're wearing an orange jumpsuit and brought in in shackles.
The Republicans are insisting they're all about efficiency, doing the right thing and getting down to work. Those bums think we've forgotten about their shameful busting of the Constitution by refusing to give a hearing to Merrick Garland.
We haven't forgotten. They don't have a leg to stand on. We're
on to them.
Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham: you're life time public servants, veterans & patriots. We know you're disgusted by Trump. We know neither of you voted for Trump. Help us by stepping on some of these bums he's nominated. Deny the worst of them your vote. For the good of your country. We're counting on you.
The Republicans are insisting they're all about efficiency, doing the right thing and getting down to work. Those bums think we've forgotten about their shameful busting of the Constitution by refusing to give a hearing to Merrick Garland.
We haven't forgotten. They don't have a leg to stand on. We're
on to them.
Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham: you're life time public servants, veterans & patriots. We know you're disgusted by Trump. We know neither of you voted for Trump. Help us by stepping on some of these bums he's nominated. Deny the worst of them your vote. For the good of your country. We're counting on you.
311
Each and every one of Trump's primary nominees--i.e. Commerce, AG, Education, NSA, Energy, Labor, etc.--appear to have been made, using the Dart Board System. And each and every one of them missed the board completely!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
10
Please join me in contacting your Senators about this. I just sent a message off to Mr. Schumer and Ms. Gillibrand.
We all have to step up to the plate now more than ever.
We all have to step up to the plate now more than ever.
36
Good Job, mb. Yes, cooperative PUBLIC action is the only way to stop the Robber Baron Party and their talking heads - The Con Don, Mike Pence, Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell.
They will gladly burn down the house to get their way. WE must not let them.
They will gladly burn down the house to get their way. WE must not let them.
22
I bet the lines into these office will be no more message excepted, full. They are not afraid of we the people on the phone lines.
3
It may be against the law, but how will it be enforced? Clearly they do not want to enforce any ethics laws against themselves.
Millions of people in this country could join together in a class-action lawsuit against these corrupt politicians who are harming them by endangering their lives by trashing the ACA.
Doesn't the Supreme Court have a role in any of this?
Millions of people in this country could join together in a class-action lawsuit against these corrupt politicians who are harming them by endangering their lives by trashing the ACA.
Doesn't the Supreme Court have a role in any of this?
5
Silly editors, of course they have to ram rod these nominees through because once El Trumpo and his band of thieves really start "governing", most of the people who elected Trump (Okay, maybe not "most") will start to see just how badly this carnival barker will serve their needs.
Unfortunately, the rest of us will feel the same, dire effects unless, of course, you're a millionaire. Then, "happy days are here again" as you watch your investments, for the time being, soar.
Unfortunately, the rest of us will feel the same, dire effects unless, of course, you're a millionaire. Then, "happy days are here again" as you watch your investments, for the time being, soar.
9
Republican Senators, please do your job and protect our country's principles, not just your guy and your party's power.
You have the responsibility to check and balance the president's use and abuse of our laws and policies. Require Trump's nominees to submit the required paperwork and divest themselves of ethical conflicts before you will even consider confirming them.
Require the same resolution of conflicts from the president-elect himself before you hear him say, "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." It's just wrong to swear in a president who will be in violation of the Constitution's Emoluments Clause the moment he finishes that sentence.
Remember the public outrage when the House tried to weaken the congressional ethics board earlier this week? Well, imagine what would happen if you were to proudly and unabashedly uphold ethics instead! Your approval ratings would skyrocket.
Do the right thing. It will be good for you.
You have the responsibility to check and balance the president's use and abuse of our laws and policies. Require Trump's nominees to submit the required paperwork and divest themselves of ethical conflicts before you will even consider confirming them.
Require the same resolution of conflicts from the president-elect himself before you hear him say, "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." It's just wrong to swear in a president who will be in violation of the Constitution's Emoluments Clause the moment he finishes that sentence.
Remember the public outrage when the House tried to weaken the congressional ethics board earlier this week? Well, imagine what would happen if you were to proudly and unabashedly uphold ethics instead! Your approval ratings would skyrocket.
Do the right thing. It will be good for you.
8
Republicans like John McCain can act now or pay the price later for their ignorance and inaction of Trump's nominees. It's all on their shoulders, and they know it. That is why some Republicans are already starting to slow down their determination to end ObamaCares.
The reality of doing so will have the greatest repercussions on many of their own constituents, not New Yorkers like myself who detest Trump and voted enthusiastically for Hillary. I knew Hillary's would take a bigger bite out of my income but I made (now retired) so much more than the average American a raise in my taxes were long overdue. We upper incomers have coasted since Reagan reduced my tax rate from 70 - 39%. Can the working class say the same about their tax rates? I think not.
Well, there you have it. Do you still wonder why we call Trump supporters deplorable? It's OK with me if you want to continue to make life better for me. My wife and I are doing very well, thank you very much. Wait and see if under Trump it is you or I who improves his lot in life?
DD
Manhattan
The reality of doing so will have the greatest repercussions on many of their own constituents, not New Yorkers like myself who detest Trump and voted enthusiastically for Hillary. I knew Hillary's would take a bigger bite out of my income but I made (now retired) so much more than the average American a raise in my taxes were long overdue. We upper incomers have coasted since Reagan reduced my tax rate from 70 - 39%. Can the working class say the same about their tax rates? I think not.
Well, there you have it. Do you still wonder why we call Trump supporters deplorable? It's OK with me if you want to continue to make life better for me. My wife and I are doing very well, thank you very much. Wait and see if under Trump it is you or I who improves his lot in life?
DD
Manhattan
18
"This is unprecedented, potentially illegal, and the clearest sign yet of Mr. Trump’s cavalier attitude toward criminal laws preventing federal officials from profiting from public service."
OK Democrats, take this to court and get an injunction until the laws are complied with. If this is the law, than do everything in your power to make sure it is respected. Without the rule of law we are nothing.
OK Democrats, take this to court and get an injunction until the laws are complied with. If this is the law, than do everything in your power to make sure it is respected. Without the rule of law we are nothing.
22
It is simple, you can have the hearings but no voting until the process is complete. If nothing is found a simple vote should take no time, if something is found then additional hearings should be done. Seems like two of those that progressives object to the most are already in.
6
Trump is intent on "draining the swap" and the refilling it with even worse predators who will attempt in every way to subvert rules, regulations and laws for their own purposes. I hope the people who voted for this liar are happy with what they are about to get, a swift kick in the butt.
This man and his cohorts have put me in the position of , for the first time in my life, being ashamed and scared of our soon-to-be president and the entire leadership of our government. I have not always liked our presidents or agreed with their policies but I have always respected them until now. G-d help the USA for the next four years.
This man and his cohorts have put me in the position of , for the first time in my life, being ashamed and scared of our soon-to-be president and the entire leadership of our government. I have not always liked our presidents or agreed with their policies but I have always respected them until now. G-d help the USA for the next four years.
17
Only the beginning of a chaotic administration to be. Republicans have majorities in Congress and the Grifter as Chief. Recipe for criminal behavior that will not be punished because of minions occupying the seats of power. Do not fill the vacant spot on the Supreme Court. Please.
12
Democratic Senators need to learn to fight better, and harder. The GOP has a narrow majority. There is no reason to let them get a pass on the nomination of candidates who don't meet clear standards or ethical guidelines.
23
This is really scary indeed. We are having billionaires with shady and ruthless backgrounds as cabinets members. The Trumps and his son in law dealings with the chinese and the russians. His son in law has his own shady family background. The Roman Empire is awakening again. They will be the new aristocrats. Heil Ceasar! Ceasar who had now qualms killing 100s to 100,000 soldiers to acquire his empire, who enslaved the conquered, made the men soldiers o fight for him or die. The rest of us will be like his "foot soldiers"; expendable. The people who voted for these guys will be in for a rude awakening in years to come. Have we learned nothing from History? We are doomed to repeat it over and over. Welcome to a new world order.
22
Jump starting the confirmation process for conflicted billionaires before they submit required financial disclosure or execute ethics agreements is not as the Times speculates "a result of disorganization-or lack of familiarity with the rules." It is manifestly an end run around disclosure by the most conflicted nominees in the most sensitive and critical positions in government (not including Trump). Nominee failures to abide by such obvious and important rules and disclosure may well be criminal acts. But of course, who is going to prosecute them?
26
These cabinet appointee thugs can "defer" personal taxes in the tens of millions after unloading assets prior to assuming office, but a mom & pop proprietorship getting behind on self-employment tax can only obtain "deferment" by amassing & immediately payable huge (for them) penalties & interest from the feds. Lovely system, what?
16
"The Trump team’s failures could be the result of disorganization — or a lack of familiarity with the rules."
The fact that they are pressuring the ethics office demonstrates that the Trump team understands the law, they just don't want to follow it. Come on Democrats, get the courts involved, make this a big deal in the press, fight back.
The fact that they are pressuring the ethics office demonstrates that the Trump team understands the law, they just don't want to follow it. Come on Democrats, get the courts involved, make this a big deal in the press, fight back.
64
And it had better be done before this coup includes 100 freshly appointed federal judges prepped for a religious inquisition.
5
The correct headline of this editorial should be "GOP Giving Trump Nominees A Pass." The dratted current headline makes it seem as if it is perfectly OK to give nominees a pass. It most definitely is not. I am fed up with the GOP members of Congress. They have not been doing the jobs they are being paid to do for years. Now they are escalating their non-performance by paying no respect to the law itself. Since the GOP has a strangle hold on Congress, there is not a darn thing a voter like me, who lives in a blue state, can do.
When are the voters in red states going to stop sending lawless brats to Congress?
When are the voters in red states going to stop sending lawless brats to Congress?
35
The day the filings are due for each nominee if he/she has not filed a proper disclosure and secured all investments in a blind trust, our Congress should initiate an investigation and file charges.
I expect nothing less.
Furthermore, Senate should refuse confirmation of anyone whose forms are not complete and all divestures completed. Send them back REJECTED!
The last thing the US needs is a president who thinks he and all his cronies are above the law. That is the stuff of Banana Republics. Is that what we want?
I expect nothing less.
Furthermore, Senate should refuse confirmation of anyone whose forms are not complete and all divestures completed. Send them back REJECTED!
The last thing the US needs is a president who thinks he and all his cronies are above the law. That is the stuff of Banana Republics. Is that what we want?
45
A minority of voters apparently do.
3
This is horrifying. Please won't someone initiate legal action against these nominees that will stop them form taking office or remove them from office? Cannot the Obama Department of Justice initiate it, or state governments, or the Democratic party, or a citizens group take action through the courts? I would contribute to pay the costs.
22
You are easily horrified, and since nobody has been approved without the process being complete folks as usual are whining about nothing.
2
write call and tweet your congressman: they must not confirm without proper vetting. The cure for this malfeasance is that these folks don't get on the cabinet.
5
Railroading illegality is far from "nothing."
3
138 is the current record. It's held by the Reagan administration who had 138 members indicted or convicted of corruption or fraud.
Trump's team of oligarchs and ideologues is sure to shatter this record set by the great Republican Saint Reagan....
Trump's team of oligarchs and ideologues is sure to shatter this record set by the great Republican Saint Reagan....
48
NYT: "Mr. Trump himself has not set an inspiring example. The ethics office is reportedly working with his lawyers to encourage him to do what the law demands of his cabinet: divest and enter office free of conflicts. He is the only incoming president in modern history who has refused to do so."
What is to be done about Trump's refusal to do what the law *demands*?
Who is going to do it?
Under what authority?
It's a fait accompli, or soon will be,.
Essentially it's a coup d'état.
What is to be done about Trump's refusal to do what the law *demands*?
Who is going to do it?
Under what authority?
It's a fait accompli, or soon will be,.
Essentially it's a coup d'état.
34
Shall we resurrect the committees who harassed President Clinton?
Trump is thin-skinned enough to really lose it over that.
Trump is thin-skinned enough to really lose it over that.
9
Nothing requires the president to do anything. He is not selling companies with his name on them, and if he did he still would want them to be successful. Folks are ethical because they want to be, not that they no longer own say stock. Exxon is a great example their CEO worked there for his entire career and I bet he will always want them to be successful, but not by cheating.
2
The special prosecutor law may need to be reinstated. The republicans thought it was so crucial to look into the clintons failed real estate deal. Well, here we have thousands of real estate deals, with conflicts galore. Self dealing unceasing. Yes we need to reinstate the special prosecutor law.
3
Trump thinks his kleptocracy is legal and he really doesn't care if his cabinet members go down in flames.
21
That's fine.
Let's oblige him.
Let's oblige him.
3
Calling all Americans, calling all Americans: Please secure your seat belts because we are in for a bumpy ride for the next four years. This is going to make the McCarthy hearings look like Sesame Street for Children.
16
You mean calling all progressive Americans, Trump supporters are waiting for change and not getting excited by stuff like this unless people are actually voted on and approved without proper process.
1
Trump, step by step, is building a massive case of distrust and corruption in office.
If he keeps it up, he'll end up out of office, and rather more quickly than he anticipated.
Maybe he should keep his day job ... oh, that's the problem.
If he keeps it up, he'll end up out of office, and rather more quickly than he anticipated.
Maybe he should keep his day job ... oh, that's the problem.
19
We've been getting it backwards all these centuries.
Corruption seeks power
Absolute Corruption seeks Absolute Power.
Corruption seeks power
Absolute Corruption seeks Absolute Power.
19
Make the Swamp Great Again.
24
Putin's appointees don't need vetting, why should Drumph's? Oligarchy does what Oligarchy does.
17
Here are three simple FACTS:
1.) The Russians sought to influence the presidential election using nefarious means.
2.) The person with the most to gain was Donald Trump.
3.) The ONLY senior political figure to refute fact one is Donald Trump.
This BEGS the question: did Donald Trump collude with the Russians to win the presidency?
This is a perfectly reasonable and logical question. Why isn't anyone asking it?
1.) The Russians sought to influence the presidential election using nefarious means.
2.) The person with the most to gain was Donald Trump.
3.) The ONLY senior political figure to refute fact one is Donald Trump.
This BEGS the question: did Donald Trump collude with the Russians to win the presidency?
This is a perfectly reasonable and logical question. Why isn't anyone asking it?
21
There has Never been Anything like what we are now seeing from Moscow Donald & the Republican Party. If roles were reversed & a Democrat President-elect with a Democrat controlled Congress were trying to pull a fast one on the American Public the Republicans would be whining like a newborn baby. The recent Frontline on PBS about Don the Con is unprecedented in OUR Political History because it laid it all out about the incoming president that he was taken under the wing of the Despicable Roy Cohn who coached him to be Nasty & to use Lying as a Tactic. It showed that he is Not a good businessman & that he is Extremely Narcissistic. In the past the media would give an incoming president at least 100 days before they started calling him out on any issues but then Moscow Donald is unlike any President-elect in OUR History.
Don the Con said he was going to drain the swamp instead he's making it Bigger with his cabinet nominees trying to skirt the law. Don the Con asked his people repeatedly Who was going to pay for the Wall & they screamed with Delight Mexico but if a Wall is built it'll be His People who help foot the bill.
And while all these Shenanigan are going on the Republican Party is right there to Rubber Stamp them. Based on everything I've observed about the Republicans since Reagan but especially during Obama's Presidency they no longer believe in the Tenets of OUR Democracy & will do Almost Anything to have it their way & still people keep voting for them - SAD!
Don the Con said he was going to drain the swamp instead he's making it Bigger with his cabinet nominees trying to skirt the law. Don the Con asked his people repeatedly Who was going to pay for the Wall & they screamed with Delight Mexico but if a Wall is built it'll be His People who help foot the bill.
And while all these Shenanigan are going on the Republican Party is right there to Rubber Stamp them. Based on everything I've observed about the Republicans since Reagan but especially during Obama's Presidency they no longer believe in the Tenets of OUR Democracy & will do Almost Anything to have it their way & still people keep voting for them - SAD!
17
This sounds more like a criminal takeover than a change of administration.
19
How could this surprise anyone? Trump and his crowd believe they are king of the hill and can do whatever they want. All I ask of the DEM's, to be fair, is to hold the GOP to the same standard they held President Obama and Secretary Clinton.
15
And Pres Clinton.
Dear Sen McCain, please do what you can to bring your fellow republicans back to their senses.
Are you the last Senator who has a sense of right and wrong regardless of who and on which side he/she is, has a sense of right and wrong?
Dear Sen McCain, please do what you can to bring your fellow republicans back to their senses.
Are you the last Senator who has a sense of right and wrong regardless of who and on which side he/she is, has a sense of right and wrong?
5
Nice hit job on Tillerson. You have the headline about nominees skirting the law and put up a picture of Tillerson. But buried in paragraph eight it is revealed that he is one of only three nominees who has fully complied as of this date.
7
Right because he was getting ready to retire and actually gave up 7 million to serve us, now that is not much to him, but a lot to us normal people. Exxon cashed him out.
4
Fine. He might even be free of conflicts just now. But does anyone really believe that he doesn't have powerful allegiances or implicit promises of future reward based on his decades in the oil industry and potential for making deals that benefit oil companies and disadvantage the rest of us?
4
I'll avert my eyes next time I see the Tillerson footage receiving his Medal of Friendship from Putun. That'll keep me from reading a whole article - like all the way down to the (my god!) the eighth paragraph.
3
An all powerful leader surrounded by billionaire cronies. Sound familiar?
12
Unless we are one people under one system of justice we are doomed. Trump appears to believe (and acts) like he is above the law. Now we have his transition team and supporters in the Senate trying to get around any disclosure. This is NOT how American Democracy operates. But it DOES seem to take a page from Putin's Russia.
16
If you can't or won't complete a government form you should not be part of the government.
If we don't know your financial conflicts of interest, as shown in your tax returns, you should not be in public office.
If we don't know your financial conflicts of interest, as shown in your tax returns, you should not be in public office.
24
The president-elect and his band of billionaires are here to loot the treasury. Would you have expected Al Capone to follow rules and law?
25
"The Trump team’s failures could be the result of disorganization — or a lack of familiarity with the rules.". Or, a complete disregard of the rules.
21
Dan, I believe you assessment is correct, those in the quote absurd. If I was aware of the rules from incidents of exclusion from the past, how could a president-elect and his advisors not be? Either they are complete idiot know-nothings or they have other plans in mind. What a mess Trump voters and non-voters have bequeathed us.
6
Or as you should know they did not get a running start as most others have done. This paper insisted that Trump did not expect to win so did not get the ball rolling as early as those in the past.
the lede gives the impression of a directive and really needs rewrite...
"Don't give Trump's Nominess a Pass!
that is the conclusion, why not the lede?
"Don't give Trump's Nominess a Pass!
that is the conclusion, why not the lede?
6
I often wondered what a cabal would look like- now I know.
15
The NYT should publish an interactive org chart showing all the cabinet nominations Trump has made with a short bio pop-up when you mouse-over. Or something. There are too many to keep straight in my head, and the conflicts are so myriad, it's hard to remember who has which conflict for which office.
23
Imagine how bad Rudy Giuliani's conflicts of interests were for him not to have made the cut even with this ethically dubious lot!
11
Mark my words.
Soon his own supporters will turn on him.
Soon his own supporters will turn on him.
8
Gee, did Elaine Chou and Mitch McConnell get divorced at some point? She is the wife of the majority leader of the Senate. Her position, once she's confirmed, will hand out more pork than all the bar-b-que restaurants in the country together. Why can't a serious newspaper like The New York Times point out that she fits into a very specialized, ethics-defying, and deadly category of corruption, cross-governmental branch nepotism? C'mon, folks, the Chou-McConnell marriage ought to be something mentioned every time she is named as potential or sitting cabinet officer.
20
Why not give them a pass? It's what they do in Russia. All of Putin's appointees are extremely wealthy, some are billionaires. It works great. They get to keep their money and get richer off the backs of ordinary Russians and if any of them should rub Vladimir the wrong way they might wind up with Polonium 80 in their tea. {itom os tje de factp dictator of Russia.
Trump wants to be dictator of America. Anyone remember these? They are direct quotes from his speeches:
“Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it…. I am your voice.”
“I will give you what you’ve been looking for for 50 years. I’m the only one.”
“I am your voice, said Trump. I alone can fix it. I will restore law and order.”
Adolph has risen from the grave.
And the media is either too blind to see it or just too cowardly.
Trump wants to be dictator of America. Anyone remember these? They are direct quotes from his speeches:
“Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it…. I am your voice.”
“I will give you what you’ve been looking for for 50 years. I’m the only one.”
“I am your voice, said Trump. I alone can fix it. I will restore law and order.”
Adolph has risen from the grave.
And the media is either too blind to see it or just too cowardly.
10
Spread the word on social media (the crooks are trying again) and get on the phones, swamp the congressional switchboards. You have a minority of representatives and they need all your help, support and the power that you really do still have. Please use it.
9
Don the Con's cabinet picks are just following the lead of our incoming POTUS. Ethics are for the Democrats, we are here to enable Don the Con and us to make a lot of money from "government service". Don the Con and his followers are setting the stage for the second American revolution!
4
GOP Leadership is already drawing up plans for Trump's impeachment or resignation and Mike Pence as President.
3
This is going to be the most corrupt administration in history
10
Laws are inconvenient. If only I could rob a bank when I need a new car, but the law says no.
It's not fair!
It's not fair!
10
So Hillary and Bill, and many of their cronies, have become multi- millionaires exactly how?
1
exactly how is this relevant to the matter at hand? It isn't. If Hillary tore someone's jugular vein out with her teeth on the capital steps, it would not make it alright if agent orange did the same. They would both have to be charged with murder. Saying "but she did it" didn't pull any weight in elementary school, and it still doesn't.
7
The abuse of this process is intended to accustom us to the abuse of other legal processes as this administration seeks to impose its will on the Constitution, Congress, and the Courts. We are supposed to get used to illegal as well as unprincipled behavior by our Great Leader and his Lackeys. And there will be no accountability even if the Democrats take over; Republicans cry will be that any investigation, accountability, or charges are all about revenge, not justice or the restoration of law.
11
This overheated focus on conflicts or latent corruption is what dissuades many from entering public life. From the moment of selection, once admirable and successful people are , suddenly, crooks in the making. Since the election, we have seen many efforts to delegitimize this incoming administration. I may not have supported Trump but I hope he is accomplishes good things. Why would i want otherwise unless my desire for a kind of revenge was greater than my patriotism. Business people own things , make deals, have debt. That does not mean they will demean themselves or the nation. I have to assume that people are motivated to do good and not that they are mendacious and self serving. Give this administration a chance. If it fails, we all are far worse off than we started.
3
we are a country of laws, not of men. Mr. Trump and his cabinet are answerable to that law, just as we all are. If they don't like it, they don't have to be a part of the cabinet. That is their choice. It is not their choice whether or not to abide by the laws of the US.
5
how many times, when republicans are passing things like "the patriot act", which makes it permissible to spy on citizens, did the GOP tell us "If you have done nothing wrong you have nothing to fear.".
Mr. Trump and his nominees have nothing to fear from a little daylight shined upon their business affairs, if they have done nothing wrong.
This is a nation of laws, which apply to all. They do not except billionaires, or the elite, or the privileged.
Mr. Trump and his nominees have nothing to fear from a little daylight shined upon their business affairs, if they have done nothing wrong.
This is a nation of laws, which apply to all. They do not except billionaires, or the elite, or the privileged.
3
This is a very dangerous precedent for the United States. If this is allowed to happen it will continue into future generations and enable organized crime to take the helm. It is the beginning of a very slippery slope and it should be one of our main concerns right now. I used to joke about fascism, but this is a real opportunity for it to take hold.
11
republicans care nothing for ethics or the law. We are headed for some very dark times.
10
no wonder the first thing congress tried to do was eliminate the ethics office
17
"Behind every great fortune there lies a crime." And sometimes in front of it.
