I don't have enough free speech in my wallet to compete. I'd better get my campaign going soon.
1
It's been clear that neither party controls our politics. Just
Big Money, and profit has no morality.
Trump's election was a coup by Mercers. And they'd had recent success in UK with Robert Mercer's computer modeling. Cambridge Analytica helped Farage with Brexit, targeting alienated rural white voters to vote Leave, donating their services; links to Mercer/Bannon in Brexit show similarity of lies told and tactics (The Guardian: Billionaire's AI in Brexit vote).
Seems this is even bigger than just (just!) the US.
We can't tout democracy when the richest can buy the gov't. What a farce.
Next election will we just let our wealthiest battle it out -on pay-per-view- for who wins instead of all the pretense of caring about the people?
Big Money, and profit has no morality.
Trump's election was a coup by Mercers. And they'd had recent success in UK with Robert Mercer's computer modeling. Cambridge Analytica helped Farage with Brexit, targeting alienated rural white voters to vote Leave, donating their services; links to Mercer/Bannon in Brexit show similarity of lies told and tactics (The Guardian: Billionaire's AI in Brexit vote).
Seems this is even bigger than just (just!) the US.
We can't tout democracy when the richest can buy the gov't. What a farce.
Next election will we just let our wealthiest battle it out -on pay-per-view- for who wins instead of all the pretense of caring about the people?
13
Hmm, wasn't the American Revolution fought and blood spilled for the main purpose of getting rid of tyranny? It would seem everything has come full circle.
6
Interesting that the NYTimes is following up on data released on Friday night, the usual time for material that "needs" to be buried appears. By the way, where can I get a nice, easy gig that pays a million or so a year? I'd like to get me some of that, although I'm not ready to sell my soul for it.
3
No quarter for Traitors and their enablers.
1
These corrupt Republican pols steal from the poor to give to the rich..which is them. What does it say about struggling working Republicans that they cannot see through the farce of Trump and his minions of uber-rich? These poor folk will pay as much or more than everyone else for these abuses.
9
We fault Trump and his cronies for whatever shenanigans going on in his administration. It is cruel and mean but people who support him should get the heat too. The rest of the country suffers because of their selfish and tunneled vision of what is good.
2
Where does this all lead? Where does it end? How does it end? Does it end? Are we in a downward spiral to anarchy? I'd like a redo of the election. It was rigged in many ways. These guys in the picture look like the criminals that they are.
2
Well, who did you expect the Mad Hatter to invite to his tea party?
The swamp has been turned into an open sewer by Robert's Citizen's United, and were heading for Robert's Court II - back to 5/4 Republican Rule.
The swamp has been turned into an open sewer by Robert's Citizen's United, and were heading for Robert's Court II - back to 5/4 Republican Rule.
2
Here's a must read.
Is Trump the biggest and greediest alligator in the swamp? This is stunning in its deceptiveness:
https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-pull-money-his-businesses-whene...
Is Trump the biggest and greediest alligator in the swamp? This is stunning in its deceptiveness:
https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-pull-money-his-businesses-whene...
5
Thanks for the links, especially the one from The Nation.
Joanne, you can always sell any dream-shattering ink to me...
Joanne, you can always sell any dream-shattering ink to me...
in less than a century america will morph into several smaller effete countries, as opposed to the large effete country it is now
its role as a superpower will be soon forgotten
in the large scheme of history, america will be seen as a minor footnote, lasting only 200 - 300 years
compared to nations like china and england, america is the proverbial flash in the pan
bit of hard cheese, old beans
you gave it a good go, but in the end you couldn't make it last
oh, well, the egyptians were once the greatest society on earth
but look at them now
like the man said, this too shall pass
5
"Fred Wertheimer, the founder of Democracy 21, a nonprofit group that advocates changes in campaign finance laws, said the large payouts were yet another reason that Congress needed to revamp laws to require greater disclosure of political fund-raising and spending."
Seriously? Congress will do that? Congress is busy backstabbing Americans by cooking up legislation away from public's eye thanks to our media, no doubt too busy going after Putin.
Why is Kushner going to Iraq before Rex Tillerson? Why did Erik Prince of Baghdad slaughter fame, brother of Betsy de Vos, meet with the Russians secretly a week before inauguration? What was so important that couldn't wait a week?
Our government has been hijacked by people on both sides of the isle spending our tax dollars, blood and reputation on things Americans don't believe in, yet are left unable to stop.
Seriously? Congress will do that? Congress is busy backstabbing Americans by cooking up legislation away from public's eye thanks to our media, no doubt too busy going after Putin.
Why is Kushner going to Iraq before Rex Tillerson? Why did Erik Prince of Baghdad slaughter fame, brother of Betsy de Vos, meet with the Russians secretly a week before inauguration? What was so important that couldn't wait a week?
Our government has been hijacked by people on both sides of the isle spending our tax dollars, blood and reputation on things Americans don't believe in, yet are left unable to stop.