10
So its the usual bedfellows who have chosen to be bitter enders for this Presidency. Bring it on, then!
1
And too many of the electorate thought Hillary was "crooked"! I guess it takes one to know one. But we aint seen nothing yet with trump. This can of worms is just starting to be opened.
14
Trump's approval is sinking. By his actions he will reap becoming a bottom feeder only. He richly deserves it!
11
The NYT Board is so relentlessly predictable and partisan that their words mean nothing. We get it. Every single thing a Republican says or does will be met with outrage and no Democrat will every be criticized for anything.
Preaching to the choir feels good for bubble-dwellers, but it has no impact on broader society. Maybe if the NYT was not so slavishly partisan, its opinions would mean something. As of now, it is as predictably partisan as its peer, Fox News.
Preaching to the choir feels good for bubble-dwellers, but it has no impact on broader society. Maybe if the NYT was not so slavishly partisan, its opinions would mean something. As of now, it is as predictably partisan as its peer, Fox News.
1
Mike James, please elaborate. What exactly is your argument in favor of Mr. Trump, or what he stands for, or his appointments, or his policies?
7
So, Trump gets a pass on all those things we know so well that I don't have to list to NYT readers again.
And his Cabinet Nominee's get a pass from disclosure and divestment requirements Obama and his people had to observe.
And Trump's family gets a pass from nepotism laws.
And Trump's kid gets a pass from having to move into the White House, so he can stay at "home" at an obscene price to New Yorker's and the American tax payer so he can finish the year at his chosen school, but not the kids of our current Ambassadors.
And Trump's military nominees get a pass from laws about how long they have to have been out of uniform before they can act in civilian military oversight roles.
Wouldn't it just be easier for Trump to release a short list of things he won't request a "pass" for? Not that he wouldn't change his mind later.
Just because he ran saying he wouldn't pay attention to the rules, does that mean he really doesn't have to? Really? Is there no way to restrain this madman? Is our system really this weak?
And his Cabinet Nominee's get a pass from disclosure and divestment requirements Obama and his people had to observe.
And Trump's family gets a pass from nepotism laws.
And Trump's kid gets a pass from having to move into the White House, so he can stay at "home" at an obscene price to New Yorker's and the American tax payer so he can finish the year at his chosen school, but not the kids of our current Ambassadors.
And Trump's military nominees get a pass from laws about how long they have to have been out of uniform before they can act in civilian military oversight roles.
Wouldn't it just be easier for Trump to release a short list of things he won't request a "pass" for? Not that he wouldn't change his mind later.
Just because he ran saying he wouldn't pay attention to the rules, does that mean he really doesn't have to? Really? Is there no way to restrain this madman? Is our system really this weak?
15
The American right wing and a percentage of moderates sufficient too elect a bankrupt to our highest office did so without the slightest concern that Trump refused to reveal his tax returns.
What on god's green planet leads anyone to believe that his nominees will respond differently?
Why Americans would abuse the sacrifices of their fathers and mothers and forebears by electing a graft and corruption prone chief executive is well beyond my ken.
What on god's green planet leads anyone to believe that his nominees will respond differently?
Why Americans would abuse the sacrifices of their fathers and mothers and forebears by electing a graft and corruption prone chief executive is well beyond my ken.
16
Our Twit-ter president elect is not draining the swamp, he just made it waterfront property, and is selling the new "Washington cookie jar resort" off to billionaires.
12
It is time to see the "emperors suit of clothes" for what it is: treachery. We have elected a Russia-loving "fellow traveler" and Traitor. Let the trial begin!
8
The Republican Senate just spent the better part of a year hijacking the Supreme Court. I don't imagine simply ignoring (or changing) the confirmation process would even cause them to break a sweat. Buckle up, campers - you ain't seen nothin' yet.
9
Republicans are afraid if they don't do what Donald Trump wants he will just call on the Russians to destroy their next elections.
Now that he knows it works, why not use it again? After all, he wants to pal with Putin and probably has paid Wiki-leaks to get on board. Two favorites, what would stop him?
Now that he knows it works, why not use it again? After all, he wants to pal with Putin and probably has paid Wiki-leaks to get on board. Two favorites, what would stop him?
8
Disclosure? Transparency? 278s? We don't need any pesky disclosure forms! Didn't you know that the only qualification necessary for someone to serve in Trump's Cabinet is "rich"? Greedy, selfish, and disdainful of ordinary Americans are qualities that are just icing on the cake of wealth -- nice to have, but secondary to "rich."
12
We now know the election was tainted by Mr. Putin and now the GOP congress is all set to taint the vetting of Trump's cabinet picks.
9
This is the tip of the "devil may care" iceberg that may sink trump's ship of state.
3
Irrespective of one's political bend, you have to give the Republicans their due. A decade ago they methodically went about the political business of taking control at the local then state level. Next they gerrymandered districts to the point that they now control Congress and the White House, and likely SCOTUS sometime in 2017. The cabinet confirmation process is their latest brilliant move - holding multiple hearings simultaneously so the Dems will be running hither and yon with limited time or resources to challenge all the valid points cited in the op ed.
And while the Repubs may not like their soon to be President choice, he and his cabinet picks will further dismantle government to their liking.
The party of NO has just become the party of we will do anything we want and there is nothing 'you' [pick any name you like to fill in the 'you' blank] can do to stop us.
And by the time most Americans wake up [assuming they do] to the fact that they have been had and have voted against their own interests, the fabric of America will be so tattered that even Betsy Ross would have difficulty mending it.
William Safire would likely be proud that his powerful words - 'Nattering nabobs of negativism' - have resurfaced anew decades later as the war on the media continues, this time delivered by a reality show master.
And while the Repubs may not like their soon to be President choice, he and his cabinet picks will further dismantle government to their liking.
The party of NO has just become the party of we will do anything we want and there is nothing 'you' [pick any name you like to fill in the 'you' blank] can do to stop us.
And by the time most Americans wake up [assuming they do] to the fact that they have been had and have voted against their own interests, the fabric of America will be so tattered that even Betsy Ross would have difficulty mending it.
William Safire would likely be proud that his powerful words - 'Nattering nabobs of negativism' - have resurfaced anew decades later as the war on the media continues, this time delivered by a reality show master.
17
Trump said that he would drain the swamp, but he didn't say that the creatures in the muck at the bottom would be vetted.
9
If the GOP confirms people who are breaking the law, then we are in real trouble.
If you object, tell your representative that you will vote accordingly. Silence is complicity.
Silence loses you the right to complain about consequences.
If you object, tell your representative that you will vote accordingly. Silence is complicity.
Silence loses you the right to complain about consequences.
17
To my Democratic congress:
It's your responsibility to ensure the rules are followed. Yes, you are in the minority, but I bet you could find thousands if not millions of citizens marching to D.C. to support you. Our Constitution depends on this. It's not political, its moral. Just say the word and I will be there.
It's your responsibility to ensure the rules are followed. Yes, you are in the minority, but I bet you could find thousands if not millions of citizens marching to D.C. to support you. Our Constitution depends on this. It's not political, its moral. Just say the word and I will be there.
18
This "administration" is just one joke after the next. The cronies being put into positions where they can profit is grotesque and the idea they don't have to comply with the law shows that we're facing a dictatorship. While trump intimidated and lied himself into the presidency with his TV background and a bunch of hapless voters (drain the swamp, jail her, ....), we'll pay this bigly price for decades to come. SAD
18
Soon much of his cabinet will be in violation of the law.
Let us hope it won't be too long before they're in jail.
Let us hope it won't be too long before they're in jail.
9
Nominees who don't provide full financial disclosure, sign ethical agreements & fully answer questions during senate hearings should be dumped immediately. Most of Trump's nominees fail this essential test.
Financially, morally, ethically compromised:
Jeff Sessions (Attorney General), Steven Munchin (Treasury), Wilbur Ross (Commerce), Tom Price (HEW), Scott Pruitt (EPA), Ryan Zinke (Interior).
Unqualified by virtue of no relevant experience to lead their agencies absent campaign donations & connections:
Betsy DeVos (Education), Ben Carson (Housing), Linda McMahon
(Small Business Administration).
Unqualified by virtue of their public stance & efforts to undermine, shred or terminate the agency they would helm:
Betsy DeVos (Education), Ben Carson (Housing), Tom Price (HEW), Scott Pruitt (EPA), Ryan Zinke (Interior), Rick Perry.
Worst of the deluded, deranged & dangerous:
General Mike Flynn (National Security Advisor)
Stephen Bannon (Chief Strategist)
Neither needs confirmation.
Bottom of the barrel, so extreme only Trump would dare nominate them:
Scott Pruitt (EPA), Tom Price (HEW), Betsy DeVos (Education)
Laughing Stock/Garbage Choice (should be forced to withdraw now):
Jeff Sessions (Attorney General)
Trump has only 1 outstanding choice of great experience & moral rectitude:
General James Matthis (Defense)
Given Matthis' patriotism & decency, he'll likely resign eventually to escape the corruption, stupidity & bad faith of the rest of the Cabinet.
Financially, morally, ethically compromised:
Jeff Sessions (Attorney General), Steven Munchin (Treasury), Wilbur Ross (Commerce), Tom Price (HEW), Scott Pruitt (EPA), Ryan Zinke (Interior).
Unqualified by virtue of no relevant experience to lead their agencies absent campaign donations & connections:
Betsy DeVos (Education), Ben Carson (Housing), Linda McMahon
(Small Business Administration).
Unqualified by virtue of their public stance & efforts to undermine, shred or terminate the agency they would helm:
Betsy DeVos (Education), Ben Carson (Housing), Tom Price (HEW), Scott Pruitt (EPA), Ryan Zinke (Interior), Rick Perry.
Worst of the deluded, deranged & dangerous:
General Mike Flynn (National Security Advisor)
Stephen Bannon (Chief Strategist)
Neither needs confirmation.
Bottom of the barrel, so extreme only Trump would dare nominate them:
Scott Pruitt (EPA), Tom Price (HEW), Betsy DeVos (Education)
Laughing Stock/Garbage Choice (should be forced to withdraw now):
Jeff Sessions (Attorney General)
Trump has only 1 outstanding choice of great experience & moral rectitude:
General James Matthis (Defense)
Given Matthis' patriotism & decency, he'll likely resign eventually to escape the corruption, stupidity & bad faith of the rest of the Cabinet.
14
If they can do an end around without fear of prosecution, they will! No hearings without the disclosures!
9
For me, Republicans have gone too far! They have trampled the Constitution, compromised democratic practices and put party before country. In my view, they have committed treason and pose a dire threat, greater than any terrorism plot.
However, I understand most people aren't there yet. Apparently, the Democratic Party and their loyal adherents are willing to complain and protest but in reality, do nothing that will stop the rise of totalitarianism at the hands of a despot. Republicans continue their un-American ways because they are emboldened by a lack of resistance. Of course, at some point they will go too far. Unfortunately, at that point, a peaceful resolution will be impossible.
What concerns me the most (as if the foregoing wasn't bad enough) is that we are dealing with a dangerous, mentally unstable megalomaniac and a political party that is blinded by ambition, power and the riches that go to the victor, and who controls the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world.
Red flags are waving everywhere, the evidence is all around us, and still we do nothing to stop this. The best that can be hoped for is that we do live to regret it. I'm going to stay and fight because frankly, there is no safe harbor.
This is a worldwide disaster in the making and if you read foreign journals and newspapers, they understand from afar what is unfolding. Our allies and our enemies understand. Rest assured, Putin understands!
However, I understand most people aren't there yet. Apparently, the Democratic Party and their loyal adherents are willing to complain and protest but in reality, do nothing that will stop the rise of totalitarianism at the hands of a despot. Republicans continue their un-American ways because they are emboldened by a lack of resistance. Of course, at some point they will go too far. Unfortunately, at that point, a peaceful resolution will be impossible.
What concerns me the most (as if the foregoing wasn't bad enough) is that we are dealing with a dangerous, mentally unstable megalomaniac and a political party that is blinded by ambition, power and the riches that go to the victor, and who controls the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world.
Red flags are waving everywhere, the evidence is all around us, and still we do nothing to stop this. The best that can be hoped for is that we do live to regret it. I'm going to stay and fight because frankly, there is no safe harbor.
This is a worldwide disaster in the making and if you read foreign journals and newspapers, they understand from afar what is unfolding. Our allies and our enemies understand. Rest assured, Putin understands!
11
This is just the beginning my friends. President Buffoon, his minions, and his GOP clown posse will chip away at our democracy for the next four years. We have sown the wind and now we will reap the whirlwind.
9
Confirm them. Indict them. Jail them. Rinse and repeat as necessary.
6
I am not old enough to have experienced lynch mobs on the Old south, but the crowd here sure sounds like one
2
You must be delusional if you think of the comments here as the same as a good ole fashioned Southern Lynch mob. Trump and his cronies need to be held to. the letter of the law and if they refuse to do so then they are unfit for public service. That is all these commentators are asking
5
@fortress
Considering you are probably White, you'd be excluded from that horrific reality, as you would be part of the lynch mob.
A thoroughly thoughtless and insensitive analogy -- Considering with the (s)election of Trump, we are steadily reeling back the years to the time of Jim Crow.
Considering you are probably White, you'd be excluded from that horrific reality, as you would be part of the lynch mob.
A thoroughly thoughtless and insensitive analogy -- Considering with the (s)election of Trump, we are steadily reeling back the years to the time of Jim Crow.
3
f A
You are obviously a cool dude. And young-ish (you have no idea how recently lynchings have been carried out). And somewhat interested in politics.
So here's what I'd like to tell you: This is an existential issue. This is the installation of a new government, which has occurred peacefully in this country because of agreed upon rules, laws, and modes of behavior.
Trump has trashed them all. He has spent many free tweets (covered ad nauseum by the likes of our hosts here) convincing his followers that all that tradition is responsible for every gripe and ouchie they experience in their lives.
He has been given a free pass, in part, because he violated traditions, expectations, protocol, not so much the law.
But this, this issue here, is one of the first, times when he is clearly aiming to break a clearly stated law that goes back to the founding nanosecond of the country.
And, in order to break that law, he has to take the entire Republican party along with him. They have to say, clearly, "we no longer believe in this country, or its laws, because we are more important than America".
Smart boy! You're right! They HAVE been saying that, in so many words too, for a long time now. But this is the first time they have to put their names to a treasonous document, to declare themselves loudly and irrevocably.
The results could be terrible, right down to people suffering in the streets.
So, yeah, it's a pretty good time to get worked up a bit. You join in.
You are obviously a cool dude. And young-ish (you have no idea how recently lynchings have been carried out). And somewhat interested in politics.
So here's what I'd like to tell you: This is an existential issue. This is the installation of a new government, which has occurred peacefully in this country because of agreed upon rules, laws, and modes of behavior.
Trump has trashed them all. He has spent many free tweets (covered ad nauseum by the likes of our hosts here) convincing his followers that all that tradition is responsible for every gripe and ouchie they experience in their lives.
He has been given a free pass, in part, because he violated traditions, expectations, protocol, not so much the law.
But this, this issue here, is one of the first, times when he is clearly aiming to break a clearly stated law that goes back to the founding nanosecond of the country.
And, in order to break that law, he has to take the entire Republican party along with him. They have to say, clearly, "we no longer believe in this country, or its laws, because we are more important than America".
Smart boy! You're right! They HAVE been saying that, in so many words too, for a long time now. But this is the first time they have to put their names to a treasonous document, to declare themselves loudly and irrevocably.
The results could be terrible, right down to people suffering in the streets.
So, yeah, it's a pretty good time to get worked up a bit. You join in.
2
Beyond the wealth of these appointees, Rachel Maddow last night that 8 of them will have their vetting hearings on Wednesday at the same time that his holiness is having his press conference., which will obviously cloud over anything the hearings will uncover, good or bad!
11
The election is over and recriminations must end. Let history be the judge.
1
The election may be over but the violations of law, precedent, and the trust of the American people rage.
7
This isn't about the election, this is about following the law. Or is the law only for Democrats and Republicans are excluded? The law is meant to protect the people and those that serve the people from individuals who would private interest above the public interest. As Trump is the first president in generations not ti disclose his taxes, I think we have a right too expect the rule of law to be applied to those required by law to report their holdings and potential conflicts of interests. What are they afraid of? Drain the Swamp, not.
8
The only way to cure this is to enforce the law.
12
Given the recent blowback on the House's attempts to gut independent ethics oversight for House members, it's pretty darn clear that the American people expect ethical governance. Time to call your Senators and House representative and remind them (again) of this.
13
As we will see in the coming months, there will be exceptions to the rule of law made for anything that has Trumps stamp on it. The swamp won't get drained, but will be filled with more dangerous creatures - dangerous self-serving creatures. It is amazing that the POTUS doesn't have to fill out a 278 but his choices for office do. And it is also amazing that most of us that work for good corporate citizens also have to sign an ethics pledge when our Congress wants to give these folks a pass. No wonder they wanted to dismantle the OGE!
10
I got through all the nonsense about why being a billionaire is proof you are a good person. But was stopped short by a comment suggesting that since Washington didn't sell his farm Trump should be able to keep his businesses. It reminded me that Washington also kept his slaves. So I realized what Trump means by making America great again.
9
Unless American lawmakers nip this in the bud, abuse will continue and garner greater support from Trump's following - "who needs laws when we are draining the swamp?" or "there are no greater laws than being right!".
Where will it go from there?
Where will it go from there?
14
To minimize the potential damage to the country by some of Trump's nominees, they should be relocated or exiled to such place as Dry Tortuga and/or Aleutian Islands.
6
What bothers me most is the hypocrisy of the Republicans. If a Democratic President was trying to fast walk the nominations through, they would be held up for a year with various objections. Republicans have truly shown themselves to be only interested in power, not the public good. Party above Country is now their creed.
15
I would like to see more attention paid to the fact that these billionaire appointees are given the chance to cash out of a lifetime of gains tax free. This is a huge perk for billionaires and another way we get bilked.
How would you like, as a perk of taking on a new job, to have most of the taxes you ever owed forgiven forever?
This is not unique to Trump, but he is using it in a way that reeks of crony capitalism.
How would you like, as a perk of taking on a new job, to have most of the taxes you ever owed forgiven forever?
This is not unique to Trump, but he is using it in a way that reeks of crony capitalism.
5
We are being Led by a Pretentious President-Elect who has succeeded as
totally "Unvetted". Meanwhile, his Goal is Not to Serve, but Be Observed.
totally "Unvetted". Meanwhile, his Goal is Not to Serve, but Be Observed.
5
trump indicating that he will (within 90 days) assemble a committee to investigate the Russian hacking is like locking the barn door after the horse has bolted. And what you are left with inside the barn house is a huge dump of sh.t, which is getting larger by the minute with his nominees who also have strong ties to the Russians. Something really needs to be done.
5
Most of the Republican Congress will not do, nor say anything. They have achieved their goal of regaining power and it is irrelevant to them how they got there. Only the people, with massive (peaceful) marches on DC repeated over and over, can bring about change. The press, of course needs to change from focusing on entertainment to analytical honesty.
3
Over and over one reads opinions such as "It's going to be a long four years!" or "I"m already sick of Donald Trump and his refusal to play by the rules" etc;
Why are we all meekly accepting this situation and plodding along like lambs to a grisly slaughter? Clearly Trump is not presidential material and I for one will never accept him in that role. If you too have strong doubts, then you shouldn't either. It's time for Americans to openly protest this horrible situation the rabid Repubs have created.
Why are we all meekly accepting this situation and plodding along like lambs to a grisly slaughter? Clearly Trump is not presidential material and I for one will never accept him in that role. If you too have strong doubts, then you shouldn't either. It's time for Americans to openly protest this horrible situation the rabid Repubs have created.
12
Now that we know we have an illegitimate president, why should we be surprised with his cabinet picks? That the Republicans will push the rules under the rug for their guy, again, no surprise there. If you thought Citizens United was the end of democracy, you haven't seen anything yet. I once, half jokingly, suggested that the Supreme Court would make it legal to just buy a citizens vote, outright. This prospect does not seem as remote as it used to, and in a year, it will look even less remote. During the Civil War, the rich could buy their way out of the draft by paying someone $300.00 to take their place.
I find the funniest and most ironic thing, is that the working class people who supposedly felt left out and passed over, decided that Donald Trump, of all people, would be their blue collar savior. What could be further from reality than Comrade Trump being their salvation? I still don't think they know they have been duped because FOX news never told them. Do they even know that none of DJT's cabinet selections have any idea about their problems and are in it only for the money?
I find the funniest and most ironic thing, is that the working class people who supposedly felt left out and passed over, decided that Donald Trump, of all people, would be their blue collar savior. What could be further from reality than Comrade Trump being their salvation? I still don't think they know they have been duped because FOX news never told them. Do they even know that none of DJT's cabinet selections have any idea about their problems and are in it only for the money?
4
Private Citizen Donald Trump should have tapped Scott Walker as VP. So far, there are so many holes in the "credentials" of just about ALL of his nominees, they they remind me of Swiss Cheese--the really smelly kind. A bigot/racist as AG to protect Civil Rights; a former Governor who wanted to close the Energy Department will now champion it; an Education Secretary who is against Public Schools, and helped blow-up the Detroit Public School System; and an Labor Secretary who wanted to replace minimum-wage workers with robot, but has some of the sexiest commercials allowed own TV.
Donald, I haven't gotten to the worst ones yet; but, tell me: aren't the Cabinet Officers expected to work toward fulfilling the Mission Statements of their respective departments?
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Donald, I haven't gotten to the worst ones yet; but, tell me: aren't the Cabinet Officers expected to work toward fulfilling the Mission Statements of their respective departments?
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
2
It is not surprising given Trump's m.o. He acts above the law, and under the radar. Congress has to hold him accountable, and so do we the people. If Trump believes he can get away with not revealing the truth, he will push the envelope. And if he gets caught, he'll claim he's a victim and being persecuted. We don't need a president who's dishonest and hypocritical.
6
Well, he has been doing all that you mention for a very long time and it has worked.
Too many voters accepted his lies. They will now discover that they have been duped, but probably not even get to that point until it directly hits their lives. Then, perhaps we will see action.
Too many voters accepted his lies. They will now discover that they have been duped, but probably not even get to that point until it directly hits their lives. Then, perhaps we will see action.
3
The Trump regime is going to be a plutocratic feeding frenzy the like of which has never been seen. The super-rich running riot.
They are just getting started.
They are just getting started.
7
Thus does this editorial perfectly explain the GOP's recent hamhanded attempt to gut the Office of Government Ethics; these people fear the light of honesty. Can anyone imagine if President Obama or Mrs. Clinton had attempted this with their nominees? FOX "news" would have to create a second network to handle all the screaming, huffing and chest-beating from the GOP and rightwingers about how "unethical" and "criminal" and "unconstitutional" it all was. Hoping that the Senate, as it currently is, will do anything about this is sadly just wishful thinking.
6
They are bad men! Very, very bad men! and of course I feel bad.
To make me feel better I look at the photos of the crying Clinton supporters on election night and I feel warm all over.
To make me feel better I look at the photos of the crying Clinton supporters on election night and I feel warm all over.
1
Those of you taking delight at the agony caused by Trump's cabinet choices and vetting (or lack of it) should be forewarned that this entire administration has the making of a disaster in the making. The conflicts of interest, the incompetence, the party and greed ahead of country provide a lethal mix. There is no laughter from me about the nearly certain doom about to hit our country, which is in a growing national emergency.
3
The free press has never been more necessary. You need to do what the spineless GOP refuses to do and keep digging. These folks did not get to be "billionaires and moguls" by playing by the rules or paying much attention to ethics, just like Trump, so get on the stick.
This editorial is a good start but having Betsy Devos in charge of education, as but one example, is akin to having Bernie Madoff in charge of your finances. And where is Ben Carson's documentation? Is he sleeping again?
This editorial is a good start but having Betsy Devos in charge of education, as but one example, is akin to having Bernie Madoff in charge of your finances. And where is Ben Carson's documentation? Is he sleeping again?
3
Swampier by the day. Was not for term limits for Congress tip now: what we would lose in experience, we would also in self-interest in personal power grabbing.
Maybe Democratic senators will grill Mr. Sessions on the role of the Attorney General in enforcing conflict of interest laws. Interesting enough, his hearing is first.
3
Unbelievable (and here I thought Trump, his smarmy minions, and his craven Capital Hill enablers had exhausted my supply of incredulity). Never mind that pesky Constitution and those nettlesome conflict-of-interest laws! Let the looting begin!
Why nwould anyone be surprised that a man who paid others to do his college work, a man who was placed in the equivalent of a rich man's home for juvenile delinquents in his teen years, who thinks his father's inherited wealth is proof that he is a self made man; would ever bother to abide by the rules of the plebians. He obeys only his lawyers, and has never had to pay attention to ordinary law. Trump is the sort of man the Athenian democracy created the "Ostracism" for. In the US we have historically operated as though our politicians would always stay behind self imposed lines controlling their behavior and personal cupidity. Nixon was almost dumpedt over allegations about a coat given to his wife. When JFK hired his brother Robert to run interfernce for him, legislators created rules preventing the appointment of family members.
All of these, Trump has thrown by the wayside and no one has said a word. He is managing to operate in ways that would have caused the FBI and congress to instantly investigate another. But as a "Rich Republican", it appears he will pass all tests & his party and the defeated Democrats will never challenge him. America is in the process of being belittled for his choices. Foreign governments that want to undo their Democracies will simply point to Washington and say "we do no worse thanas America does."
All of these, Trump has thrown by the wayside and no one has said a word. He is managing to operate in ways that would have caused the FBI and congress to instantly investigate another. But as a "Rich Republican", it appears he will pass all tests & his party and the defeated Democrats will never challenge him. America is in the process of being belittled for his choices. Foreign governments that want to undo their Democracies will simply point to Washington and say "we do no worse thanas America does."
1
"The men of the higher circles are not representative men; their high position is not a result of moral virtue; their fabulous success is not firmly connected with meritorious ability. Those who sit in the seats of the high and the mighty are selected and formed by the means of power, the sources of wealth, the mechanics of celebrity, which prevail in their society. They are not men selected and formed by a civil service that is linked with the world of knowledge and sensibility. They are not men shaped by nationally responsible parties that debate openly and clearly the issues this nation now so unintelligently confronts. They are not men held in responsible check by a plurality of voluntary associations which connect debating publics with the pinnacles of decision. Commanders of power unequaled in human history, they have succeeded within the American system of organized irresponsibility." ~ C. Wright Mills (1956), The Power Elite
Mills' prescient work should be required reading for every educated American citizen today.
Mills' prescient work should be required reading for every educated American citizen today.
1
As bad as the recent intrusion by Russia into our political process is, it pales in comparison to the Republican ideologues conduct regarding the confirmation process for Trump's appointees. Which is just the latest example of their contempt for rule of law and accepted governance in order to further their agenda. We the people - expect and deserve our fundamental principles to be upheld - especially from those who are put in office to defend them.
Why isn't there a legal process that would hold them to account? Why are we as a nation, allowing this to happen to our democracy?
We don't have to fear outside influence from brutal dictators who want to do us harm, the real danger to our nation lies within the walls of congress.
The following is an excerpt from our Declaration of Independence.
"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."
It may soon be time for us to follow the advise of our forefathers.
Why isn't there a legal process that would hold them to account? Why are we as a nation, allowing this to happen to our democracy?
We don't have to fear outside influence from brutal dictators who want to do us harm, the real danger to our nation lies within the walls of congress.
The following is an excerpt from our Declaration of Independence.
"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."
It may soon be time for us to follow the advise of our forefathers.
1
"The law doesn’t require Mr. Trump to shed his business interests, but the failure of his cabinet officials to do so could land them in jail."
His cabinet officials have risen from a septic tank. I'm waiting for The Economist to run an in-depth report on Trumpolini that will mirror the one they ran on Berlusconi in 2011.
His cabinet officials have risen from a septic tank. I'm waiting for The Economist to run an in-depth report on Trumpolini that will mirror the one they ran on Berlusconi in 2011.
1
By law embassy staff are required, before each new administration, to create a list of potential conflicts of interest that new appointees to Foreign Service leadership might encounter. For example, business advocacy cases they are working on to help US companies get fair competition in the countries the diplomats serve in. If no one intends to even look at the potential conflicts of interest then our diplomats are wasting their time and resources trying to prevent corruption and increase transparency. Moreover, the Trump administration and the GOP effort to ignore potential conflicts of interest simply makes chumps out of our diplomats, the foreign service and past legislators and citizens who created the law.
So far there is a clear pattern to the actions of the President-elect and his team. They are on track to diminish the United States a little bit at a time. I worry about how their actions will weaken American institutions and credibility. This is not the path to greatness. Sad
2
it's very simple and obvious: if the '278' form is not filed, presented complete for review prior to Senate confirmation hearings, the hearing cannot begin!
8
These Senate Republicans should call a meeting with each non-compliant Drumpf cabinet pick and present him/her with 2 sets of documents. . .and a clear choice. . .(1) the requisite 278 form (along with form ethics agreement letter) and (2) form federal indictments; Then say to each non-compliant nominee. . . ."One of these will be signed and filed before [insert date]. Which one is up to you."
Unfortunately, that's the only type of heavy-handedness Drumpf and his band of cronies will understand.
Unfortunately, that's the only type of heavy-handedness Drumpf and his band of cronies will understand.
3
We the people are counting on the Democrats in Congress to conduct a thorough inquiry to ascertain the fact by very careful examination and to do all they can to prevent confirmation of those who lack integrity and decency! Democrats need to know we the people are watching them as well! We insist they represent us and always act on behalf of our well-being! Always!
6
"We the people" have elected a Republican president along with a Republican majority in both houses of Congress. Congressional Democrats can examine all they want. Not much they can do about the results.
1
And one question for all you Trump supporters: what exactly does "Make America Great Again" actually mean?
Surely it cant mean return America to the 1950s glory days that never were.
Surely it cant mean make America a white Christian, non-diverse and intolerant nation.
Surely it cant mean deny women their lawful right to control their own bodies.
Surely it cant mean allow guns everywhere at anytime without permits or training.
Surely it cant mean elections eliminating social safety nets and letting the poor and the disabled fend for themselves.
Surely it cant mean tax cuts for the wealthy.
Surely it cant mean trying to bring back industries and jobs that are long gone and will never come back.
Surely it cant mean to hell with the environment.
Surely it cant mean ignore and disrespect any opinion that doesnt agree with ones own.
Help me out here, guys. Define it publicly and in your own terms. Maybe some of us GD liberals would then get where you are coming from.
Unless of course you feel you can "make America Great Again" on your own. In which case, when the white majority becomes the white minority in the near future, payback will be a be-atch.
Surely it cant mean return America to the 1950s glory days that never were.
Surely it cant mean make America a white Christian, non-diverse and intolerant nation.
Surely it cant mean deny women their lawful right to control their own bodies.
Surely it cant mean allow guns everywhere at anytime without permits or training.
Surely it cant mean elections eliminating social safety nets and letting the poor and the disabled fend for themselves.
Surely it cant mean tax cuts for the wealthy.
Surely it cant mean trying to bring back industries and jobs that are long gone and will never come back.
Surely it cant mean to hell with the environment.
Surely it cant mean ignore and disrespect any opinion that doesnt agree with ones own.
Help me out here, guys. Define it publicly and in your own terms. Maybe some of us GD liberals would then get where you are coming from.
Unless of course you feel you can "make America Great Again" on your own. In which case, when the white majority becomes the white minority in the near future, payback will be a be-atch.
8
Wake up Democrats, Progressives and anyone interested in government "of the people, for the people and by the people". The Republicans won the election with an incompetent candidate, but should they be allowed to torpedo the system, approved by their often referenced Constitution? No. Force Congress to live and act by the approved standards. Call your representatives, email them and insist on the rule of law. Wake up now, before it's too late.
47
Such irony and devious double standards. The Republican controlled Senate could not approves Supreme Court Justice in 6 months but they are fine with rushing through all of these cabinet positions.
8
What is the fun of government service if a rich person cannot benefit from that service in the Trump era?
Trump leads the way: Make Amerika Greed Again (not that we've ever got out of that).
Trump leads the way: Make Amerika Greed Again (not that we've ever got out of that).
3
If the Republicans don't follow through with their sworn duty to uphold the Constitution, the solution is to show up en masses and hold a sit in surrounding the Capitol so massive Republican traitors are forced to either resign or remain surrounded forever. Take back our government. If they get away with this, we can never put this lawlessness back in the bottle.
11
If the bar for financial and ethical conduct gets any lower, the appointees and nominees will merely have to slither underneath to get to the other side. This is behavior best left to snakes and cockroaches.
11
When you say illegal that's only one part of the ledger. The other side is investigation and prosecution. Who is going to do that, the Congress? Not likely, not with the Republicans holding both House and Senate. The US Attorneys General, Jeff Sessions? He was denied a federal judge seat because of his disqualifying resume and rhetoric. There is no one to hold these people accountable. The Ethics committee can write a report and the Democrats can howl, but nothing is going to knock these guys down.
We always had some faith that cooler heads would prevail, people would change course and the wrong will be righted. Sorry, but not this time.
We always had some faith that cooler heads would prevail, people would change course and the wrong will be righted. Sorry, but not this time.
15
Who would prosecute Trump's nominees for any violations? Certainly not the new Attorney General or any of the US Attorneys, all of whom are appointed by the president. None of Trump's picks fear the law any more than Trump himself. Trump is the law, and the law is whatever Trump wants.
14
I think it's sweet how the NYT remains civil towards what is a very obvious radical Republican railroading of just about everything. Make no mistake, their intent is, under the cover of Trump's loose-canon-on-deck smoke screen, to do as they wish with impunity. Trump doesn't care about the rules, so why should they? Trump tweets out the most unpresidential statements on a daily basis until it all starts to appear normal. It's not normal. He's an unhinged lunatic and we'll be lucky to survive with him as President.
22
When has Trump ever played by the rules? Rules are for suckers and losers.
Society has rewarded Trump with money and ultimate power, so why should he change tactics now?
Society has rewarded Trump with money and ultimate power, so why should he change tactics now?
19
Don't count on Trump or his nomines cooperating with finacial disclosure or ethics rules until there is a major scandal. As for most of the Republican Senate they have suddenly contracted Trumpism, a deadly disease which quickly makes your brain dead. This is all part of Trump's grand plan to become king so he will never have to run again. He knows pure dumb luck and Putin got him elected and he won't count on that serendipity again.
7
Since their fearless leader is a cheat, both in business and his personal life, it's only natural he would pick cheats to work for him.
These appointees may want to look to Chris Christie as an example of how Donald treats underlings when he perceives they're not working out.
These appointees may want to look to Chris Christie as an example of how Donald treats underlings when he perceives they're not working out.
14
Trump's Senate cronies shirking their constitutional obligations? Who could have ever thought that they would do such a thing? We are witnessing the fire sale of America's underlying principles by a bunch of mean-spirited, democracy-be-damned hypocrites led by a man history will vilify, Traitor Mitchell McConnell, whose name should be spelled correctly because he is such an important man in the dismantling of our Democracy that he should be identified correctly.
15
The democrats will have to work very hard to hold these nominees accountable. It's going to be a tough job, and there will be fighting, but the rule of law is just that. The rule of law. And no one is above it. At the end of the day, that is the tool that will do the job. One way or the other.
12
Unfortunately the rule of law may no longer apply. We will have to see. Republicans now have absolute power and we all know that allegedly "absolute power corrupts absolutely". The proof is in the pudding.
1
...and it is interesting that Trump campaigned on a platform of 'law and order'.
His hypocrisy is matched only by his hubris.
His hypocrisy is matched only by his hubris.
Ethics? American rubes care nothing for ethics. Trump and the Rube-I-am Party care nothing for ethics; they have no intention of preserving any public trust or following laws. They are flaunting their power grab.
It is long past time to stop denying that Trump and the current Rube-I-am Party are treasonous. They have no interest in serving America, they are dedicated to Americans serving them. Trump has sided with Russia over American intelligence agencies; he has praised Putin and insulted Obama; he refuses to explain his ties to Russia, and defends Russia by claiming Democrats are bitter losers.
The Rube-I-am Party long ago stopped working for Americans. They stealthily plotted against middle-class working people with their first showman, Ronald Reagan; now they have joined their current showman and come out into the open to oppress what is left of the middle-class.
In this new age of post-truth, rube power and arrogant traitors, ethics is what Trump says it is.
It is long past time to stop denying that Trump and the current Rube-I-am Party are treasonous. They have no interest in serving America, they are dedicated to Americans serving them. Trump has sided with Russia over American intelligence agencies; he has praised Putin and insulted Obama; he refuses to explain his ties to Russia, and defends Russia by claiming Democrats are bitter losers.
The Rube-I-am Party long ago stopped working for Americans. They stealthily plotted against middle-class working people with their first showman, Ronald Reagan; now they have joined their current showman and come out into the open to oppress what is left of the middle-class.
In this new age of post-truth, rube power and arrogant traitors, ethics is what Trump says it is.
22
It took Watergate to convince most people that government ethics reform was needed. What will it take now? How low will our government have to sink?
16
You got that right, and Watergate was amateur hour compared to the digital coup d'etat and the business as usual (or better) with Trump at the helm.
2
With his "yuge" electoral mandate I don't think Mr. Trump sees himself or his administration bound by normal rules and apparently his Republican enablers in Congress don't either. I would hazard a guess that many of these same enablers were the loudest in condemning President Obama for supposedly ignoring the rule of law when issuing his many executive orders. There are so many other "interesting" things about Mr. Trump, (e.g., his belief in the sanctity of contacts as shown by his $10 million suit against Jose Andres and his apparent unwillingness to abide by the terms of his contract with the GSA related to his new Washington hotel--an office holder cannot own such an interest.) You are going to have daily opportunities over the next four and perhaps eight years to critique his Presidency in your editorials, but my guess is that each editorial simply harden the resolve of his voters in their view that the establishment is against both Mr. Trump and them. On the other hand those of us who don't support Mr. Trump simply need to be aware of what the Senate is trying to do to,reach your conclusion without benefit of this editorial.
4
We know that Donald Trump is not required to deal with conflict of interest issues -but under the law his cabinet picks must. Our elected officials need to enforce this standard before taking a vote on Trump's nominees. However, it the Senate can't do its job the Justice Department and FBI must.
28
There's nothing new about Republican Senators "shirking their constitutional dut[ies]." What is new, and in spite of the fact that Republican control enables them to govern unimpeded, is their choice to further avoid the hard work of governing and to increase the list of constitutional requirements no longer applicable. Never mind their standards for the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution as written and their oath to uphold the Constitution. I can't wait to see Mr. Trump taking his oath of office.
2
I'd say Trump is one step closer to impeachment except that the House is currently Republican. Thanks to gerrymandering that's unlikely to change during Trump's term in office. You wonder how out of 247 representatives sworn to the oath of office not one of them has conscience. Party uber alles. Now that's fascism.
21
By and large these nominees have no experience, background for the departments they are supposed to lead. Tillerson has a "Friend of Russia" award from Putin, DeVos wants to kill public education and so it goes. The Pentagon has a fully qualified nominee in James Mattis, but I wonder if he doesn't bail out after the transition team and other in Trump's orbit want to tell him to appoint as his underlings.
There should be no "blank check". Tillerson especially should be denied confirmation due to his ties to Exxon/Mobil and, above all, Putin.
There should be no "blank check". Tillerson especially should be denied confirmation due to his ties to Exxon/Mobil and, above all, Putin.
21
Should the Senate Republicans shirk their due-diligence responsibilities to properly vet Trump's designated nominees it will place our country on course for a level of corruption in government that we could never have imagined.
19
The real elites are about to take office. They are above the law. Money rules. Trump's son in law will hold an office contrary to the law. Trump and Congress are demeaning the American people.
6
I would venture to say that few readers can understand or relate to "..divest, resign or otherwise eliminate potential conflicts". It would be much appreciated if this paper would publish a clear and concise explanation of exactly what is meant by these terms and how they are being applied to the oligarchs of the new White House.
5
If anyone really believes the Republican Party will toe the ethical line and do the right thing - especially after stalling the Democrats in choosing a Supreme Court justice - I have a bridge to sell you, slightly used, in Brooklyn.
As President Obama says often, "Come on!" Any thinking American should be alarmed at what is about to befall on the country. The Trump Presidency will be like the Trump campaign: all smoke an mirrors, no substance. It will be interesting to see if the moderate Republicans in the House and Senate love their country more than their political party. Where are the Colin Powell Republicans?
As President Obama says often, "Come on!" Any thinking American should be alarmed at what is about to befall on the country. The Trump Presidency will be like the Trump campaign: all smoke an mirrors, no substance. It will be interesting to see if the moderate Republicans in the House and Senate love their country more than their political party. Where are the Colin Powell Republicans?
6
The Colin Powell Republicans, such as myself, are still here. We have been trashed by the arrogant elites Dems for so long that we decided to vote for change and start from scratch. The left created the results of this election.
1
Of course, it was also that same Colin Powell who dishonestly addressed the U.N. making false claims of WMDs to garner support for the war.
If only he had been truly honorable and spoken out against what was going on, thousands of American lives and tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilian lives would have been spared.
The entire Middle East would have been far more stable today, with far less terrorism and much less of a refugee issue for the western developed countries.
Still, your general point is spot on.
Have they no shame?!
If only he had been truly honorable and spoken out against what was going on, thousands of American lives and tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilian lives would have been spared.
The entire Middle East would have been far more stable today, with far less terrorism and much less of a refugee issue for the western developed countries.
Still, your general point is spot on.
Have they no shame?!
3
President Elect Trump ran on the dishonesty of his opponents, Crooked Hillary for one and he never planned on winning. In past presidencies these filings (the 278 for one) were done before the election but none of these people were even vetted until after the election. The republicans must stand up for what's right but after trying to silence the ethics committee it looks like we have the abusive president and his battered Republican congress.
2
President Trump will be in violation of the United States Constitution if he does not divest from his business. To me this is a very big deal. I guess it is true that breaking the law of the land is not a jailing offense.
1
What part of the Constitution would that be?
1
Trump has been clear about who and what he is starting with the primary process through today. It is clear he has no respect for reasonable rules or even law. The Republican Party also shows no respect for law or the good of the country. Trump, Ryan, McConnel and most Republicans have shown no interest in the public good and are interested only in self serving or serving the interest of their 1% masters. It is truly stunning that voters bought into the Trump scam and equally stunning that they work against their own best interest by voting Republican.
6
By scheduling these hearings so closely together - coincident with the first 'press conference' granted by The Orange Excrescence since July - the American public will be subjected to 'drinking from a firehose'.
In other words, it's all a grand dodge.
Donald Trump will never release his tax returns. The contents are, ipso facto, more damaging than the outrage at his refusal to make them public.
The man is a liar and a fraud. He's an admitted (and proud) sexual predator.
NOT my president.
In other words, it's all a grand dodge.
Donald Trump will never release his tax returns. The contents are, ipso facto, more damaging than the outrage at his refusal to make them public.
The man is a liar and a fraud. He's an admitted (and proud) sexual predator.
NOT my president.
21
It's hard to put a label on Trump and his intentions. Still what comes to
mind is a form of Anarcho Capitalism colouring everything he touches and
tweets about. Capitalism in its absolute worse form, where no respect is
paid to the less fortunate or to legalities that restrain greed. Where
civilized protocol of carrying out affairs, be they of political or economic
nature, are ignored and even scorned.
Trump and his entourage are a sad thing for the US. As a Canadian bystander these are hard days to be a neighbour and watch the travesties going on. This all feels close to grief.
mind is a form of Anarcho Capitalism colouring everything he touches and
tweets about. Capitalism in its absolute worse form, where no respect is
paid to the less fortunate or to legalities that restrain greed. Where
civilized protocol of carrying out affairs, be they of political or economic
nature, are ignored and even scorned.
Trump and his entourage are a sad thing for the US. As a Canadian bystander these are hard days to be a neighbour and watch the travesties going on. This all feels close to grief.
12
Businessmen can throw away the people they think are not productive. This is why businesses can be more profitable than government.
Business can fail, like Polaroid, TWA, Lehman Brothers. Governments must stay in business regardless of the mistakes.
Businessmen make terrible government officials because they do not get this.
Business can fail, like Polaroid, TWA, Lehman Brothers. Governments must stay in business regardless of the mistakes.
Businessmen make terrible government officials because they do not get this.
12
It is time to support our new President. He will be in office in 12 days and 2 hours and for the sake of our nation, he needs to hit the ground running. Every President should be given deference on his cabinet choice and President Trump deserves to have all his appointees swiftly confirmed. This obstructionists in the Senate like Schumer and his ilk need to put patriotism above bitter angry politics. We had an election. You people lost and lost bad. Get over it or take a bus to Alberta.
2
"You people lost and lost bad. " Only in the antiquated Electoral college Steve. In the popular vote your boy lost by almost 3 million votes. So,does that mean thee rules only apply to Democrats ?
"Before Mr. Trump’s cabinet nominees begin their Senate confirmation hearings, they are required to file an extensive form, the 278, that lists stockholdings, business interests, board seats and other arrangements benefiting them, spouses, minor children, business partners or potential employers."
"Before Mr. Trump’s cabinet nominees begin their Senate confirmation hearings, they are required to file an extensive form, the 278, that lists stockholdings, business interests, board seats and other arrangements benefiting them, spouses, minor children, business partners or potential employers."
1
How is it in any way fair, just, or an equitable form of representation to have a state of over 35 million (CA) represented by 2 senators....while a state with 500K (WY) also has 2 senators? That's a disproportionate ratio of 70:1 !
It is unbelievable.
In the electoral college, this grotesque disproportion in the weight of citizen's vote values underscores the fact that this is not a representative democracy.
On the basis of that fact alone, it calls into question the result
The popular vote differential was 3 million votes... and the candidate with 3 million more votes loses?
Then, consider the deliberate attacks by hackers into the DNC to influence the election.
Then consider the FBI's announcements at the end of the election that damaged the public perception of a presidential candidate?
States like Wyoming enjoy an enormous advantage over the citizens of NY or CA...
The legacy of unequal representation is a legacy of slavery and slave owning states and does not belong in the present.
It is clear that Republicans are quite willing to lie about anything to obtain power.
They do not believe in democracy, nor adhere to democratic principles or institutions.
They are fascistic, authoritarian, and willing to embrace treasonous acts to achieve power.
Aiding and abetting an enemy, giving aid and comfort... to Putin?
This election will have enormous consequences for this country
It is unbelievable.
In the electoral college, this grotesque disproportion in the weight of citizen's vote values underscores the fact that this is not a representative democracy.
On the basis of that fact alone, it calls into question the result
The popular vote differential was 3 million votes... and the candidate with 3 million more votes loses?
Then, consider the deliberate attacks by hackers into the DNC to influence the election.
Then consider the FBI's announcements at the end of the election that damaged the public perception of a presidential candidate?
States like Wyoming enjoy an enormous advantage over the citizens of NY or CA...
The legacy of unequal representation is a legacy of slavery and slave owning states and does not belong in the present.
It is clear that Republicans are quite willing to lie about anything to obtain power.
They do not believe in democracy, nor adhere to democratic principles or institutions.
They are fascistic, authoritarian, and willing to embrace treasonous acts to achieve power.
Aiding and abetting an enemy, giving aid and comfort... to Putin?
This election will have enormous consequences for this country
2
Apparently Steve doesn't think much about the law nor of ethics. No,come to think of it, this must be meant as sarcasm - no one who speaks of deference and swift confirmation could be a GOP supporter, witness the President's SC nominee.
2
Why not give Trump's nominees a pass? Who is going to call them out?
After all their looming boss Donald Trump has refused to disclose any of his income tax returns or personal and corporate business records or holdings or any of his personal health medical records. We do not what nor who President Trump owes and thus own him. Nor can we discern what action or inaction that President Trump takes will benefit him and his business interests.
But a minority of American voters gave him an Electoral College victory and the Republican majority in both houses is a craven cowardly coven of amoral witches and warlocks. Giving a partisan political pass is their first, middle and last nature and nurture.
When the lying crooked cowardly heathen hedonist adulterer puts his scrawny craven hand on a Bible at noon on January 20, 2017 and swears to "faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States and to the preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States so help me God" will the beloved Siberian American President of Russian President Vladimir Putin and FBI Director James Comey be making another sympathetic pact with the Devil?
After all their looming boss Donald Trump has refused to disclose any of his income tax returns or personal and corporate business records or holdings or any of his personal health medical records. We do not what nor who President Trump owes and thus own him. Nor can we discern what action or inaction that President Trump takes will benefit him and his business interests.
But a minority of American voters gave him an Electoral College victory and the Republican majority in both houses is a craven cowardly coven of amoral witches and warlocks. Giving a partisan political pass is their first, middle and last nature and nurture.
When the lying crooked cowardly heathen hedonist adulterer puts his scrawny craven hand on a Bible at noon on January 20, 2017 and swears to "faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States and to the preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States so help me God" will the beloved Siberian American President of Russian President Vladimir Putin and FBI Director James Comey be making another sympathetic pact with the Devil?
10
The NYT has given the president-elect more attention in the last month than is has given the president in the last year!
The NYT needs to rethink its reporting. A lot of what is covers should be covered by the late-night comedy shows or tabloids. Some of the rest could be reported by just referring to an updating table that lists the lies and broken promises.
But should a tweet attacking a former body builder be front page news?
The NYT needs to rethink its reporting. A lot of what is covers should be covered by the late-night comedy shows or tabloids. Some of the rest could be reported by just referring to an updating table that lists the lies and broken promises.
But should a tweet attacking a former body builder be front page news?
21
The American people need to know as much as possible about the president-elect, since what he is doing is very important for the future of the country. It is not comedic that billionaires with no government experience have been selected to be in his cabinet. It is no laughing matter that a retired general who has promoted conspiracy theories and appeared on a Russian propaganda tv network several times has been nominated as national security advisor. It is not humorous that Trump refuses to divest his holdings and has continued with money-making schemes that peddle his and his family's influence, including the hotel that will be illegally held the instant he is sworn in. And his thin skin can be mocked when it's a former body builder (and governor of California) but when it's another head of state, there's nothing funny about it.
13
Yes. Every day the times is strengthening the case that the president elect is not focused on the presidency, cannot adopt the demeanor of a statesman, and will not rein in corruption in his administration. All if those things are important for the public to understand.
12
Agreed.
But something just doesn't seem right about reporting that Trump save 50 jobs when Obama saved millions of jobs and homes.
And NYT is mostly preaching to the choir. The people who need to hear this the most are not reading the NYT.
But something just doesn't seem right about reporting that Trump save 50 jobs when Obama saved millions of jobs and homes.
And NYT is mostly preaching to the choir. The people who need to hear this the most are not reading the NYT.
2
We haven't seen corruption of this scale in the government since U.S. Grant was in office. Grant's cabinet and appointees were so greedy and crooked that governmental corruption became known as "Grantism." Shortly, it will be known as Trumpism.
14
In 1921, President Harding choose the Republican Senator Albert Fall of New Mexico as Secretary of the Interior. Senator Henry Cabot Lodge of Massachusetts (R) proposed to the Senate to confirm Fall without discussion. Unanimously the Senate voted yes. Fall became the first secretary to be jailed as the consequence of the Teapot Dom scandal. Lets hope that the Republican Senate and the Trump administration will not follow the same road.
8
Actually, let's hope they do and the result is that a dozen or more appointees are forced to resign and end up in jail!
Didn’t the Republicans say throughout the election that Hillary wouldn’t even be cleared to work at the FBI because of her fantastically dangerous email and private-server activity during her tenure as secretary of state? Or that all of her supposed pay-to-play with the Clinton Foundation made her too corrupt to serve in government? Or “Lock her up! Lock her up!”? And yet, now that they have *real* reason for distrust and thorough investigation of Donald and the rest of his Richie Riches, conflicts-ridden, and ethically challenged cabinet appointees, they couldn’t care less.
Pure Hypocrisy + Phony Outrage + Partisan Lies and Distortions + Insatiable Thirst for Ever More Power and Wealth = the Modern GOP. Despite all their protests and hand-wringing during the campaign, they really did pick a most representative standard-bearer.
Pure Hypocrisy + Phony Outrage + Partisan Lies and Distortions + Insatiable Thirst for Ever More Power and Wealth = the Modern GOP. Despite all their protests and hand-wringing during the campaign, they really did pick a most representative standard-bearer.
24
Should Senate Republicans succeed in efforts to fast track nominations by waving the legal requirement of a completed 278 form filing, they will be complicit in breaking the law. When the dominos begin to fall, they will fall with them.
8
MBTN, the problem here is the lack of checks and balances in the US government that could control the madness and corruption taking over in Washington.
Unless the sane majority of the US citizenry finds an effective (in the operational sense) way to oppose the Drumpkin, his monied appointed calvary and the elected GOP rubber-stampers, I fear we will only be spectators to the destruction of our society and the values we hold dear.
Unless the sane majority of the US citizenry finds an effective (in the operational sense) way to oppose the Drumpkin, his monied appointed calvary and the elected GOP rubber-stampers, I fear we will only be spectators to the destruction of our society and the values we hold dear.
"The ethics office is reportedly working with (Trump's) lawyers to encourage him to do what the law demands of his cabinet: divest and enter office free of conflicts."
Think about that.
The incoming President of the United States clearly believes the "rule of law" is negotiable.
Think about that.
The incoming President of the United States clearly believes the "rule of law" is negotiable.
13
Someone might just get the idea that Trump has chosen people because they have financial interests in the areas they are supposed to be supervising, not because he's disorganized and that he's building alliances with every right wing billionaire in the US and Russia for his own personal power and profit. There are plenty of people around Trump who can explain the rules but the rules don't matter to him. He is above the law as far as he is concerned and so is everyone he pays--either with his money or his patronage.
10
Trump may be ignorant but he is nowhere near stupid. He used to idolize the Clinton's and paid close attention on how they remain above the law. Are we really surprised that someone would not attempt the same thing? The only surprise of this election was that an independent running as Republican billionaire's only true competition would be as aging socialist who never held a job in the private sector who ran as a Democrat.
There is a reason Congressional Republicans put up with Donald's tantrums. They need him to take apart the American government and make it the way they want...and that includes taking from the very poor and giving to the very rich and the special interests, like Netanyahu.
Our new Orange Pharaoh and his gilded family was perfect for Putin, and they are perfect to effect the Republican plan to turn us into modern Russia, run by and for the superrich.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
Our new Orange Pharaoh and his gilded family was perfect for Putin, and they are perfect to effect the Republican plan to turn us into modern Russia, run by and for the superrich.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
15
Oh, how already we long for the clean, clear upright, and so honorable Clinton machine.
Citizens should start calling the Office of Government Ethics immediately. The confirmation hearings must be delayed until the 278s are complete and the ethics office has time to review them.
12
Trump is exhibit # 1 for why businessmen make lousy politicians.
A businessman can be autonomous, few questioning his decisions or power.
A president is questioned about everything. Trump will hate being president. He can't stand scrutiny or accountability.
A businessman can be autonomous, few questioning his decisions or power.
A president is questioned about everything. Trump will hate being president. He can't stand scrutiny or accountability.
24
"Confirmation hearings should be postponed until the Senate has all the information it needs to conduct responsible votes on the people Mr. Trump has chosen to lead the federal government."
That's rich. No confirmation hearings for Merrick Garland, delaying Loretta Lynch's nomination for months, filibustering every judicial and administrative nominee put forth by Obama over the years, and now they want to ram their own people through.
When will the media learn that these Republicans are the most hypocritical politicians to hold office perhaps ever, and they have no interest in bargaining in good faith ever? It's not that both sides do it, it's a case that something is seriously wrong with the modern Republican party, more interested in power than in governance.
Instead of focusing on email servers and mass rallies, it's time to start calling these people out for what they're doing. The coverage of the election and its aftermath has been horrific - where, for instance, is the mention that the Republicans are scheduling all these hearings all at once to make sure not one of them dominates the news cycle, ever, so we don't know who these people are? Yet endless coverage of Benghazi hearings and John Podesta's hacked emails, that were MEANINGLESS.
That's rich. No confirmation hearings for Merrick Garland, delaying Loretta Lynch's nomination for months, filibustering every judicial and administrative nominee put forth by Obama over the years, and now they want to ram their own people through.
When will the media learn that these Republicans are the most hypocritical politicians to hold office perhaps ever, and they have no interest in bargaining in good faith ever? It's not that both sides do it, it's a case that something is seriously wrong with the modern Republican party, more interested in power than in governance.
Instead of focusing on email servers and mass rallies, it's time to start calling these people out for what they're doing. The coverage of the election and its aftermath has been horrific - where, for instance, is the mention that the Republicans are scheduling all these hearings all at once to make sure not one of them dominates the news cycle, ever, so we don't know who these people are? Yet endless coverage of Benghazi hearings and John Podesta's hacked emails, that were MEANINGLESS.
47
Meaningless is is the eye of the beholder. That is proven by the result of this election.
Forms or not, i can't remember a single question at any one of these hearings that challenged any candidate in a substantive manner. The key words here are 'the ethhics office is working with the candidates to get their forms filled out and reviewed." It is a kabuki dance, as usual, with the foxes getting ready to gorge in the henhouse, just for once right out in the open. I don't care what Rex Tillerson divests himself of, how can he ever be ever be objective on oil exploration in Russia?. The true precedent for this administration is Dick Cheney, of course, who enriched Halliburton by actually taking us to war.
25
What are the specific steps needed to block hearings until full reviews have been conducted? I am hoping that the civil servants in the Ethics office stick to their principles and deny letters of agreement to any nominee who has not undergone full scrutiny. How can we see whether this is being done or not?
14
You can rely on you Dem elected leaders...oops never mind. I forgot for a second that the left became so star struck by the current president that they ignored that Reid, Pelosi and gang took out restraints to halt nominees that they disagreed with. They never noticed that the statesman that is our current party allowed his party to lose advantage in all aspects of government in this country. He held a tremendous personal popularity, evidenced by the many current Trump supporters who voted for a black man (there goes your racist theory) twice, but could not transform that energy to a stale Democrat party. But, as power always does in this still great democracy, the pendulum will swing back to the left in time. How long depends on who steps up with President Obama's inspiration. Unfortunately, recent decisions such as Pelosi remaining, Ellison seriously being considered as DNC head, as well as continuing to think the election was not legitimate, will only lengthen the time it takes to become seriously competitive again.
1
Senators who for any reason shirk their solemn responsibility to fully vet the president elect's nominees ought to be held no less responsible for the consequences of their (non)actions than the wheelman of the getaway car being used in the aiding and abetting of armed robbery.
31
These are the people, after all, who want fewer regulations. They are proving that the people who simply do not comply actually have all the power.
18
I wish I could say I was surprised by this, but as far as I'm concerned, the Republican Party has been a "domestic enemy" of the Constitution and the United States going back at least to 2000.
The big questions are how will the Democratic Party deal with it, and how will we, the people, react to it?
The intellectually bankrupt consumers-of-fake-news, don't-care-that-Trump-won-because-of-Putin, economic losers couldn't care less. They've blown up the system, and now they've got what they wanted.
We are definitely in uncharted territory. We have become the house divided against itself.
The big questions are how will the Democratic Party deal with it, and how will we, the people, react to it?
The intellectually bankrupt consumers-of-fake-news, don't-care-that-Trump-won-because-of-Putin, economic losers couldn't care less. They've blown up the system, and now they've got what they wanted.
We are definitely in uncharted territory. We have become the house divided against itself.
36
Going back to at least 1980 and Ronald Reagan-- and his voodoo economics (and harsh anti-labor, anti-poor policies) that undermined the well being of the society.
We are in unchartered territory because the captain of the ship for the past 8 years ran us aground and made the conditions ripe for a mutiny by the proud deplorable crew. Unfettered arrogance against citizens that have just as much right to their opinion as the left has been dealt with. It cost all the true powers of government.
We now have a government whose chiefs intend to sellout this country's vital strategic interests to our once arch-enemy, now beloved leader of a new world order. Of course these Putin cronies pay no attention to the Constitution. They openly plan to abandon our allies, abandon our role as world police, abandon nation-building, abandon any domestic social safety network. They don't care, they just want to dip their beaks first. Ethics? Hah! It's organized crime but who's going to stop them? Elected GOP officials just want their cut. (Dems do too but work for less) Billionaires want the wealth created by our work to "trickle down" to our families! That means we not only get to work for a living, we then have to bow down to the master to even get paid. Or sue hopelessly. No more "live long and prosper". Now it's die young and broke. "Thanks, Donald".
20
"They openly plan to abandon our allies." Really? Obama did that too the extreme in the United Nations towards Israel. This statement superbly illustrates that the left is so upset that Hillary let them down that they have thrown sensible discourse out the window. I thought that the Dems were the party of critical thinking. Obviously not.
The Republicans own everything going forward. Will they allow this precedent to be set or will they abide by the rules of this democracy and stop their attempts to turn this country into a banana republic? Mistakes made now have repercussions later. I hate that our nation is being outmaneuvered and outsmarted by a Russian leader who is the face of evil in our world, and that we have so many naive Americans supporting his plan.
39
Not really. They've blamed Obama for 8 years as "owning" all of W's egregious decisions. They still blame Clinton (Bill) for a lot of stuff that subsequent administrations could have fixed had they been willing. So I'm sure they will somehow manage to blame Obama for anything that befalls the country in the next 4 years and throw some blame Hillary's way as well. Bullies do that. Whenever they're caught, it's always someone else's fault. Rename the GOP the GOB (Grand Old Bullies).
2
Bella,
No matter what horrendous things happen - millions losing their health insurance, another war based on lies, a financial crash - Limbaugh and Faux News will blame it on the evil "libruls," Obama, Clinton, etc., and Trump's base will believe.
No matter what horrendous things happen - millions losing their health insurance, another war based on lies, a financial crash - Limbaugh and Faux News will blame it on the evil "libruls," Obama, Clinton, etc., and Trump's base will believe.
1
How will Betsy DeVos respond to the fact that her defunct All Children Matter organization owes Ohio a $5.3 million fine for money laundering if anyone brings it up in the confirmation hearings? Will anyone bring it up?
92
We must relay on our Fourth Estate, good reporters to stay on top of this for us. We should also write, call, email our Congressmen and women to address this or not get our votes in 2020.
Jas, It should be pretty obvious that the congress members you are threatening to withhold your vote from could care less. The ones in charge, elected by the people, are ones you would never vote for in the first place.
Trump is not draining the swamp. He is adding water, making it deeper and eventually the muck will consume his administration. The GOP and Trump's supporters have spent two years decrying government officials who enrich themselves at the expense of the taxpayers. Well, here is their opportunity to act, but they won't. Power corrupts.
8
Is anyone opposed to Trump surprised by this? Or any of his supporters willing to alter their opinions of him?
Democrats in Congress need to muster every effort to deny Trump of whatever they can. And let's hope any of them who believe they can work with him will share with us some of what they are smoking.
We are looking at a government perhaps unprecedented in mean spirit. The focus needs to be on 2018 to win any seats possible and on 2020 to take the Presidency.
Democrats in Congress need to muster every effort to deny Trump of whatever they can. And let's hope any of them who believe they can work with him will share with us some of what they are smoking.
We are looking at a government perhaps unprecedented in mean spirit. The focus needs to be on 2018 to win any seats possible and on 2020 to take the Presidency.
21
This is the key:
"any of his supporters willing to alter their opinions of him?"
It's going to be hard for many of them to realize that they were conned, fooled, and flim-flammed.
In other words, to admit that they were Trumped!
"any of his supporters willing to alter their opinions of him?"
It's going to be hard for many of them to realize that they were conned, fooled, and flim-flammed.
In other words, to admit that they were Trumped!
The bias in this piece is evident by calling Mrs. DeVos an education "lobbyist" as if she has a personal conflict. If DeVos were a liberal she would have been described as an education rights advocate.
1
In the last 15-20 years the GOP has transformed itself from a political party interested in governing, into the equivalent of a street gang that rules by smash and grab with no interest in governance. With the Presidency, both houses of Congress, and soon the Supremes, there will be nothing to stop them from looting the country in a bold manner. After 4 or 8 years of Trump, the next president will have to deal with a government in ruins.
6
If Republicans approve cabinet appointments without proper verification of assets they would be complicit in aiding a felony. That Trump needs no such documentation should be a crime.
The con man in chief should not be allowed to surround himself with fellow con persons. That we need to say this is ludicrous, but such is the way of our no longer respected government.
The con man in chief should not be allowed to surround himself with fellow con persons. That we need to say this is ludicrous, but such is the way of our no longer respected government.
3
None of this should come as a surprise to anyone who followed Trump before and during the campaign. Don't expect Republicans to rein him in. They want to pass their big tax cuts for the wealthy, privatize infrastructure, Medicare and Social Security, rid us of all worker protection and environmental laws, and nominate right-wing activist Justices and Judges. As long as Trump supports that agenda, Republicans don't care what he and his cronies do to feather their own nests. Happy New Year!
6
The Editorial Board's second paragraph says all that needs to be said: "This is unprecedented, potentially illegal, and the clearest sign yet of Mr. Trump's attitude toward criminal laws preventing federal officials from profiting fro public service". I say 'bring on the lawyers'! It will be much more entertaining to watch our very own politicians squirm under even mild questioning about these attempts. It will at least be more fun than watching the Mexicans build Trump's Wall and then not pay for it. How excruciatingly funny it would be for Mr. Trump to be required to pay for the Wall and then try to get re-imbursed. By anyone. We all know that the American taxpayer will end up footing the bill, so we may as well attempt to have a few laughs. Very few.....Recent events have forced me to conclude that we are watching replays of old Marx Brothers movies, and it is easy to discern who is playing the part of Groucho.......
4
What's going to happen is obvious: the wholesale looting of the American economy that will make the Bush Administration seem on the level. This is the fox guarding the hen house. This is America in three years on the brink of another depression, except this time it will happen. The scariest thing about the Trump Administration isn't the nuclear threats or the taunts against China and N. Korea. The scariest thing about the Trump Administration will be the constant state of lawlessness permeating every level of government.
With Jeff Sessions determining who gets caught and who gets ignored, it will be hard to realize how far America will fall; how many will die because of the lack of healthcare; and how long the food lines will get for those unlucky enough to miss the gravy train.
With Jeff Sessions determining who gets caught and who gets ignored, it will be hard to realize how far America will fall; how many will die because of the lack of healthcare; and how long the food lines will get for those unlucky enough to miss the gravy train.
8
Trump did not think he would win. Now he must cover up his financial conflicts of interest with Russia and Putin. If he reveals his tax status, he will have to resign, be impeached, or find a way to give up all his investments.
His position is untenable as he scrambles for survival. One option is to go ahead with the swearing in and then resign in favor of Pence!
His position is untenable as he scrambles for survival. One option is to go ahead with the swearing in and then resign in favor of Pence!
3
As far as I'm concerned, trump's failure to comply is grounds to dismiss him from taking office. I don't understand why there is not an uproar from the country at large of which the majority voted against him.
There should be protests in the streets--no violence thank you. The steps to the Supreme Court and Capital buildings should be jammed making it impossible for congress and the court to convene until they pledge to do their jobs and demand trump meet required standards.
I don't need to come up with a fake birther movement to dismiss trump. Combined with the Russian political hacking, faux news, gerrymandered voting districts, I for one do not consider trump to be my legitimate president. I won't until all legitimate standards are met. Period.
Has anyone done the math yet to reconfigure votes if jurisdictions were drawn by computers conserving boundries in a non-partisan configuration? UpShot, this is your wheel house. When are we going to get this?
There should be protests in the streets--no violence thank you. The steps to the Supreme Court and Capital buildings should be jammed making it impossible for congress and the court to convene until they pledge to do their jobs and demand trump meet required standards.
I don't need to come up with a fake birther movement to dismiss trump. Combined with the Russian political hacking, faux news, gerrymandered voting districts, I for one do not consider trump to be my legitimate president. I won't until all legitimate standards are met. Period.
Has anyone done the math yet to reconfigure votes if jurisdictions were drawn by computers conserving boundries in a non-partisan configuration? UpShot, this is your wheel house. When are we going to get this?
8
Computers are only as unbiased as their programmers.
Instead of concentrating our resources on clean energy development, like China is, we let the Russians polarize us into factions so intractably set against one another that once again, civil war is made possible. Good job Vladimir.
Leak the tax returns or revote the election.
Impeachment is the worst and last option.
Leak the tax returns or revote the election.
Impeachment is the worst and last option.
7
Unvetted nominees inevitably result in scandal, often indictment, and without presidential pardons, prison time. How many Iran/Contra conspirators were pardoned by Bush I to keep them (and him) out of jail? Who was that Scooter guy who Bush II had to pardon? How many Reagan Administration officials resigned in disgrace, were forced out, indicted or jailed? I think it was around 300.
Republicans, flush with power, convinced of their own popularity (or not) and of their ability to manipulate any portion of the system in their favor, are heading down a very dangerous path (for them). They will never learn.
Republicans, flush with power, convinced of their own popularity (or not) and of their ability to manipulate any portion of the system in their favor, are heading down a very dangerous path (for them). They will never learn.
7
As a retired lawyer, I believe someone should be filing a petition in federal court for emergency declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent Trump's inauguration unless and until he takes the necessary steps to avoid violation of the Emoluments Clause.
11
And maybe congress could send that plea in the hands of Trumps pick after they are confirmed as 9th Justice.
He is attempting to install an oligarchy on the Putin model, one that will twist our existing system to loot the national wealth for the benefit of themselves and their peers and pals, just as Putin has done. As with Putin, their patriotism is an empty, pro forma pose, like Trump's religiosity. And like Putin, Trump's only imaginable goal is self-aggrandizement. In that light, "President of the United States" is mid-management, hardly worth showing up for. Putin is the richest man in the world and can kill his opponents with impunity. Now there is a real winner.
7
"clearest sign yet of Mr. Trump's cavalier attitude toward criminal laws preventing federal officials from profiting from public service.
"Cavalier"?. More likely it's Trump's total failure to even understand the first words of the constitution much less the rest of the constitution.
More likely it's Trump's arrogant ideas that the constitution really doesn't matter, only the needs of the 1%.
More likely it's Trump's ego that prevents him from realizing he soon will be president of the USA rather than a tsar even though he does strongly relate to Putin and Russia. I imagine he has prepared a throne, a crown and a scepter for his inauguration rather than a Bible.
"Cavalier"?. More likely it's Trump's total failure to even understand the first words of the constitution much less the rest of the constitution.
More likely it's Trump's arrogant ideas that the constitution really doesn't matter, only the needs of the 1%.
More likely it's Trump's ego that prevents him from realizing he soon will be president of the USA rather than a tsar even though he does strongly relate to Putin and Russia. I imagine he has prepared a throne, a crown and a scepter for his inauguration rather than a Bible.
3
It continues to nonplus me that so many Americans voted cheerfully against their own self interest in electing Mr. Trump and, by extension, his swam dwellers. Our education system is surely in more trouble than even thought.
3
Welcome to the nation under the thumb of the hard right wing GOTP nihilists - I'm reminded of Leona Helmsly's deathless comment, "Only the little people pay taxes." The current GOTP believes that only Democrats and little people should be constrained by any rules of law, morality, civility, or belief in the common good. For them: such banalities simply do not apply, and they will ram through every single one of these horrific, conflict-riddled appointments because they are above accountability. That, too, is only for their opponents, or for the "little people." 1/7/17, 7:57 am
11
Should Rex Tillerson be confirmed as Secretary of State, he will receive a Golden Parachute from Exxson of $180,000,000. Rex will then be worth something over $300,000,000--peanuts compared to the billionaires in Trump's cabinet, right? As for Congress, I long wondered why so many millionaires were running for office--until I discovered that they can trade stock based on insider information. Corruption on this scale has caused the demise of democratic Republics for 2,000 years. Is America next?
17
Also those such as Tillerson who "divest" to comply with legal requirements get a special free pass on taxes - Tillerson will get a roughly $50,000,00 tax break of our money just for taking office.
1
"Elections have consequences. And we won." A man respected by the left stated that. Republicans voted in Obama picks at breakneck speed but now Dems call for delay, delay, delay. Good luck with that. Thanks to the Democrat Party, all that is needed for these to be confirmed is a simple majority. Their prior greedy and arrogance has now come back and bit them in the rear.
1
You're missing the point, which is that the current nominees have not provided the necessary and required information. If you have evidence that this also took place in 2009, then by all means present it.
To me, this post says it is the Dems fault that the GOP will nominate and confirm unqualified people.
1
"Republicans voted in Obama picks at breakneck speed...." Once again I'm at a loss to figure out how to respond to someone who firmly believes things that are completely false. In addition to the case of Merrick Garland, who waited longer than any SCOTUS nominee in history and never did get a hearing, look at judicial appointments overall. A total of 68 judicial nominees were blocked by the Senate in all of US history prior to Obama taking office. There were 79 during Obama’s term of office. The GOP shattered all records for obstructionism.
And yet you will undoubtedly hold onto your opinion, despite the facts. What is a rational person to do in the face of this? I'm stumped.
And yet you will undoubtedly hold onto your opinion, despite the facts. What is a rational person to do in the face of this? I'm stumped.
4
Like with the appointment of Supreme Court justices, and federal judges, and ALL political appointees of the Executive Branch, the President is entitled to the advice and consent of the Senate.
There being no constitutional requirement for such vetting, the Senate is entitled to give their advice and give or withhold their consent in any way that the Rules of the Senate allow.
This freedom is given to ALL senator for their "advice and consent".
The esteemed Editorial Board is building straw men again, straw men which have not clothes and no supporting pillar on which to base the construction.
Donald Trump WILL be President on January 20th, The sooner the Editorial Board accepts that fact, the sooner they might be able to come forth with an argument that isn't patently political.
I am not sanguine for their doing so.
There being no constitutional requirement for such vetting, the Senate is entitled to give their advice and give or withhold their consent in any way that the Rules of the Senate allow.
This freedom is given to ALL senator for their "advice and consent".
The esteemed Editorial Board is building straw men again, straw men which have not clothes and no supporting pillar on which to base the construction.
Donald Trump WILL be President on January 20th, The sooner the Editorial Board accepts that fact, the sooner they might be able to come forth with an argument that isn't patently political.
I am not sanguine for their doing so.
Flaunting the law seems a breeze for Trump's team, given that the crook-in-chief won't release his tax returns deemed highly suspicious of graft. Divestitures by Trump's 'secretaries seem superfluous, given the conflicts of interest the chief honcho proudly displays to the public. However insecure and thin skinned the demagogue- and liar-in-chief is, he seems shameless in skirting around the law, a testament of his cheating ways, and the abuse of power once in office. The congressmen/women supposed to uphold the law, and exercise some decency, may renege on their mission to satisfy Trump's ego...in a most hypocritical and cowardly way. What is happening to this democracy? License instead of freedom, unethical means to evade justice, illegal means to justify a 'noble' end?
Failure to file a complete report should be an automatic rejection. If any of us when applying for a mortgage didn't supply a complete application we would not be able to get the mortgage. Just because our President elect refuses to provide his tax information (apparently this is legal) it should not be the standard for all of his appointees.
It is up to the Republican majority in the Senate to stand tall and not allow these people to be confirmed. Of course that is probably just a dream of mine.
It is up to the Republican majority in the Senate to stand tall and not allow these people to be confirmed. Of course that is probably just a dream of mine.
2
We should expect the governmental branch charged with law enforcement to lead by meticulous example of compliance with both the letter and the spirit of the law. Instead, by his example Mr. Trump challenges laws, looks for loopholes, and, finding none, simply behaves lawlessly. It is not surprising that his appointees follow that example, Apparently this group does not believe that the maxim "we are a nation of laws" applies to them. When ordinary citizens behave in this manner, we do not hesitate to call them what they are - criminals. Law and Order begins at home, Mr. Trump.
1
"A hearing is scheduled on Wednesday for Betsy DeVos, the billionaire education lobbyist named to be education secretary, whose disclosures are woefully incomplete,"
An education secretary who can't get her "homework" done. Then again, knowing Ms. DeVos's plans to turn our public schools into "Christian madrassas," she's probably expecting some kind of divine intervention before Wednesday.
An education secretary who can't get her "homework" done. Then again, knowing Ms. DeVos's plans to turn our public schools into "Christian madrassas," she's probably expecting some kind of divine intervention before Wednesday.
4
Here it is already: put up or shut up time for the Republicans.
Either they abandon (further) all their legal responsibilities in order to grease the skids for Trump and his nominees, or they can do what they are mandated to do, insist on full disclosure and comprehensive vetting.
Given how these people have been behaving for the last little while, I am not hopeful of a good outcome.
In that case, it is time for the Democrats to man up, stop playing nice guy, stop whining about not having the votes, and start filing law suits, one after the other until every nominee either complies, withdraws, or is brought a step or two closer to jail.
This isn't a game, if it ever was. This is a full on attack upon the bedrock of our nation. This is the keystone to good government set in place by the founders of the country.
If the Republicans can abandon this, despite their long and painfully loud claims to be the exclusive home of real patriots, it is an invitation to war. Maybe unending, probably painful, but necessary if we are to retain any shred of similarity to the nation we have always claimed to be.
It is a time for clear warnings and threats of retribution at virtually every level.
Either they abandon (further) all their legal responsibilities in order to grease the skids for Trump and his nominees, or they can do what they are mandated to do, insist on full disclosure and comprehensive vetting.
Given how these people have been behaving for the last little while, I am not hopeful of a good outcome.
In that case, it is time for the Democrats to man up, stop playing nice guy, stop whining about not having the votes, and start filing law suits, one after the other until every nominee either complies, withdraws, or is brought a step or two closer to jail.
This isn't a game, if it ever was. This is a full on attack upon the bedrock of our nation. This is the keystone to good government set in place by the founders of the country.
If the Republicans can abandon this, despite their long and painfully loud claims to be the exclusive home of real patriots, it is an invitation to war. Maybe unending, probably painful, but necessary if we are to retain any shred of similarity to the nation we have always claimed to be.
It is a time for clear warnings and threats of retribution at virtually every level.
7
Wish I could give this 1,000 Recommends!
2
" The ethics office is reportedly working with his lawyers to encourage him to do what the law demands of his cabinet: divest and enter office free of conflicts. He is the only incoming president in modern history who has refused to do so."
So you are saying that the law demands that members of Trump's cabinet divest and clear possible conflicts but Trump himself has refused to do so?
Does that mean that there is no law requiring the President to do what the law demands his cabinet members must do?
If so, then that is completely ludicrous as what the law demands of Cabinet Members it surely must also apply to The President??
If the law does demand Trump to do as his cabinet must do and he refuses...disqualify or better still, arrest him.
The American people demand nothing but the most detailed vetting of those who will be responsible for the safety, security, policy, success and integrity of the United States of America over the next 4 years.
So you are saying that the law demands that members of Trump's cabinet divest and clear possible conflicts but Trump himself has refused to do so?
Does that mean that there is no law requiring the President to do what the law demands his cabinet members must do?
If so, then that is completely ludicrous as what the law demands of Cabinet Members it surely must also apply to The President??
If the law does demand Trump to do as his cabinet must do and he refuses...disqualify or better still, arrest him.
The American people demand nothing but the most detailed vetting of those who will be responsible for the safety, security, policy, success and integrity of the United States of America over the next 4 years.
1
The government needs to appoint immediately (i.e., before January 20) a special prosecutor or independent counsel to take over the IRS audit of Trump's tax returns.
Once Trump takes power, it's unfathomable that the IRS will be able to conclude with any degree of independence its audit of Trump's tax returns.
This audit could turn into a criminal investigation of tax evasion, racketeering and other charges. All the more reason to appoint a special prosecutor now.
Once Trump takes power, it's unfathomable that the IRS will be able to conclude with any degree of independence its audit of Trump's tax returns.
This audit could turn into a criminal investigation of tax evasion, racketeering and other charges. All the more reason to appoint a special prosecutor now.
3
President-elect Trump is the only incoming president in modern American history who has refused to divest his business interests (legion) and enter the Oval Office free of conflicts. Fat chance, too, that the Office of Government Ethics will receive Trump's alarming cabinet picks' 278 forms clearing them for their new offices. Mr. Trump's very rich and unqualified nominees will be relay-racing over the hurdles starting next week. Complicated is the least pejorative word that can be used to describe the balls of wax that need to be listed and cleared in 278 forms before the Senate passes the President-elect's picks. Agreed, that confirmation hearings should be postponed till the Senate has received all the information ("The Fruit Salad" of the past, as good Dr. Ben Carson called it) needed to be able to advise and consent on Mrs. Trump's plethora of millionaire nominees, he has chosen to lead his government. Our government.
1
The ulterior messages from this editorial screed are that all of these men and women have been great successes in their chosen fields plus they know how to run large complex agencies/organizations that have more than 10,000 current career employees. These men and women are serving at the pleasure of the President-Elect plus these men and women have important performance-oriented tasks to do. In "the Real World", the paperwork will follow!
Are there no elected Republicans left who will put the nation before their party?
When they took office, this is what they swore -
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God. "
Allegiance to the Constitution.
Not to the Republican Party.
Not to the President.
Be the conservatives you claim to be and follow the law. Uphold the Constitution. Do the job you elected to do.
To look the other way is the road to treason.
When they took office, this is what they swore -
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God. "
Allegiance to the Constitution.
Not to the Republican Party.
Not to the President.
Be the conservatives you claim to be and follow the law. Uphold the Constitution. Do the job you elected to do.
To look the other way is the road to treason.
6
No wonder Congress, as it's priority on the first day back, tried so pitifully to gut an ethics oversight Committee.
Gotta get as much ethics oversight out of the picture as quick as possible before this Trump Administration starts to roll, because boy, there aren't many ethics there to oversee.
None of the people who are refusing to comply with the legal requirements to disclose and divest can even dream of doing something for any reason but for what was in it for them or their companies - the money.
Even their very public "charitable" activities were carefully chosen for getting the most bang for the buck for themselves, their reputations or their companies - often to the obligatory high society "arts" causes with pay back in coverage on the social pages of the paper and in networking, the "all the right people were there" kind of thing.
These people, who became billionaires because of the stable government, economic policies, peaceful transition of power, markets, military might, technology, transportation capability, infrastructure, marketing expertise, government tax benefits and subsidies, American consumers - and oh, so important - the productivity and blood, sweat, and tears of the American worker, now act as if they have the right to hold offices they were not elected to but that hold great power over us, without having to answer to we, the people, for anything at all.
Pure Trumpian philosophy 101 at work.
Gotta get as much ethics oversight out of the picture as quick as possible before this Trump Administration starts to roll, because boy, there aren't many ethics there to oversee.
None of the people who are refusing to comply with the legal requirements to disclose and divest can even dream of doing something for any reason but for what was in it for them or their companies - the money.
Even their very public "charitable" activities were carefully chosen for getting the most bang for the buck for themselves, their reputations or their companies - often to the obligatory high society "arts" causes with pay back in coverage on the social pages of the paper and in networking, the "all the right people were there" kind of thing.
These people, who became billionaires because of the stable government, economic policies, peaceful transition of power, markets, military might, technology, transportation capability, infrastructure, marketing expertise, government tax benefits and subsidies, American consumers - and oh, so important - the productivity and blood, sweat, and tears of the American worker, now act as if they have the right to hold offices they were not elected to but that hold great power over us, without having to answer to we, the people, for anything at all.
Pure Trumpian philosophy 101 at work.
3
It astounds me that people are surprised that the rich seem to be controlling Trump's cabinet. The rich have been controlling this country since the beginning of this country. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were a couple of the richest men of that time. The difference is that they had integrity and cared about the future of this country. What has changed over the years is the quality of the character of the rich and powerful. Greed has overcome integrity and the common good of the country has been over shadowed by the lust for more wealth and power.
There is still true power in this country and that is the voice of an informed public. That power was shown when the Republicans were held to task over trying to diminished the power of the ethics committee.
The press has the critically important responsibility of getting the truth out to the public no matter what the cost and it's the people's responsibility to keep our elected representatives in line . The only true fear that politicians have is the fear of not being reelected or losing their office to criminal activities. We must use this fear to keeps Trump administration in line.
There is still true power in this country and that is the voice of an informed public. That power was shown when the Republicans were held to task over trying to diminished the power of the ethics committee.
The press has the critically important responsibility of getting the truth out to the public no matter what the cost and it's the people's responsibility to keep our elected representatives in line . The only true fear that politicians have is the fear of not being reelected or losing their office to criminal activities. We must use this fear to keeps Trump administration in line.
2
If this is illegal, where are the lawyers who will defend our nation?
On Jan 20 Trump himself is legally in violation if not divested of his Washington Hotel. (This week contractors filed 5 million worth of liens for unpaid work.) If Congress is charged with oversight and they are not doing their job are they not themselves in violation of their stated duties within the Constitution?
Civilization depends on a law-abiding majority. We now have the top-down example of a President who considers himself unbound by law and shilling for his businesses while acting as President. We also have a Congress whose first act is to gut their own Ethics oversight (hastily repealed because of optics--not shame) and who is willing to participate in illegalities in approving the President's appointees. Are they not bound by law either?
Our incoming President is already fatally compromised whether he is bought by Russia or merely seeming to be and who refuses to provide the financial records that could clear (or convict) him.
At what point does this become a fait accompli we live with that in the future will be defined as a bloodless coup?
On Jan 20 Trump himself is legally in violation if not divested of his Washington Hotel. (This week contractors filed 5 million worth of liens for unpaid work.) If Congress is charged with oversight and they are not doing their job are they not themselves in violation of their stated duties within the Constitution?
Civilization depends on a law-abiding majority. We now have the top-down example of a President who considers himself unbound by law and shilling for his businesses while acting as President. We also have a Congress whose first act is to gut their own Ethics oversight (hastily repealed because of optics--not shame) and who is willing to participate in illegalities in approving the President's appointees. Are they not bound by law either?
Our incoming President is already fatally compromised whether he is bought by Russia or merely seeming to be and who refuses to provide the financial records that could clear (or convict) him.
At what point does this become a fait accompli we live with that in the future will be defined as a bloodless coup?
7
I can't figure our if we are going for oligarchy or kleptocracy. We have been on the road toward both for years and the election of an authoritarian narcissist caps it.
I am not delighted with Trump's picks, not just because I do not agree with the current manifestation of the GOP's policies. The people he picked seem wholly unsuited for government leadership. I know that was the point, but I that is what I specifically voted against. But more than that, they are a part of what has become our aristocracy - the modern day equivalent of landed gentry, who have a greater say in affairs simply because of wealth.
We rejected the aristocracy, because they provided terrible leadership while soaking off the wealth and opportunity. We didn't want to create a new class of corporate aristocracy that superseded the interests of everyone else. Yet our cabinet will be military and corporate, election funding still runs heavily to the Koch brothers and ALEC runs a lot of states.
Yes, we should slow down and force Trump's cabinet picks to choose between national service and self serving enrichment. But who in the party has the desire, let alone the will, to do that?
I am not delighted with Trump's picks, not just because I do not agree with the current manifestation of the GOP's policies. The people he picked seem wholly unsuited for government leadership. I know that was the point, but I that is what I specifically voted against. But more than that, they are a part of what has become our aristocracy - the modern day equivalent of landed gentry, who have a greater say in affairs simply because of wealth.
We rejected the aristocracy, because they provided terrible leadership while soaking off the wealth and opportunity. We didn't want to create a new class of corporate aristocracy that superseded the interests of everyone else. Yet our cabinet will be military and corporate, election funding still runs heavily to the Koch brothers and ALEC runs a lot of states.
Yes, we should slow down and force Trump's cabinet picks to choose between national service and self serving enrichment. But who in the party has the desire, let alone the will, to do that?
4
The so-called "mainstream" Republicans who came to loathe Trump during the GOP primaries now see in him an opportunity to get their agenda through.
So it is not surprising that the GOP Congress is bending the rules to accommodate Trump. It may not be the right thing to do, but the Republicans are/were not exactly about doing the right thing, such as giving President Obama's nominees a fair hearing, which they seldom did.
It would be wise to remember what Grover Norquist said: "All we have to do is replace Obama. ... Pick a Republican with enough working digits to handle a pen to become president of the United States. This is a change for Republicans: the House and Senate doing the work with the president signing bills. His job is to be captain of the team, to sign the legislation that has already been prepared."
Trump may have tiny hands and may be a "short-fingered vulgarian," but he meets the Norquist criteria of possessing enough fingers to sign legislation.
So it is not surprising that the GOP Congress is bending the rules to accommodate Trump. It may not be the right thing to do, but the Republicans are/were not exactly about doing the right thing, such as giving President Obama's nominees a fair hearing, which they seldom did.
It would be wise to remember what Grover Norquist said: "All we have to do is replace Obama. ... Pick a Republican with enough working digits to handle a pen to become president of the United States. This is a change for Republicans: the House and Senate doing the work with the president signing bills. His job is to be captain of the team, to sign the legislation that has already been prepared."
Trump may have tiny hands and may be a "short-fingered vulgarian," but he meets the Norquist criteria of possessing enough fingers to sign legislation.
4
At face value, ignoring ethics standards and vettting processes is unnecessary. These practices were initiated for good reason. Some presidential appointees had abused their power for personal gain. These events reflected badly on the Senate and on the appointing president.
Ignoring ethics standards and the vetting process and fast-tracking presidential nominees does not increase public confidence; it does not reinforce the role of the Senate; it is not good "optics" for the president-elect. In fact, it is purposefully creating a swamp.
Ignoring ethics standards and the vetting process and fast-tracking presidential nominees does not increase public confidence; it does not reinforce the role of the Senate; it is not good "optics" for the president-elect. In fact, it is purposefully creating a swamp.
3
And this arrogance on the part of trump and his cabinet designees is something that could be explored if his "highness" would lower himself to questions from the press. But since he has a problem with intelligence is every possible form, he won't tolerate reporters asking him questions about this disdain for past practice (his) and scorn for the law (his designees).
As long as the trumpistas are content watching the laws and constitution trashed by this group, the future of the government is imperiled. Even the republicans have to hold this group accountable for compliance with the law. If not, our system of laws is obsolete.
As long as the trumpistas are content watching the laws and constitution trashed by this group, the future of the government is imperiled. Even the republicans have to hold this group accountable for compliance with the law. If not, our system of laws is obsolete.
3
His "Highness" learned from her "majesty" on how to hole up and avoid questions from the press. And Hillary did it to a press that has been proven to be left leaning. Now liberals expect Trump to throw himself to the wolves. Good luck with that.
Because of recent revelations about foreign influence in elections and the possible influence of foreign actors in our government, all Cabinet candidates should be thoroughly, slowly vetted. This takes time. I don't want to find out that someone has tons of money invested in a particular country or company that is against our national interests. Now, more than ever, we are owed full transparency.
2
Funny that someone who supports President Obama would talk about slowly vetting anyone. Had Obama or even Hillary made a commitment to slowly vet refugees from terrorist supporting countries the results of the election might have been entirely different.
What is a moral compass, and can a person amass so much money and so many assets without denying core values and ethos communicated via philosophy, religion, and proven common interests for millennia?
These people are being asked to set aside material goods for the sake of service to others. They are not taking vows of poverty, but only being asked to provide the rest of us with some form of proof that they will not violate our trust. They will not come out of public service wanting for food, clothing or shelter. They will still be all but immeasurably wealthier than most of their fellow citizens, as these grossly complicated filings will prove.
Failure to comply with rules that support our democracy, whether accidental or intentional, amounts to a failure to earn our trust and our confidence. Anyone who does not respect us enough to earn our trust should not be confirmed.
These people are being asked to set aside material goods for the sake of service to others. They are not taking vows of poverty, but only being asked to provide the rest of us with some form of proof that they will not violate our trust. They will not come out of public service wanting for food, clothing or shelter. They will still be all but immeasurably wealthier than most of their fellow citizens, as these grossly complicated filings will prove.
Failure to comply with rules that support our democracy, whether accidental or intentional, amounts to a failure to earn our trust and our confidence. Anyone who does not respect us enough to earn our trust should not be confirmed.
7
Elections do have consequences---presently, the Republicans are taking advantage of these consequences, which favor whatever they want to do. However, there are short-term and long-term consequences. The draconian measures now being considered by the Republicans, whether it is covering up conflict of interests, or repeal of Obamacare, or allocating money for a border wall, or limiting Medicare benefits---all of these will also have long-range consequences. It appears that no one in the party is taking a long-term view that could end where the democrats now find themselves.
1
In my opinion the Senate shirked its duty or basically pulled off a coup when they refused to consider the nominee for the open seat in the Supreme Court. It is beyond belief that the Supreme Court has not acted to right that. I do not see the US as a Democracy that leads the world by example anymore. And now that the Donald is in charge along with the buffoons that run the House and Senate we are doomed. The only thing on our side is that they are all dinosaurs who will succumb to what nature has no plans on surrendering anytime soon.
7
Everything about this presidency is either a mirage or reality through the looking glass: from the improbable and incredible Trump victory, to a makeshift transition team, to the "unpresident" collection of millionaires and billionaires that belie the promises made by Trump to the "angry" masses, to unseemly interventions in foreign affairs before holding office, to threats against civil servants, to siding with the enemy, to failure to reveal to the country the extent of his conflicts of interest, to trying to shoehorn his less than admirable cabinet by holding committee earrings all at the same time, to the fusion of politics and personal business. And this is only the beginning.
55
Note: earrings are beautiful, but hearings are more useful at this moment.
15
Giving Trump a PASS is exactly what the American people have already done.
Why should Trump's cabinet nominees expect much blowback seeing what has already transpired?
Unprecedented is the word used for Trump's obstinate refusal to release his tax returns and his lackadaisical efforts to appear willing to divest himself from conflicts of interests. That is the sum total of the 'pressure' on Trump to be transparent.
So why would the Trump team be worried about his cabinet appointees? No consequences have come up yet for him. If I were a nominee, I would wish to comply with all requests for information simply because the laws would affect me even if the laws do not apply to Trump. And I would not feel secure in the future support of Trump if some impropriety were to come out about me.
Trump's transition team is fueled by the false belief of total mandate. Trump's Senate allies could turn at any time given the unprecedented (there's that word again) and fluid nature of Trump.
Trump believes that he is totally immune to the law, any law. He is a terrible role model for members of his administration. They best remember that what is good for the goose IS NOT good for the gander.
Why should Trump's cabinet nominees expect much blowback seeing what has already transpired?
Unprecedented is the word used for Trump's obstinate refusal to release his tax returns and his lackadaisical efforts to appear willing to divest himself from conflicts of interests. That is the sum total of the 'pressure' on Trump to be transparent.
So why would the Trump team be worried about his cabinet appointees? No consequences have come up yet for him. If I were a nominee, I would wish to comply with all requests for information simply because the laws would affect me even if the laws do not apply to Trump. And I would not feel secure in the future support of Trump if some impropriety were to come out about me.
Trump's transition team is fueled by the false belief of total mandate. Trump's Senate allies could turn at any time given the unprecedented (there's that word again) and fluid nature of Trump.
Trump believes that he is totally immune to the law, any law. He is a terrible role model for members of his administration. They best remember that what is good for the goose IS NOT good for the gander.
7
The Ethics in Government Act was passed in the wake of Watergate. It was designed to assure that public employees do not take financial advantage of their government employment. Wealthy Trump appointees probably didn't give up their billion dollar jobs to make money out of bribery and extortion schemes. Their potential conflicts of interest are pervasive but their incentive to profit at the expense of the government is minimal. They should all comply with ethical requirements. But billionaires are not likely to cheat the government for the kind of illicit benefits available to government employees. Rules are rules and if an appointee doesn't comply, he or she should not be confirmed. But before getting all high and mighty about this, it should be understood that this is more a technical requirement than an ethical one. The Board's indication that billionaire nominees are likely to go to jail for misconduct is unconvincing to me.
Your argument seems sound, if not a little uncertain. The question is not whether the nominees will benefit from their position, but that the American people and their congressional representatives know what the conflicts of interest are. Only under full disclosure can we, the People, hold the nominees and Congress accountable. We are still the boss.
1
"Prosecutor's discretion" is the term used for blatantly ignoring the law on conflicts of interest.
The Republicans are very good at party discipline, so we may expect that they will toe the line and enact all the disgusting actions they believe their so-called mandate calls for. In the absence of enough principled Republicans who would put common decency above party we are in for two years of horror. If we survive, and this is by no means certain, what is left of the country will give the kleptocrats what they deserve.
"A nation gets the government it deserves."
The Republicans are very good at party discipline, so we may expect that they will toe the line and enact all the disgusting actions they believe their so-called mandate calls for. In the absence of enough principled Republicans who would put common decency above party we are in for two years of horror. If we survive, and this is by no means certain, what is left of the country will give the kleptocrats what they deserve.
"A nation gets the government it deserves."
9
"Confirmation hearings should be postponed until the Senate has all the information it needs to conduct responsible votes on the people Mr. Trump has chosen to lead the federal government."
The Senate, as well as most of America, already has all the information we need. Mr. Trump's nominees speak for themselves. The real question is how we will act on that knowledge, and I honestly don't know how my country will vote.
That fact alone is enough to petrify me.
The Senate, as well as most of America, already has all the information we need. Mr. Trump's nominees speak for themselves. The real question is how we will act on that knowledge, and I honestly don't know how my country will vote.
That fact alone is enough to petrify me.
10
Being President of the United States is not just an ego trip and a business venture. Mr. Trump's cavalier attitude toward conflicts of interest and those of his potential cabinet members very well may have unintended consequences. As of January 20 every building around the world with the Trump name writen in large letters on its side and every golf course owned or operated by his family will become targets for the terrorists he has bragged so confidently he will destroy. The holdings of his cabinet members likewise will become targets. If that happens and even one attack is successful he will find the value of his empire diminished significantly. Even worse for the country, the threat of such attacks may affect decisions that a President Trump will make regarding national security. We must demand divestment, and he must realize how necessary it really is.
13
Some Trump voters said they did not believe he would be able to damage this country because of checks and balances.
When the 3 branches of power are filled with extremists, then, the so called checks and balances do not work anymore.
Hopefully this will be reversed in 2 years but it"s going to take a huge effort from every concerned citizen.
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there "is" such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” MLK
When the 3 branches of power are filled with extremists, then, the so called checks and balances do not work anymore.
Hopefully this will be reversed in 2 years but it"s going to take a huge effort from every concerned citizen.
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there "is" such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” MLK
13
This is the latest outrage that must not be tolerated.
Everyone who reads this paper should call their senators—in both red and blue states—first thing Monday to say we absolutely will not tolerate this and also that we demand a special investigation into the Russian hacking.
If we can't make that much effort then perhaps we deserve to live under the triumvirate rule of Trump/McConnell/Pence. The capitol switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. And here's the directory of individual phone numbers & email addresses for each senator http://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/
Everyone who reads this paper should call their senators—in both red and blue states—first thing Monday to say we absolutely will not tolerate this and also that we demand a special investigation into the Russian hacking.
If we can't make that much effort then perhaps we deserve to live under the triumvirate rule of Trump/McConnell/Pence. The capitol switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. And here's the directory of individual phone numbers & email addresses for each senator http://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/
15
How little resistance there is to Trump. No tax returns, no divestment, no respect for America, our Constitution, our laws, or the American People. I remember how GOP members of the House recited the Constitution just 4 years ago. Now it's toilet paper.
There's an important lesson to be learned here. The Party of No, the party that cowed Democrats, responds very well to a kick in the butt. They are folding like empty suits. Why is that surprising? Principles and character are a show for voters, Representatives and Senators stopped being Public Servants years ago. They serve their donors. A candidate whose donors are little people, like Bernie Sanders, is much more likely to be a Public Servant, and could bully opponents into serving the interests of ordinary citizens.
There's an important lesson to be learned here. The Party of No, the party that cowed Democrats, responds very well to a kick in the butt. They are folding like empty suits. Why is that surprising? Principles and character are a show for voters, Representatives and Senators stopped being Public Servants years ago. They serve their donors. A candidate whose donors are little people, like Bernie Sanders, is much more likely to be a Public Servant, and could bully opponents into serving the interests of ordinary citizens.
21
This is a critically important aside in this article: "The law doesn’t require Mr. Trump to shed his business interests, but the failure of his cabinet officials to do so could land them in jail."
There is more to government and much more to the presidency than the narrow confines of legal codes. American citizens expect their president to concentrate fully on the task at hand, one of the most demanding and difficult jobs in the world. We expect not only will presidents avoid trying to profit from their office, but they will also avoid the appearance of same, the doubt that legitimately arises around presidential actions when exact motives for actions cannot be known and benefits accrue to the president.
Trump thinks he can thumb his nose at those concerns, so why shouldn't his cabinet appointees do the same? They seem to be preparing for an administration that will be corrupted, and corrupt, inside and out.
Trump's conflict with the office he will occupy and the desire, or perhaps the necessity, of keeping ownership of his far flung business interests is fundamental, undeniable and overtime is likely to prove fatal to a successful tenure in office, no matter his other actions. As the days and weeks go by without a plan for a complete separation from his business interests, outrage fades to resignation and the once unthinkable becomes ordinary. Neither he nor we will escape these conflicts, however. They must be resolved.
There is more to government and much more to the presidency than the narrow confines of legal codes. American citizens expect their president to concentrate fully on the task at hand, one of the most demanding and difficult jobs in the world. We expect not only will presidents avoid trying to profit from their office, but they will also avoid the appearance of same, the doubt that legitimately arises around presidential actions when exact motives for actions cannot be known and benefits accrue to the president.
Trump thinks he can thumb his nose at those concerns, so why shouldn't his cabinet appointees do the same? They seem to be preparing for an administration that will be corrupted, and corrupt, inside and out.
Trump's conflict with the office he will occupy and the desire, or perhaps the necessity, of keeping ownership of his far flung business interests is fundamental, undeniable and overtime is likely to prove fatal to a successful tenure in office, no matter his other actions. As the days and weeks go by without a plan for a complete separation from his business interests, outrage fades to resignation and the once unthinkable becomes ordinary. Neither he nor we will escape these conflicts, however. They must be resolved.
10
Instead of "Community Organizers," that Obama pushed, people with no history, Trump is putting together a team of very competent people.
The goal is to assemble a team of smart and competent people who can lead this country, not put together a team of sycophants with no history.
The view that one, who is already legally successful, as all his nominees are, needs to prove that to another level, is what keeps good people out of Washington. Rex Tillerson is the prime example of a grossly competent person coming into office.
People focus on the economic because that is what is provable. If "bias" was a determinant of what was "right and legal and proper" for being able to serve in office, or write an editorial, most would be bounced.
Welcome to the new reality where Trump is hiring competent, connected, people. Will there be a bad apple here and there, sure, no worse than Holder, or Clinton, or any other of the other Obama Hires.
The goal is to assemble a team of smart and competent people who can lead this country, not put together a team of sycophants with no history.
The view that one, who is already legally successful, as all his nominees are, needs to prove that to another level, is what keeps good people out of Washington. Rex Tillerson is the prime example of a grossly competent person coming into office.
People focus on the economic because that is what is provable. If "bias" was a determinant of what was "right and legal and proper" for being able to serve in office, or write an editorial, most would be bounced.
Welcome to the new reality where Trump is hiring competent, connected, people. Will there be a bad apple here and there, sure, no worse than Holder, or Clinton, or any other of the other Obama Hires.
3
If you are attempting to flatter Mr. Tillerson by referring to him as "grossly competent", it doesn't work. It is not a compliment. If it is true, it means that he is competent in a gross way, which could mean any number of things, none of them good.
1
On the day after Trump takes the Oath of Office an impeachment effort must be established as a perpetual maneuver to keep him in line and to secure a modicum of safety for our country.
How else can we keep Trump in line - other than closing down his access to his Twitter rumblings.
The "Impeach Trump" declaration must be introduced in the House of Representatives on Day One .... as a tactical imperative.
Doing so on a regular basis, prompted by Trump's behavior - whatever it may be - should be a strategic and never ending plan for the country's greater good.
Win or lose but build momentum is the overall plan - until finally ....
The GOP wrote the playbook on this tactic and it is now their turn to be on stage for their close-up.
Seating Trump beneath a Damocles sword that hangs by a hair, over the hair on his large and swollen head, should be a reminder that if he goes too far ..... well another vote will be taken just as a reminder that we the people may well have the last word on any issue he may wish to advertise, promulgate, or toss around as his latest bullying behavior.
Polls to evaluate this action can be mounted to take effect immediately after each impeachment effort for momentum.
Trump has no mandate. He lost the popular vote by a credible margin.
Our mandate is in our numbers.
With time Congressional Republicans, for their own survival, will join the effort to establish reasons for impeachment and the event will finally take place - at last.
How else can we keep Trump in line - other than closing down his access to his Twitter rumblings.
The "Impeach Trump" declaration must be introduced in the House of Representatives on Day One .... as a tactical imperative.
Doing so on a regular basis, prompted by Trump's behavior - whatever it may be - should be a strategic and never ending plan for the country's greater good.
Win or lose but build momentum is the overall plan - until finally ....
The GOP wrote the playbook on this tactic and it is now their turn to be on stage for their close-up.
Seating Trump beneath a Damocles sword that hangs by a hair, over the hair on his large and swollen head, should be a reminder that if he goes too far ..... well another vote will be taken just as a reminder that we the people may well have the last word on any issue he may wish to advertise, promulgate, or toss around as his latest bullying behavior.
Polls to evaluate this action can be mounted to take effect immediately after each impeachment effort for momentum.
Trump has no mandate. He lost the popular vote by a credible margin.
Our mandate is in our numbers.
With time Congressional Republicans, for their own survival, will join the effort to establish reasons for impeachment and the event will finally take place - at last.
15
Consider this quote from Thomas Jefferson:
"In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution".
"In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution".
1
Everyone is very aware of how reliable the "polls" you refer to actually are. If for some reason the left does not then I suggest the send a representative to the woods and ask Hillary.
Putins plan to sow discord proceeds apace.
We now have just the right amount of information to be the polarized society, at war over the legitimacy of our president, that he had so hoped to create.
Good job Vladimir.
The only logical response is revote this tainted election.
Since that doesn't appear to be in the cards we are left a divided and weakened nation only able to inflict wounds upon ourselves and lash out at Putin with sanctions and cyber-attacks.
Next for Putin is to move on to the up bomber by European elections, and to stir the pot in the Middle East just enough to raise oil prices. They need high oil prices badly. That'll work out just fine for Rex Tillerson as well.
We now have just the right amount of information to be the polarized society, at war over the legitimacy of our president, that he had so hoped to create.
Good job Vladimir.
The only logical response is revote this tainted election.
Since that doesn't appear to be in the cards we are left a divided and weakened nation only able to inflict wounds upon ourselves and lash out at Putin with sanctions and cyber-attacks.
Next for Putin is to move on to the up bomber by European elections, and to stir the pot in the Middle East just enough to raise oil prices. They need high oil prices badly. That'll work out just fine for Rex Tillerson as well.
8
RjW: Yes. And the thing that bothers me most is that the electorate, as a whole, does not seem to understand what's going on here - "Give Trump a chance." Sleep walking. A lot of excellent posts here but I'm afraid we are just preaching to the choir.
If the Trump Agenda is to totally discredit the government of the USA this is one way to assure that out government will be totally dysfunctional.
We do have to fear that Mr. Trump's agenda is for him to become the national dictator who, along with his inner-circle, lives above the common law of the land. If that is true our experiment in democracy will be either crippled or extinguished.
To have a Congress with RNC members who are so anxious to have their long list of things to tear down enacted that they are willing to sacrifice the Constitution and Laws is frightening.
This nation has proved that We-the-People can govern without dictators or monarchs.
It is time to use the word that Mr. Trump hasn't heard in a long time - NO!
The President of the USA is the chief public servant, not the sovereign of this nation. The title of sovereign belongs to We-the-People and nobody else.
We do have to fear that Mr. Trump's agenda is for him to become the national dictator who, along with his inner-circle, lives above the common law of the land. If that is true our experiment in democracy will be either crippled or extinguished.
To have a Congress with RNC members who are so anxious to have their long list of things to tear down enacted that they are willing to sacrifice the Constitution and Laws is frightening.
This nation has proved that We-the-People can govern without dictators or monarchs.
It is time to use the word that Mr. Trump hasn't heard in a long time - NO!
The President of the USA is the chief public servant, not the sovereign of this nation. The title of sovereign belongs to We-the-People and nobody else.
40
"All senior Executive Branch officials must wrestle with the Standard Form 278, not just before they are confirmed but each year they serve in office. The White House will not send any nomination forward without inspecting every line and detail of a nominee’s financial statement. OGE must sign off and assure the Senate either that the nominee has no conflicts-of-interest or has made a satisfactory arrangement to deal with potential conflicts. Everything reported on an SF-278 is open to public inspection." From "A Survivor's Guide for Presidential Nominees"-- http://www.napawash.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/SurvivorsGuide2013.pdf .
Just imagine what the Republicans might do if the situations were reversed. Why, they might even hold up a nominee's hearing for a Supreme Court nomination. Then again, most of those nominees would have much shorter 278s, given likely prolonged careers in the federal judiciary.
Sure, we should just give Trump a chance, let him do whatever he wants. What could happen? He knows things the rest of us don't. That should be enough for anyone--right? The Office of Government Ethics should just do whatever the Senate majority wants. It's simple, really.
Just imagine what the Republicans might do if the situations were reversed. Why, they might even hold up a nominee's hearing for a Supreme Court nomination. Then again, most of those nominees would have much shorter 278s, given likely prolonged careers in the federal judiciary.
Sure, we should just give Trump a chance, let him do whatever he wants. What could happen? He knows things the rest of us don't. That should be enough for anyone--right? The Office of Government Ethics should just do whatever the Senate majority wants. It's simple, really.
18
Hmmm- interesting, although not in the slightest way is this a surprise. But, as a federally-funded biomedical researcher who is required by law to indicate conflicts of interest every year (and reveal any potential conflicts that might arise between the annual review), I find it curious that these candidate-appointees can get away with this. I would lose my federal funding if I failed to complete my annual report on time.
is there any reason on earth why these guys (plus the two women) should get a pass on this, especially since they are being vetted to lead major federal agencies and departments?
The duplicity continues to stun.
is there any reason on earth why these guys (plus the two women) should get a pass on this, especially since they are being vetted to lead major federal agencies and departments?
The duplicity continues to stun.
86
In our constitutional system of checks and balances, Congress is supposed to be one check on the President. The Constitution is just a piece of paper and can only live if the men and women of the United States respect it. Here is what Ben Franklin said when that document was signed:
"I think a General Government necessary for us, and there is no Form of Government but what may be a Blessing to the People if well administred; and I believe farther that this is likely to be well administred for a Course of Years, and can only end in Despotism as other Forms have done before it, when the People shall become so corrupted as to need a Despotic Government, being incapable of any other."
Perhaps we have reached the point where the People have become so corrupted that their elected representatives, the is Congress, no longer feel the need to respect the laws of the land. The refusal to confirm Judge Garland and now hearings with out information provide strong evidence of our start down the slippery slope.
http://www.twoyearstodemocracy.com/
"I think a General Government necessary for us, and there is no Form of Government but what may be a Blessing to the People if well administred; and I believe farther that this is likely to be well administred for a Course of Years, and can only end in Despotism as other Forms have done before it, when the People shall become so corrupted as to need a Despotic Government, being incapable of any other."
Perhaps we have reached the point where the People have become so corrupted that their elected representatives, the is Congress, no longer feel the need to respect the laws of the land. The refusal to confirm Judge Garland and now hearings with out information provide strong evidence of our start down the slippery slope.
http://www.twoyearstodemocracy.com/
45
"The ethics office is reportedly working with his lawyers to encourage him to do what the law demands of his cabinet: divest and enter office free of conflicts."
Of course, the Law doesn't demand that the President comply to those rules because the legislators of the time were sure that it was a given that he would do so voluntarily. And it was a wise decision until He can along.
Then again, this shouldn't surprise us. The guy is totally amoral. He has no sense of right or wrong. He is proud of not paying taxes, of using bankrupsy Laws to get out of a hole of his making even when that means stiffling a lot of workers. He gropes women and brags about it, he lies as he breathes and throws names and insults every which way. The consumate no class act.
He didn't think he could win and now that he has, has no intention of governing full-time. He will not divest and sees conflicts of interest not as a problem to be solved but as an oppertunity to make a killing. He will always be on the side of...Donald trump. Finally, he sees his nominees as accomplices not as future public servants so there is no reason to give any of them a pass. Quite the contrary.
Of course, the Law doesn't demand that the President comply to those rules because the legislators of the time were sure that it was a given that he would do so voluntarily. And it was a wise decision until He can along.
Then again, this shouldn't surprise us. The guy is totally amoral. He has no sense of right or wrong. He is proud of not paying taxes, of using bankrupsy Laws to get out of a hole of his making even when that means stiffling a lot of workers. He gropes women and brags about it, he lies as he breathes and throws names and insults every which way. The consumate no class act.
He didn't think he could win and now that he has, has no intention of governing full-time. He will not divest and sees conflicts of interest not as a problem to be solved but as an oppertunity to make a killing. He will always be on the side of...Donald trump. Finally, he sees his nominees as accomplices not as future public servants so there is no reason to give any of them a pass. Quite the contrary.
90
It is possible that Trump can't reveal his business interests (or his taxes) because there is a lot of investment in Russia, which will become far more valuable if he can normalize relations with them and get rid of the sanctions. This could explain why he's so adamant about the Russian hacking--knowledge of Putin's misdeeds will be a serious roadblock to that normalization. (It's also possible that Putin is aware of illegal conduct by Trump in his Russian dealings, and is blackmailing him.) Although this is only speculation, either of these explanations would explain Trump's conduct far better than the press's idea that he feels bad that his election is being denigrated, which is also speculation.
60
I have never seen such skepticism or jealousy with regard to potential cabinet members chosen by a president elect. The socialistic democrats do not like some nominees because they are: white, men, educated, successful, graduates of stellar universities, and I could go on. I congratulate Trump for selecting the brightest and best unless those jealous of the selection because they are not their choice. The election is over; get over it.
2
Jan
The process described in this editorial has nothing to do with anything you suggest like jealousy on the part of the voters who might disagree with you or who are not in agreement with the president-elect. The process of disclosure on the part of cabinet nominees has been in place for many years and it seems to me is a good one. The fact that most of the nominees are wealthy or white, with the exception of Doctor Carson, is quite beside the point.
The process described in this editorial has nothing to do with anything you suggest like jealousy on the part of the voters who might disagree with you or who are not in agreement with the president-elect. The process of disclosure on the part of cabinet nominees has been in place for many years and it seems to me is a good one. The fact that most of the nominees are wealthy or white, with the exception of Doctor Carson, is quite beside the point.
49
Whether Democrat, Republican, or Independent, what we the people care about is the rule of law and the precepts laid out by our constitution. We don't care what the color of a cabinet appointee's skin is, what his or her gender is, how well he or she did in business, or from what college he or she graduated. We do care whether appointees and the elected officials who confirm them uphold our laws. The election is over now wake up: there are foxes in the henhouse.
3
It's a due process that needs to be followed by law, scrupulously. Kellyanne Conway asks for the 'courtesy' of a speedy pass. She and the rest of the Trump team need to face up to the fact that they are in government now, not business. The law demands and the electorate deserves transparency and accountability. Their nomination picks need to comply with a much higher ethics bar now. If they want to serve the public interest, then I'm sure they will want to enter office free of any potential suspicions or conflicts that might later impede their work and call into question their integrity. If they can't pass the bar, then they don't deserve the job. Standard practice!
2
What have been the mainstays of America, law and custom, the policies, practices, and procedures of government, and the ideals implicit in American governance apparently no longer matter.
The American tragedy is that neither President elect Trump, his nominees, his supporters in the citizenry and the government care about any of what this editorial presents.
But, perhaps, some do care in a different way? It should be considered that possibly this whole change in American thought, governance and political style did not happen suddenly with President elect Trump? There are people who care because they want these things to happen. And they are making them happen.
The press and the media must continue to present the truth, facts, and realities. The people of America and the world must know about and understand the meaning and ramifications of what President elect Trump is doing and how he is doing it.
The problem is what can the people who care about the simple wrong in all that is happening do?
The American tragedy is that neither President elect Trump, his nominees, his supporters in the citizenry and the government care about any of what this editorial presents.
But, perhaps, some do care in a different way? It should be considered that possibly this whole change in American thought, governance and political style did not happen suddenly with President elect Trump? There are people who care because they want these things to happen. And they are making them happen.
The press and the media must continue to present the truth, facts, and realities. The people of America and the world must know about and understand the meaning and ramifications of what President elect Trump is doing and how he is doing it.
The problem is what can the people who care about the simple wrong in all that is happening do?
49
None of us should be surprised that the GOP Congress is shirking its duty. They have been doing that since last spring re President Obama's Supreme Court nominee. Apparently, they consider their "duty" to take a back seat to their own and their party's vested interests.
38
How about expressing a little gratitude to these successful businessmen, investors, entrepreneurs who give up their endeavors, face huge material losses in order to pay back their country which offered them the opportunity to succeed?
1
People in their league rarely make such sacrifices unless there is more wealth at the end of the road through increasing their sphere of power and contacts. In fact, I think it is quite legitimate to suspect that any business moguls seeking/agreeing to serve are cut from the same cloth as Trump.
We all seem to forget that people who reach this kind of success in business have likely been involved in some shady activity. They've walked on some little people somewhere at sometime!
We all seem to forget that people who reach this kind of success in business have likely been involved in some shady activity. They've walked on some little people somewhere at sometime!
Well - we don't actually know that they have given anything up until they have gone though this process. We also don't know that they are going to actually be helping us, rather than themselves if they don't go through this process.
2
They don't have to do it. Show them your gratitude by voting them out, so they don't need to suffer.
FOIA, FOIA, FOIA.
Hit them all with detailed Freedom of Information Act requests since they aspire to be public servants on the taxpayers' dime. Surely this isn't an original thought.
Hit them all with detailed Freedom of Information Act requests since they aspire to be public servants on the taxpayers' dime. Surely this isn't an original thought.
29
Unfortunately, they will have control over the Freedom of Information Act. They will ignore requests or dissolve the Act. None of this is normal, and we had better not treat any of this as OK. Not even OK for now!!
1
Mr Trump was elected directly through the Russian KGB fraudulent cavalier intervention of the 2016 American election.
A good journalist or elected official would suggest simply having the election done over.
Seriously. We are in uncharted historical waters. Most nations are not inept enough to allow a hostile foreign government to walk in and mutilate an election.
The simple resolution is to put out all of Mr Comey's conflicts of interest, and all of Vladimir Putin's false statements, and cowboy up sufficiently enough to state that the November 2016 election was badly damaged by scarily, sick people.
And simply have the Americans vote once again, with the full knowledge of the Russians involvement, and some tragically enthusiastic use of the Russian illegally hacked DNC wen sites.
Or America can have an illegitimate puppet of the Russian KGB, who is hundreds of millions of dollars in debt to Moscow in the Oval Office.
( Or as the old saying goes, the Fall of the Roman Empire)
A good journalist or elected official would suggest simply having the election done over.
Seriously. We are in uncharted historical waters. Most nations are not inept enough to allow a hostile foreign government to walk in and mutilate an election.
The simple resolution is to put out all of Mr Comey's conflicts of interest, and all of Vladimir Putin's false statements, and cowboy up sufficiently enough to state that the November 2016 election was badly damaged by scarily, sick people.
And simply have the Americans vote once again, with the full knowledge of the Russians involvement, and some tragically enthusiastic use of the Russian illegally hacked DNC wen sites.
Or America can have an illegitimate puppet of the Russian KGB, who is hundreds of millions of dollars in debt to Moscow in the Oval Office.
( Or as the old saying goes, the Fall of the Roman Empire)
12
This lack of transparency shows contempt and disdain for federal laws and the American public by Trump and his Rubber Stamp Republican Congress.
This is the same shameless crew of political pirates who were on the fast-track to gut the ethics watchdog before public outcry stopped them.
Republican senators are making a mockery out of the selection process as though they are representing people from a Third World country.
I hope this process is televised so the American public is aware of how Trump and the Republican senate are trying to circumvent the rule of law.
Also the cabinet post nominees are behaving more like the Cosa Nostra crime figures trying desperately to hide union and casino gambling ties than people who are there to serve the American taxpayers.
This is an unprecedented, dark and dangerous chapter in the democratic process.
This is the same shameless crew of political pirates who were on the fast-track to gut the ethics watchdog before public outcry stopped them.
Republican senators are making a mockery out of the selection process as though they are representing people from a Third World country.
I hope this process is televised so the American public is aware of how Trump and the Republican senate are trying to circumvent the rule of law.
Also the cabinet post nominees are behaving more like the Cosa Nostra crime figures trying desperately to hide union and casino gambling ties than people who are there to serve the American taxpayers.
This is an unprecedented, dark and dangerous chapter in the democratic process.
18
Trump and all of his appointments want to have their cake and eat it too -- at the public's expense. It's unfathomable that many of them are being considered for offices whose very functions they oppose, and unconscionable that confirmation hearings may be allowed to commence without submissions of their completed paperwork. Where in the private sector would a job candidate submit an incomplete application and not be immediately rejected on that basis alone?!
I'm with Bruce Rozenblitt. I want to know which body has the ultimate oversight, and if each candidate has not met his/her requirements when confirmation hearings are scheduled to begin, I want to see that body act with its full prosecutorial authority.
I'm with Bruce Rozenblitt. I want to know which body has the ultimate oversight, and if each candidate has not met his/her requirements when confirmation hearings are scheduled to begin, I want to see that body act with its full prosecutorial authority.
22
During the campaign, Trump smeared Hillary Clinton by charging that, during her tenure as Secretary of State, it was hard to tell where the State Department ended and the Clinton Foundation began.
Rex Tillerson, Trump's chosen Secretary of State, has boundless possibilities for corrupting the State Department. He is officially a friend of Putin (who, coincidentally, worked to put Trump in the White House). Tillerson stands to gain even more wealth from ExxonMobil if Russian sanctions are lifted.
And ExxonMobil is far from a charitable foundation.
Rex Tillerson, Trump's chosen Secretary of State, has boundless possibilities for corrupting the State Department. He is officially a friend of Putin (who, coincidentally, worked to put Trump in the White House). Tillerson stands to gain even more wealth from ExxonMobil if Russian sanctions are lifted.
And ExxonMobil is far from a charitable foundation.
27
If Exxon-Mobil stumbled onto a practical method of power production by nuclear fusion, it would keep it a secret until oil runs out.
1
The road only runs in one direction with Trump. That much has been obvious for 2 years now...yet here we are.
Not enough on either side of the aisle pressured Trump to disclose his tax returns and he got away with it. So here we are.
Still the Democrats are nearly all silent about what is going on. Apparently only Sen Schumer has working vocal cords. Where's Pelosi? She's harder to find then Waldo! Other then a few random Dems on some news programs, the Dems are all off cowering in their corners, licking their self-inflicted wounds.
Which is the real problem. DT didnt inflict the wounds, the Dems themselves, with the help of the DNC cut themselves up. They shirked their duty as members of Congress, and as the alleged dedicated American citizens they claim to be! They simply failed, as a party to make the case for voting Democrat. Forget the personality cult nonsense, that HRC was never gonna win, they failed miserably to make their cases...not only nationally, but in their home states!
And now one of the few of them saying anything loud enough is Sen Schumer.
Sad days ahead in the formerly hope-filled, there's always tomorrow, US of A. Especially if we expect the Dems to step-up and play hardball.
Never thought I'd ever say this; but thank the gods Sen McCain and Graham (and a few other strong-willed, savvy Reps) are still in office. They may be the only bulwark we have against a Trump-coup.
Not enough on either side of the aisle pressured Trump to disclose his tax returns and he got away with it. So here we are.
Still the Democrats are nearly all silent about what is going on. Apparently only Sen Schumer has working vocal cords. Where's Pelosi? She's harder to find then Waldo! Other then a few random Dems on some news programs, the Dems are all off cowering in their corners, licking their self-inflicted wounds.
Which is the real problem. DT didnt inflict the wounds, the Dems themselves, with the help of the DNC cut themselves up. They shirked their duty as members of Congress, and as the alleged dedicated American citizens they claim to be! They simply failed, as a party to make the case for voting Democrat. Forget the personality cult nonsense, that HRC was never gonna win, they failed miserably to make their cases...not only nationally, but in their home states!
And now one of the few of them saying anything loud enough is Sen Schumer.
Sad days ahead in the formerly hope-filled, there's always tomorrow, US of A. Especially if we expect the Dems to step-up and play hardball.
Never thought I'd ever say this; but thank the gods Sen McCain and Graham (and a few other strong-willed, savvy Reps) are still in office. They may be the only bulwark we have against a Trump-coup.
Trump and all his men are appearing more and more illegitimate.
They seem incapable of playing by any rule. An oligarch's nirvana.
The public acted up with the ethics scam. Time to act up again, and fight Trumpism!
They seem incapable of playing by any rule. An oligarch's nirvana.
The public acted up with the ethics scam. Time to act up again, and fight Trumpism!
10
Ohh Bernie, where art thou? We wish it was you... instead of...
15
In response to Karl of Amsterdam, at least we still have Bernie in the Senate, along with Elizabeth Warren, two intelligent, ethical individuals who will fight for all Americans' best interests.
1
It seems that Trump has not yet fully grasped the difference between being the head of a private company, and the head of a government. He needs to be educated about the difference, and required to recognize it by the Senate, and not given a free pass to blur the line.
23
CJC: You are absolutely correct. Problem is his mentally disordered mind is incapable of learning. The first order of business would be psychiatric screening. Short of impeachment, it is hard to see how either of the above is going to happen. Ain't democracy wonderful. As I said above, these are all first rate posts . . . but I fear we are merely preaching to the choir.
Well, some of the Senators are the biggest crooks themselves. They come in without much wealth, and somehow stack away enormous wealth. They use their influence to get good jobs for family members, even if not so well qualified. They are exempt from insider trading rules, even if they are on committees dealing with the sector with active issues in Congress.
At least these guys are already wealthy, and don't have to fabricate bogus "American national interests" to secure future $250k speeches to get wealthy.
But still, they should all do the required disclosures.
At least these guys are already wealthy, and don't have to fabricate bogus "American national interests" to secure future $250k speeches to get wealthy.
But still, they should all do the required disclosures.
17
Some of these senators have shown their tax returns that showed nothing untoward in how they earned their money, and that they always paid their taxes fully. When will Trump show his tax returns? Never, because they will reveal he is in hock to the Russians and who knows who else. They will show he evades paying taxes.
1
When you hire an ego maniac who feels he is above the law and everyone else because he is riich, he will surround himself with like minded jerks who feel the same way. What did the fools who voted for the leader of the Jack Ash Society think they were going to get. This is just the beginning folks.
40
Be it fully confirmed: the GOP only hates the public side of service. The treasury--the world's 3rd largest GDP--has been their target all along. They seek myriad ways (through taxes, contracts, power decisions, budgets, privatization, fees, transfers) to turn the world's greatest coffer into profit and private capital, unaccountable to no one but themselves. The common good is being replaced by greed and avarice. The government being turned over to wealthy vandals; the whole lot are bunce masters who hide their evil in their greed.
33
The candidate who once said the election was rigged now wants to give us rigged government!
8
The Dems really need a refresher on Thucydides and Machiavelli. Thucydides said it all: "The strong do what they will, and the weak accept;what they must." Until Dems can win back the white Rust Belt, they'll be helpless and Trump and his Alpha Male cabinet will just kick sand in their faces and laugh at them flor their helplessness.
7
Fred, thanks for the political science lesson, but it's a little short-sighted. The non-voters, party nihilists, and even many Trump voters will soon feel the effects of the 1% policies, and the backlash will be severe.
You may be among the few left who want to be hit again, but most hate pain: politics 101.
You may be among the few left who want to be hit again, but most hate pain: politics 101.
The Dems got 2,864,974 more votes. That's hardly helpless.
1
With climate change looming over us, it is beyond comprehension how Oily Tillerson could become Secretary of State. But, I would be naive to believe the world is going to stop burning fossil fuels until it is too late. There is waaaay to much money at stake, and Rex, Trump and Putin intend to stuff themselves at the altar of the Oil Gods. Greed and insatiable hunger for power will rule the next 4 years.
26
Thank you NY Times. Please keep shining a bright light on the swamp people.
56
"Senate Republicans are determined to railroad several nominees" to the president-elect's Cabinet posts without full disclosure of their business interests or without having submitted ethics agreement letters. The pattern of corruption concerning the incoming administration is clearly evident and this callous disregard for proper disclosure and vetting began with the Elect himself with his steadfast refusal to come clean with his tax and business information during the campaign.
It's almost criminal that the Senate Republicans refused to even grant a hearing to President Obama's Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland to fill the Court's vacancy. The priorities of the GOP lawmakers are out of step with the public interest of American citizens, even those who supported the Republican nominee. Now, Congressional Republicans want to fund the Elect's southern border wall with Mexico by having American taxpayers, including the 45th's ardent supporters, foot the bill to make good on their champion's campaign boasts. This is classic bait and switch by the Republicans who now hold all three branches of American government in an iron grip. Their abuse of the power they now hold is going to run amok very shortly. I'll bet that the Founding Fathers are turning over in their graves.
It's almost criminal that the Senate Republicans refused to even grant a hearing to President Obama's Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland to fill the Court's vacancy. The priorities of the GOP lawmakers are out of step with the public interest of American citizens, even those who supported the Republican nominee. Now, Congressional Republicans want to fund the Elect's southern border wall with Mexico by having American taxpayers, including the 45th's ardent supporters, foot the bill to make good on their champion's campaign boasts. This is classic bait and switch by the Republicans who now hold all three branches of American government in an iron grip. Their abuse of the power they now hold is going to run amok very shortly. I'll bet that the Founding Fathers are turning over in their graves.
23
The American people will have a name for Senators who rubber-stamp nominees: "former US Senator." If this election has said anything, it is that the US people are tried of politics as usual. If you think we are going to stand for turning the nomination process into a rubber stamp fest, just try it. Even without Putin's help, we can vote you out!
34
The Trump team is working on that problem. By lying and then strategically delegitimizing facts disseminated by Journalists and the Media in general, they will attempt to completely devalue those facts. Their ideology and personal profit will then prevail, at the expense of the public's interests.
11
I wish I could believe this, but I think many Trump supporters tuned out the day after the election. It's depressing to think about, but expecting most Americans to pay attention to what's actually going on in Washington in Congress vs what Trump is tweeting about at the moment feels like a fools errand.
10
I wish I could be more hopeful. What this election said to me is that rural, white America said something else: "We don't want the swamp drained; we want the alligators to run the country." Until the people who voted for Trump wake up and see that those people care for nothing but enriching themselves and controlling those uppity women who think they have rights to their own bodies there will be no change. Trump and the Republican congress are the swamp personified.
350
When you have a President-elect who has flagrantly defied custom and law; who has mocked women, veterans, the disabled; who has stiffed employees, contractors and erstwhile students, and subsequently has been awarded the most prestigious prize of all, the Presidency of the United States, what does any reasonable person think will transpire? To stretch the point, when the fraudulent bankers suffered no significant consequences for '08, the recent current historical pattern was set. Lawlessness is in high places is in vogue again. No surprise at all. Come and get it while the getting is good!
586
Yes but along with Vladimir Putin and James Comey, a significant substantive Electoral College 62 million minority of our fellow Americans voted for Trump.
Most of America's early Presidents of the United States had the privileged "prestigious prize "of living off of the blood, sweat and tears of their enslaved black African property.
Most of America's early Presidents of the United States had the privileged "prestigious prize "of living off of the blood, sweat and tears of their enslaved black African property.
1
The Republicans say they want to hold confirmation hearings first, and that we can find out later whether the nominees are qualified. It's like when Pelosi said "But we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it". How well did that work out?
Editorial board, I have news for you. If Donald Trump could be elected POTUS in blatant defiance of long-standing ethical standards for disclosure, then it stands to reason that his cabinet appointees will follow in his non-disclosure wake.
The Republicans in the Senate refused to honor their sworn oaths as they relentlessly pursued their agenda: the hijacking of President Obama's stewardship of state in a naked attempt to undermine the will of the people.
They would not have tolerated Mr. Obama's refusal to make his assets and liabilities available for their stern scrutiny, hoping to find a damning or disqualifying fly in the ointment.
The hypocrisy is mind-blowing, not to mention illegal in all of its manifestations. This is, a cynic sneers, how the GOP "drains the swamp."
The Republicans in the Senate refused to honor their sworn oaths as they relentlessly pursued their agenda: the hijacking of President Obama's stewardship of state in a naked attempt to undermine the will of the people.
They would not have tolerated Mr. Obama's refusal to make his assets and liabilities available for their stern scrutiny, hoping to find a damning or disqualifying fly in the ointment.
The hypocrisy is mind-blowing, not to mention illegal in all of its manifestations. This is, a cynic sneers, how the GOP "drains the swamp."
30
When the President elect shows contempt for transparency and an unwillingness to separate his business from his government duties to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest, why would we expect anything else from the rest of his staff. A leader sets the tone for their minions. It will be ever more important for journalists and the ethics committee to ensure that the public is being protected from abuse.
8
For years it has appeared that corporations and the wealthy have had undue influence upon Congress and even the President, a principle cemented by Citizen's United. However, the one percent and corporations have not actually been obviously holding cabinet positions and have not actually been President (possible exception - Vice President Dick Cheney.) The Constitution is supposed to protect the U.S. from power grabs from any one branch of government or many be any two branches of government. We shall see. I can only hope that there are a few Republican Senators who care more about protecting the integrity of government than pleasing Trump and his supporters.
15
If the Senate fails in it's duty to protect the public from unscrupulous grifters being placed in high office when the enviable scandals come those officials should have this failure hung around their necks when they are up for re-election.
8
According to liberals, success in business disqualifies you for public service. The American people said otherwise last November.
1
The purpose of the ethics requirements is not to deny successful businessmen the opportunity to serve the public. It is to ensure the public their service is to be solely in the public interest and not just an extension of their business dealings camouflaged under the trappings of their erstwhile position. We should know it if they use their past company as a sole federal supplier. (e.g. if Mark Fields [CEO Ford] as a Secretary of Transportation selected Fords for all new government vehicles). It's not always as easy to spot but it always just as wrong.
2
According to the majority of American people,
being a lying cheating businessman with several
bankruptcies and dealing with enemy dictators
Such as Putin makes you a bad candidate for president.
being a lying cheating businessman with several
bankruptcies and dealing with enemy dictators
Such as Putin makes you a bad candidate for president.
2
The minority of the electorate you mean. And without Trump's tax returns we don't know if he's really that succesfull, and he inherited his wealth from his daddy, and went bankrupt many times, to avoid paying his debts.
2
It's exhausting to worry about whether our government representatives are operating within the law. At every turn, the actions of Trump and his appointees must be scrutinized. In order to save our democracy, we citizens must remain vigilant, despite the scorn we face from Trump supporters.
16
There seems to be little reason to be optimistic that this is going to happen. This is an administration and Congress determined to reverse generations of progressive achievements. Little things like disclosure are not going to stand in their way.
13
You give King Trump too much cover by saying his attitude is "cavalier" regarding precedents and possible illegality. Rather, his approach is willfully arrogant and depraved, and he's banking on a compliant Congress going along with it. They're probably even complicit in it; they're all oligarch enablers and supporters.
44
I am getting so sick of the coming BADministration's lack of ethics, skirting of laws, sense of entitlement to special treatment.
What is this teaching the children? How is this setting anything except a bad example of the worst sort? It's a blatant effort to get special treatment, to the point of breaking and bending laws. And I'm tired of it!
These people are supposed to be public Servants. They are there to serve. That's the bottom line.
I'm tired of every day finding out new and worse efforts to give them special treatment and take take away things the rest of us have earned, things like social security, Medicare and so on.
"Fatten the fat cats" seems to be the plan for these new public servants. Only to stiff the retirees, the poor, the sick in return. It's wrong!
It literally sickens me. These folks are coming in to DO WRONG, not to serve!
What is this teaching the children? How is this setting anything except a bad example of the worst sort? It's a blatant effort to get special treatment, to the point of breaking and bending laws. And I'm tired of it!
These people are supposed to be public Servants. They are there to serve. That's the bottom line.
I'm tired of every day finding out new and worse efforts to give them special treatment and take take away things the rest of us have earned, things like social security, Medicare and so on.
"Fatten the fat cats" seems to be the plan for these new public servants. Only to stiff the retirees, the poor, the sick in return. It's wrong!
It literally sickens me. These folks are coming in to DO WRONG, not to serve!
33
The only answer is a revolution. The GOP is now reaping what it had sown over 30 years ago. Dumb down the electorate, keep them in debt, infuse them with fear, and insure that republican lawmakers never lose their seats because of gerrymandering. Not to mention the GOP now controls some 36 states. This tide of republican ideology will not ebb quickly. We must inform the people who voted for Trump that they were scammed and voted against their own best interests. And then we must protest this corrupt administration and the corrupt GOP everyday. We also need the main stream media to be vigilant in investigating and exposing not only Trump but those in his administration who think they are above the law.
3
Your words are accurate, Anon. However, for an old lady, nearly 72, about to become a widow this year or next, the word "revolution" is a terrifying prospect. It makes we want to flee the US. To go to Spain, where my husband grew up, to spend my last days in a country which, because it haa a civil war in the last century, and endured a dictatorship for nearly 40 years afterwards, at least cares about its people. I could go there, get an EU passport, and find a place where faux religions and faux philosophies and rediculous propaganda are not the stuff of legislative destruction of human dignity.
2
Welcome to the Robber Barons and Baronesses, 21st century edition. Combine this with the hired guns chosen to eviscerate social programs at the expense of the poor, axe the Affordable Care Act instead of improving it, remove restraints on the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, champion gargantuan profits for the oil corporations at the cost of losing the chance to deal with onrushing climate change, and you have a secular Armageddon in the making. It looks like it's not Putin but rather the Devil himself who's pulling the strings.
21
Bring back Civics education in America's public schools. (This won't happen while Republicans continue to dominate municipal school boards and town councils.)
Donald Trump has confused an American presidential inauguration with being crowned as King of the Holy Roman Empire.
19
We need the Fourth Estate to do a heckuva lot more than write an editorial or two. Where are the screaming headlines with the facts?
52
I'm not really writing this for publication, but to say how completely I agree with your "Opinion" anyway.I find the way these people who should respect and honor the American Government and Constitution as disrespectful to all of us. It is more than scary to learn our future might be in their hands.
I'm only second generation American; my grandfather immigrated from Lithuania, started out as a pack peddler and ended up with a store of his own in Warwick, New York. He was so grateful to his new country and government that he made it know how his family should act to support it, and to be honest. He worked days in his store,and during WWII worked at the Pickatinny (I''m not sure of the spelling) ammunition factory to do all he could for his family. I am 78, have voted in every federal election, and when I was younger, I volunteered to go door to door for to encourage folks to vote for Ron Dellums, and walked in several peace marches. I also felt safe to voice my opinion and not to fear for the safety of our country because of dishonest or incompetent and disrespectful public officials.
Thank you for your writing. I foward these articles to my 15 year old grandson, to show there are people of integrity still left in this country.
I'm only second generation American; my grandfather immigrated from Lithuania, started out as a pack peddler and ended up with a store of his own in Warwick, New York. He was so grateful to his new country and government that he made it know how his family should act to support it, and to be honest. He worked days in his store,and during WWII worked at the Pickatinny (I''m not sure of the spelling) ammunition factory to do all he could for his family. I am 78, have voted in every federal election, and when I was younger, I volunteered to go door to door for to encourage folks to vote for Ron Dellums, and walked in several peace marches. I also felt safe to voice my opinion and not to fear for the safety of our country because of dishonest or incompetent and disrespectful public officials.
Thank you for your writing. I foward these articles to my 15 year old grandson, to show there are people of integrity still left in this country.
14
I will tweat this as he can only read so many characters: Trump. Impeachment. Happening. #moneygrab
14
Dear NYT, to have been bewildered by election results, have expressed sadness then tried to appease the situation, you have tried to reach to Trump in what can be done within legal and constitutional limits and now realize slowly, inconsistently, that nothing will be done within those legal and constitutional limits.
There was an article on the conservative coup d'état in Brazil in your pages a few days ago.
This is what Tump is : a legal access coup d'état, with the failure of the republican part to act as a failsafe against such populism.
Trump's ego and grandiose ideas of himself is what drives his speech and nominations.
Corruption and nepotism are the trademark of America for the next 4 years.
The soonner you stop hoping for a better situation and negotiating with yourselves about the situation not being so dramatic, the better your paper will be.
There was an article on the conservative coup d'état in Brazil in your pages a few days ago.
This is what Tump is : a legal access coup d'état, with the failure of the republican part to act as a failsafe against such populism.
Trump's ego and grandiose ideas of himself is what drives his speech and nominations.
Corruption and nepotism are the trademark of America for the next 4 years.
The soonner you stop hoping for a better situation and negotiating with yourselves about the situation not being so dramatic, the better your paper will be.
7
Donald Trump believes the law applies only to other people; it is really a surprise that some of his nominees feel the same?
9
All of Mr. Obama's nominees that were current on their income tax payments were given a free pass.
Even last month's NYT Worst Person Ever, Sen. Jeff Sessions, okayed Eric ''the Fixer'' Holder getting the nod for Attorney General.
But Democrat Senators haven't shown themselves to be free of partisan anger in a decade, so they will have to line up to mimic Chuckie Schumer.
Even last month's NYT Worst Person Ever, Sen. Jeff Sessions, okayed Eric ''the Fixer'' Holder getting the nod for Attorney General.
But Democrat Senators haven't shown themselves to be free of partisan anger in a decade, so they will have to line up to mimic Chuckie Schumer.
1
A two-party system: wrong
Electoral college: wrong
Citizens United: wrong
Impeachment-free mandates and re-elections: absolutely wrong
Able to become a U.S. president without releasing tax returns: what?
Darth-trump-the-tax-e-Vader: wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong
Electoral college: wrong
Citizens United: wrong
Impeachment-free mandates and re-elections: absolutely wrong
Able to become a U.S. president without releasing tax returns: what?
Darth-trump-the-tax-e-Vader: wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong
13
Lock them up!
12
All the Trumpists who wailed about president Obama's administration being unaccountable SHOULD be frothing at the mouth at Trumpy's complete lack of accountability and intentional disregard for the law and the American people.
.
But no, he's their boy and can do no wrong, even as he makes a complete mockery of governance in historical proportions.
.
But no, he's their boy and can do no wrong, even as he makes a complete mockery of governance in historical proportions.
40
The biggest mistake Obama made was in not prosecuting the plutocrats who brought the economy to the edge of a cliff in 2008.
Now these people own us, like they haven't owned us since the last gilded age.
The institutions that were supposed to guard us have let us down by fining these financial people for criminal behavior and giving them a slap on the wrist. Documents released in April last year show that the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC), a government panel set up in 2009 to investigate the 2008 Wall Street meltdown, referred top bankers, CEOs and ex-government officials to the Department of Justice for possible criminal prosecution. Not a single one of those named by the panel, however, was criminally prosecuted by the Obama administration. Read the report and see how leaders at Goldman Sachs, and even the former Treasury Secretary/former Citigroup executive Robert Rubin avoided prosecution.
Now they are emboldened more than ever. And now they have the most corrupt leader in Donald Trump, a man who doesn't pay taxes, cheats people out of their money with scams like Trump University, brazenly lies, says rules and laws don't apply to him because he's president, a man who plans on hanging a signed letter from Richard Nixon in the Oval Office.
Trump is unAmerican, a draft dodger and a tax dodger. The people who truly should be ashamed are all the Republicans -- I'm looking at you with disgust Ryan and McConnell -- who enable him.
A pox on all of them.
Now these people own us, like they haven't owned us since the last gilded age.
The institutions that were supposed to guard us have let us down by fining these financial people for criminal behavior and giving them a slap on the wrist. Documents released in April last year show that the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC), a government panel set up in 2009 to investigate the 2008 Wall Street meltdown, referred top bankers, CEOs and ex-government officials to the Department of Justice for possible criminal prosecution. Not a single one of those named by the panel, however, was criminally prosecuted by the Obama administration. Read the report and see how leaders at Goldman Sachs, and even the former Treasury Secretary/former Citigroup executive Robert Rubin avoided prosecution.
Now they are emboldened more than ever. And now they have the most corrupt leader in Donald Trump, a man who doesn't pay taxes, cheats people out of their money with scams like Trump University, brazenly lies, says rules and laws don't apply to him because he's president, a man who plans on hanging a signed letter from Richard Nixon in the Oval Office.
Trump is unAmerican, a draft dodger and a tax dodger. The people who truly should be ashamed are all the Republicans -- I'm looking at you with disgust Ryan and McConnell -- who enable him.
A pox on all of them.
406
Absolutely correct. And it's disgusting.
21
I am no fan of Trump and certainly didn't vote for him or support him but we should at least be fair regarding his tax situation. It is one thing to suspect but it is altogether another to publicly condemn. Surely he has aggressively taken advantage of every loophole in our tax code, that is the right of every citizen - none of us intentionally pay more in taxes than our due and neither should he. If that means he got a huge but legal write-off years ago that has shielded his income for year then we just have to live with it, it was and is the law.
There are plenty of things to criticize Trump about, one being his non-disclosure of tax returns, but until we have actual proof of tax irregularities we need to leave this subject alone. It just provides Trump supporters ammunition to use against us in their claims of our bias against him.
There are plenty of things to criticize Trump about, one being his non-disclosure of tax returns, but until we have actual proof of tax irregularities we need to leave this subject alone. It just provides Trump supporters ammunition to use against us in their claims of our bias against him.
Precisely. And Trump won't hesitate to invoke Obama when the lawlessness persists to a level unprecedented in American history. The only question to ask is: will there be anything left when Trump and Company finish picking the carcass? If you think I'm exaggerating, remember how many contractors Trump stiffed in the process of building those hotels or gambling halls, the ladder a perfect example of how Trump made the profits as employees got the boot.
2
We're rapidly becoming Brazil North. It takes both sides to accept and operate under democratic norms and checks. Once stripped away they're extremely difficult to shoe-horn back. The Republicans created this monster and with decades of double-speak are now taking us to a very bad place.
143
Unfortunately Brazil's scandals are just big.
Ours are going to be YUGE!
Ours are going to be YUGE!
Mr. Trump defines the condition of being ethically challenged. We know he has always skirted and dodged and manipulated the law and lawmakers to get his way. Six bankruptcies, losing other people's money, bullying through the courts to not pay workers, there appears to be no depth to which he will not stoop. He is so in love with himself and power that he seems to think he is a god.
If there is anything that can be done to stop these destroyers from turning us into a kleptocracy that will hurt us all, and our planet into a polluted hell, it should be done. For example, Rex Tillerson has run Exxon like a nation state, with more power than the US and against its interests.
Trump "has spent his time publicly congratulating himself on his victory (while greatly exaggerating its scale) and taunting those he defeated; putting together a Cabinet of conservative ideologues, billionaires, and generals; blithely dismissing calls for him to divest his business interests"
"His reputation as a hugely successful businessman has little basis in fact, .... his talents had lain in attracting other people’s money, promoting himself in the media, and playing a role on reality television—the role of Donald Trump, the great dealmaker."
"At times, he has associated with alleged mobsters and shadowy foreign businessmen, including rich Russians who have invested in some of his real-estate projects."
http://www.newyorker.com/news/john-cassidy/donald-trumps-alarmingly-trum...
If there is anything that can be done to stop these destroyers from turning us into a kleptocracy that will hurt us all, and our planet into a polluted hell, it should be done. For example, Rex Tillerson has run Exxon like a nation state, with more power than the US and against its interests.
Trump "has spent his time publicly congratulating himself on his victory (while greatly exaggerating its scale) and taunting those he defeated; putting together a Cabinet of conservative ideologues, billionaires, and generals; blithely dismissing calls for him to divest his business interests"
"His reputation as a hugely successful businessman has little basis in fact, .... his talents had lain in attracting other people’s money, promoting himself in the media, and playing a role on reality television—the role of Donald Trump, the great dealmaker."
"At times, he has associated with alleged mobsters and shadowy foreign businessmen, including rich Russians who have invested in some of his real-estate projects."
http://www.newyorker.com/news/john-cassidy/donald-trumps-alarmingly-trum...
159
Don't forget the 3 liens filed this week by contractors for Trump's Washington Hotel-the one he is prohibited by law from owning in 13 days. Or, that we do not yet know his level of indebtedness to Russia. We do know he has no innate loyalty or respect for our country.
2
Why should we expect the Trump transition team to care about following the rules and laws regarding a cabinet appointees?
The concept of legal compliance has gone missing, particularly in the Senate, for several decades. A prime example is the cavalier disregard for holding hearings on President Obamas Supreme Court nominee.
With Trump it's getting worse. He openly flouts the law on conflict of interest issues, as well as dragging family around to meetings where they don't belong.
And while providing tax returns is not a legal requirement, Trump has sure thumbed his nose at the nation on that one, essentially allowing the public to believe the worst: that he is in hock to the Russians.
If you act like you are above the law long enough, eventually you are. The New York Times writes editorials of outrage like this but I don't see anybody stepping up to the plate to bar Mr. Trump from doing what he's doing.
At least Jeff sessions and Rex Tillerson are following the law--it would be pretty shabby for the potential heads of Justice and state to be avoiding disclosure laws.
But it all comes back to Trump. I see a man barging into government like a bull in a China shop,without taking the time to learn the rules, instead expecting everyone to kowtow to his behavior..
And you know what? He's getting away with it, and like a child he will continue doing so until he is stopped.
The concept of legal compliance has gone missing, particularly in the Senate, for several decades. A prime example is the cavalier disregard for holding hearings on President Obamas Supreme Court nominee.
With Trump it's getting worse. He openly flouts the law on conflict of interest issues, as well as dragging family around to meetings where they don't belong.
And while providing tax returns is not a legal requirement, Trump has sure thumbed his nose at the nation on that one, essentially allowing the public to believe the worst: that he is in hock to the Russians.
If you act like you are above the law long enough, eventually you are. The New York Times writes editorials of outrage like this but I don't see anybody stepping up to the plate to bar Mr. Trump from doing what he's doing.
At least Jeff sessions and Rex Tillerson are following the law--it would be pretty shabby for the potential heads of Justice and state to be avoiding disclosure laws.
But it all comes back to Trump. I see a man barging into government like a bull in a China shop,without taking the time to learn the rules, instead expecting everyone to kowtow to his behavior..
And you know what? He's getting away with it, and like a child he will continue doing so until he is stopped.
327
Don't forget that Jeff Sessions is offended by knowledge of climate science and global warming. He feels it "usurps" the prerogatives of the creator, conveniently ignoring that he is not god and is busy trashing the world we are given, regardless of what our faith may or may not be.
The offense of a religion that ignores its foundational text (in Christianity that would be the gospels and Christ's teachings) in favor of wealth, exploitation, hatred and exclusion is hard to understand.
The offense of a religion that ignores its foundational text (in Christianity that would be the gospels and Christ's teachings) in favor of wealth, exploitation, hatred and exclusion is hard to understand.
122
@Susan: there are atheists who act more Christian than those carrying religion on the sleeve like a badge of protection. I wonder how recently any of them have read the Gospels where Christ exhorts the Pharisees to stop focusing on the Minutia of the law while ignoring the glaring needs right in front of them: the poor, the sick, the weak, the naked.
I truly believe God weeps at what has become of this country. Maybe it was never great, but at least it tried. What we have with Trump is the ultimate "Exploiter in chief."
Take as much as you can get, ignore the needs of Mother Earth--its wealth and resources squandered, while the wealth of the few actively dismisses the needs of the many.
Then self righteously consider yourself religious if you get to church once a week.
I truly believe God weeps at what has become of this country. Maybe it was never great, but at least it tried. What we have with Trump is the ultimate "Exploiter in chief."
Take as much as you can get, ignore the needs of Mother Earth--its wealth and resources squandered, while the wealth of the few actively dismisses the needs of the many.
Then self righteously consider yourself religious if you get to church once a week.
124
Christine and Susan
This issue is probably not the place to criticize or parse the behavior, the morals, the policies of these people, much as they may deserve it.
The issue hear very clear and very simple. There is a requirement in the law that these people must disclose and distance themselves from any involvement that could conceivably represent a conflict of interest.
It is one of the most important remaining requirements and traditions not already violated by Trump. And it is a meaningful acid test for the Republicans.
If they fail here, they have already failed everywhere, and must be considered faithless and adversaries.
To cloud this particular process with personal issues, to muddy these particular waters with policy disputes, is to create an escape hatch for Trump, his nominees, their duplicitous allies in the Congress, and their unthinking unpatriotic supporters in the public.
This issue is probably not the place to criticize or parse the behavior, the morals, the policies of these people, much as they may deserve it.
The issue hear very clear and very simple. There is a requirement in the law that these people must disclose and distance themselves from any involvement that could conceivably represent a conflict of interest.
It is one of the most important remaining requirements and traditions not already violated by Trump. And it is a meaningful acid test for the Republicans.
If they fail here, they have already failed everywhere, and must be considered faithless and adversaries.
To cloud this particular process with personal issues, to muddy these particular waters with policy disputes, is to create an escape hatch for Trump, his nominees, their duplicitous allies in the Congress, and their unthinking unpatriotic supporters in the public.
5
What can we expect from someone who has a record of swindling small contractors, a record of fraud and using plagiarized texts in his fake university, a record of using his charity for his own benefit, and a record of cheating investors in his ventures?
Today's WSJ head line, "Trump Creditors Are Many, Varied. "Trump business debt are held by more than 150 institutions. Hundreds of millions of debt attached to Trumps properties some backed by his personal grantee have been securitized, which has been used for more than $1 billion of debt connected to his properties.
Any default would put his whole enterprise into conflict with the lender, on of whom is Wells Fargo that Trump has the power to appoint its regulator.
With a little luck we will get the opportunity to watch him squirm and try to evade scrutiny for his "deals."
If you have not seen the Frontline PBS show on him, and hi personality, it revel just what kind of personality he is. He never admit a mistake, when called on them he sues, he attacks as we have seen with his personal attacks on his critics and accusers, and he seeks revenge.
We see his treatment of ambassadors as particularly hateful, people who have served Honorably, treated like some kind of enemy, this is the mark of a dictatorial Fascist. He even call the opposition his enemy. Ethics be damned, he is a sociopath, no conscience, a rotten to the core egomaniac.
Today's WSJ head line, "Trump Creditors Are Many, Varied. "Trump business debt are held by more than 150 institutions. Hundreds of millions of debt attached to Trumps properties some backed by his personal grantee have been securitized, which has been used for more than $1 billion of debt connected to his properties.
Any default would put his whole enterprise into conflict with the lender, on of whom is Wells Fargo that Trump has the power to appoint its regulator.
With a little luck we will get the opportunity to watch him squirm and try to evade scrutiny for his "deals."
If you have not seen the Frontline PBS show on him, and hi personality, it revel just what kind of personality he is. He never admit a mistake, when called on them he sues, he attacks as we have seen with his personal attacks on his critics and accusers, and he seeks revenge.
We see his treatment of ambassadors as particularly hateful, people who have served Honorably, treated like some kind of enemy, this is the mark of a dictatorial Fascist. He even call the opposition his enemy. Ethics be damned, he is a sociopath, no conscience, a rotten to the core egomaniac.
702
Trump and the Senate Republicans, cannot forget they represent and work for, the American people. We do not work for them!
As such they do not have the right to truncate the nomination process, nor waive, nor apply pressure to the Office or Ethics, nor waive any written documentation that ALL OF AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW AND SEE. THEY CANNOT WAIVE OUR RIGHT TO KNOW SAME.
If they do, it may be implied that they too, along with said nominees, that have a conflict of interest.
These nominees, the majority of which are millionaires and billionaires, with most of their viewpoints contrary to the best direct interests of the middle class and working class, not to mention the impoverished people which Trump pledged to help, MUST COMPLY WITH PAST PRACTICES.
If Bush, Romney and McCain, who didn't have to, complied wth these requirements, Trump and his nominees, can and should too.
As such they do not have the right to truncate the nomination process, nor waive, nor apply pressure to the Office or Ethics, nor waive any written documentation that ALL OF AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW AND SEE. THEY CANNOT WAIVE OUR RIGHT TO KNOW SAME.
If they do, it may be implied that they too, along with said nominees, that have a conflict of interest.
These nominees, the majority of which are millionaires and billionaires, with most of their viewpoints contrary to the best direct interests of the middle class and working class, not to mention the impoverished people which Trump pledged to help, MUST COMPLY WITH PAST PRACTICES.
If Bush, Romney and McCain, who didn't have to, complied wth these requirements, Trump and his nominees, can and should too.
251
The ethics office is either incredibly inefficient or they are partisans working for the Democrats. They have a couple of weeks to do the work, so they should get to work. There is no evidence the nominees are not providing documentation, the ones who have hearings scheduled have their paperwork in order.
The nominees have been selected to execute the priorities of the President. Who was voted into office by middle class and working people. Democrat policies were rejected by the voters and Democrat opinions about their viewpoints are irrelevant.
The nominees have been selected to execute the priorities of the President. Who was voted into office by middle class and working people. Democrat policies were rejected by the voters and Democrat opinions about their viewpoints are irrelevant.
They don't have the right to do these things, but they do have the power.
Remember refusing to even hold hearings for a Supreme Court nominee more than 6 months before the election?
There should have been torch light protest marches in the streets.
Remember refusing to even hold hearings for a Supreme Court nominee more than 6 months before the election?
There should have been torch light protest marches in the streets.
4
I'm too cynical to buy your idealism. These nominees will snicker into their coat sleeves all the way to the hearing room at the mere idea of revealing their conflicts of interest.
First the Republican Party attempts to gut ethics rules, only aborted by almost instantaneous public protests. Now the party greases cabinet nominees' evasion of financial disclosure rules.
So much for draining the swamp. This is a declaration of intent to flood it more over the next 4 years.
So much for draining the swamp. This is a declaration of intent to flood it more over the next 4 years.
470
It was the Republicans in the House who wanted to reorganize a powerless committee that has accomplished nothing in the ten years it was in existence and they have backed off. The committee had zero to do with the vetting of the presidential nominees. Republicans on the committees have no interest in approving candidates that are going to have issues with ethic because it cause problems down the line. Democrats are just making noises to pretend they have something to say about the whole situation.
1
So first up, Jeff Sessions, the man who opposes the very piece of legislation that Martin Luther King worked so hard to pass.
The thought of Sessions, who believes the 1965 Voting Rights Act was "too intrusive," serving as our Attorney General marks the depths to which our nation has descended. Watch "Selma" this weekend, if you can bear it.
The thought of Sessions, who believes the 1965 Voting Rights Act was "too intrusive," serving as our Attorney General marks the depths to which our nation has descended. Watch "Selma" this weekend, if you can bear it.
709
This editorial mentions criminal prosecution for cabinet nominees who do not fully disclose and divest necessary holdings. Who enforces these prosecutions? Is it the Senate? Is it the FBI? The Attorney General? Which court? Is this an extrajudicial procedure? What I'm driving at is could Trump and the Republican Senate circumvent these laws by just looking the other way? Is the prosecutorial apparatus sufficiently isolated from political cronyism to function with Trump at the helm? Is so, then we still have a country. If not, we have a dictatorship. If we have a country, then why is this an issue? The proper procedures must be followed by force of law. Or, do we now have a dictatorship where laws no longer matter. Which is it?
1329
The New York Times was not upset when Obama and Holder violated the law by persecuting the Tea Party or concocting the Fast and Furious fiasco.
Laws? We don't need no stinkin laws!
2
Good point. No person above the law.
"....Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."the
Excerpt from the Declaration of the United States of America, a unanimous declaration of independence from the rule of the then King/of England.
"....Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."the
Excerpt from the Declaration of the United States of America, a unanimous declaration of independence from the rule of the then King/of England.
3
Is it too much to hope that the Democrats in the Senate will not rubber stamp any nominee who doesn't do all that the law requires? If supported by only a handful of Republicans they could effectively veto any or all of The Donald's appointees.
549
@Richard: What a nasty man! But you're probably correct that I'm being way too hopeful: apart from Susan Collins, there isn't a senator on your side of the aisle who would vote against any Trump appointee who's positioned to the left of Joseph Goebbels. As for doing anything "useful," I may just try to emulate the activity with which you've passed the time over the last eight years- albeit without actually waking up early enough to respond to every idiotic tweet that The Donald unleashes as a substitute for enlightened policy proposals. (Or to respond to every overly cautious bit of editorializing that appears in the opinion pages of the "liberal" NY Times.) I respected you more when you were a thoughtful voice of political conservatism than I do since you sold your soul to an incendiary kitty-grabber. If Bill Buckley were alive today he'd drop dead.
85
I don't know the role call of Senate Republicans, but the only one who comes to mind who would have the backbone to vote against the rank-and-file Republicans is Rand Paul.
3
There have got to be a handful of Republicans who would rather see Pence as President who would support the wheels of justice turning on Trump and his malevolent minions.
3
I only see a pending impeachment, the man is incompetent.
745
That may be the goal.
Mike Pence would be a more reliable and stable president.
Too bad he's a religious extremist.
But at least he wouldn't press the nuclear button, and he might even listen to our intellligence services.
Minorities and women would lose their rights, but, hey, a plane probably wouldn't fly into the Empire State Building.
Mike Pence would be a more reliable and stable president.
Too bad he's a religious extremist.
But at least he wouldn't press the nuclear button, and he might even listen to our intellligence services.
Minorities and women would lose their rights, but, hey, a plane probably wouldn't fly into the Empire State Building.
4
Great! Then Pence is President. What a relief.
4
Not only is Trump incompetent but there is a growing body of evidence that he may very well be a Russian agent. Surprised? Not I!
6
-
They'll get away with it too. Wait and see.
Norms are simply gentlemen's agreements, which can be broken at will.
Laws are only enforced if the police want to enforce them.
They'll get away with it too. Wait and see.
Norms are simply gentlemen's agreements, which can be broken at will.
Laws are only enforced if the police want to enforce them.
410
we have got to keep the spotlight on this rolling dumpster fire, just to brutally mix a metaphor, and split an infinitive.
5
I'd amend the last line, laws are only enforced it the people in power want to enforce them
2
Hear hear. When it comes to government and policy, the Devil is in the details because he knows everyone is looking elsewhere. Trump coasts to power on a wave of apathy, willful or not.
111
Apathy generated by more than two centuries of vote vaporization by the Electoral College. What a stinking pile of lies the whole USA really is.
7
So GOP will try to ram Trump nominees through the confirmation process without proper financial and ethics filing? "The ethics office is reportedly working with his lawyers to encourage him to do what the law demands of his cabinet: divest and enter office free of conflicts. He is the only incoming president in modern history who has refused to do so". That is outrageous.
656
It is outrageous, but the voters who live in the Red States have decreed that this how things shall be. He is their folk hero.
5
Mr. Surr it is outrageous to try to pin this travesty on a few "red" state voters. Too many people did not vote, or did not vote for president, because they don't "like her" or because they "do not want a female president".
The blame falls squarely on ALL of us - and WE are the ones who need to right the ship. Blame is a no-win game. WE must all roll up our sleeves and defend the one thing we value most about OUR democracy in America.
This is not HIStory in the making or reality television. The Con Don and his Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical Religion Party are a clear and present danger to the world order.
The blame falls squarely on ALL of us - and WE are the ones who need to right the ship. Blame is a no-win game. WE must all roll up our sleeves and defend the one thing we value most about OUR democracy in America.
This is not HIStory in the making or reality television. The Con Don and his Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/ Radical Religion Party are a clear and present danger to the world order.
5
And don't forget the conflicts of interest for Trump himself. Trump has stalled successfully so far, having promised a major announcement last month about hs enterprise, which has yet to materialize. And his children straddle both his business and his political dealings.
With all the room for corruption in Trump's cabinet, don't overlook the man in our highest office.
With all the room for corruption in Trump's cabinet, don't overlook the man in our highest office.
351
A number of articles that I read say that Trump will release his taxes once the audit is complete. This will likely occur in Q2, 2017.
1
And yet, Democrats had no problem with Hillary's many conflicts of interest..
Clinton's 'conflicts of interest' have been investigate (by Repugnicans, no less) many times over the last thirty plus years and yet, absolutely nothing has been found that would constitute anything unlawful. The belief is just another dream in the minds of the 'right wing collusion'.
12
Every last one of these self-serving opportunists is there to show us little people what worthless helpless sucker-slaves we are.
555
Not worthless,not helpless ! Don't be defeatist.
1
Our new President sees no point in divesting his businesses, he has not shown his tax returns. Why would he expect his cabinet or appointees to do so? He has shown disregard for the law and distrusts our institutions, as well as unspoken ethical processes and precedent. He is lawless. What makes him an American or Patriotic? Following the law and the spirit of the law. He has more loyalty to Russia than the US. Makes him suspect to me. Not a leader to be followed, but a man to be scrutinized and watched for potentially disrupting the security of our union.
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After all, didn't General Washington sell his farm before taking the Presidency?
Oops - no, he didn't.
Oops - no, he didn't.
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His appointees are obligated to eliminate conflicts of interest, he is not with a few exceptions.
If he is lawless, he is copying Obama.
If he is lawless, he is copying Obama.
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We are going to feel the pain. Just get ready.
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