6
Aisle
2
Get the money and buy that cave in Texas real quick before the bombs go off.
All the Trumps will head for the undisclosed locations when Kim-Jong-In and the Pentagon boys light 'em up...Whoo boy just like Dr. Strangelove...
All the Trumps will head for the undisclosed locations when Kim-Jong-In and the Pentagon boys light 'em up...Whoo boy just like Dr. Strangelove...
5
Where did all the money for consulting and various propaganda services? Dark money all!
3
They don't see a country, a culture, a society, or even citizens, the US is merely another asset to enrich themselves. Not unlike the colonial mentality.
17
Money is not free speech - it's power and this op-ed doesn't go far enough to address the fact that under Trump absolute power is corrupting absolutely.
Are we going to watch the first president in history to be investigated, indicted and convicted of violating our RICO Laws? It certainly smells like it . . .
Are we going to watch the first president in history to be investigated, indicted and convicted of violating our RICO Laws? It certainly smells like it . . .
6
a pity america doesnt have the right kind of climate for growing bananas
its your best bet for the future
though after recent events it seems likely youd stuff that up as well
2
No doubt the Trumpettes will cry out about the late Friday night document dump from the current Administration.
2
We are alive to witness the fall of Rome.
5
The current Supreme Court, the House, the Senate and the president see nothing wrong with our elections being bought and paid for.
13
In a country that idolizes money, even more than "freedom" (GOP lexicon), these people are considered deities. Will the gods shower some wealth to the huddled masses yearning to breathe free? No one need reply to me - I'll save you your texting time - "Don't hold your breath" !!
4
From these much is given, nothing good is expected!.
4
Can you say:
S W A M P ???
filthy, toxic, lucrative, exploitative looting. Got your wish yet?
S W A M P ???
filthy, toxic, lucrative, exploitative looting. Got your wish yet?
17
What about the one conspicuously absent financial disclosure?
48
"Breitbart has functioned as a platform to spread a right-wing vision"
CORRECTION: Breitbart is Alt-Right (PizzaGate?anyone?) propaganda. The left-wing media may use the sin of omission at times, but they don't make up phony news stories as Breitbart is wont to do.
CORRECTION: Breitbart is Alt-Right (PizzaGate?anyone?) propaganda. The left-wing media may use the sin of omission at times, but they don't make up phony news stories as Breitbart is wont to do.
17
Senator Clinton is starting to look like a saint, isn't she?
28
gw bush is beginning to look like john kenneth Galbraith too
6
and this surprises who?
9
No one who was paying attention in the 90s.
Principles? Since when do alligators in the swamp have principles?
Consume ones own to get fat is the only principle I can see here.
Consume ones own to get fat is the only principle I can see here.
5
Tell me. What does Kellyanne consult on? Does she still have her consulting firm? Conflict of interest? I have never seen an administration with so many ties and conflicts of interest. All to their betterment.
11
He should just build a new " Trump Resort " next to Fort Knox. Less trouble, and avoids those pesky handing and shipping fees. Gold is VERY
heavy.
heavy.
5
Corrupt Fat Cats in DJ's cabinet and advisory board. They have no need for social programs, PBS, NEA or NEH.
They can't buy taste though. LOL
They can't buy taste though. LOL
7
How's that swamp draining coming along, Mr President? While we're at it, how's that secret plan to defeat ISIS? While we're at that, when are you going to be suing those thirteen women who leveled accusations against you?
Drain the swamp indeed.
Drain the swamp indeed.
8
"In Trump Country, Shock at Trump Budget Cuts, but Still Loyalty." That was the headline to Kristof's Sunday Review piece, one of many articles and features these days about something most Americans pretend does not exist: poor white people who have experienced domestic violence, job loss, drug addiction, and chronic health problems, and who have had to rely on HUD programs, drug treatment, rental assistance, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, Obamacare, and SNAP (which is called food stamps when black people use them). Who knew that all this sorrow, poverty, and dependence was hiding in plain sight? All they cared about when President Obama was in office was having their guns confiscated, according to the press. Now that their homeboy trump is in office, they are storming town halls and interrupting cowering members of Congress, as though they were protesting at a Black Lives Matter rally.
Yet, they still cling to the belief that the Impostor in Chief will save them in the end. Who has the heart to tell them that they've served their purpose and have been abandoned, while trump and his cronies suck our treasury dry, paying nary a tax along the way.
Yet, they still cling to the belief that the Impostor in Chief will save them in the end. Who has the heart to tell them that they've served their purpose and have been abandoned, while trump and his cronies suck our treasury dry, paying nary a tax along the way.
14
I'm optimistic. True, this is remarkably reminiscent of the Old World aristocracy and its courtiers, but the Netherlands, Germany and France eventually turned out fine. I'd be proud for us to someday be like them.
1
You simply must find the time to read some history. You might start with the French Revolution and go on from there.
5
AND while he's at it, The Russian Revolution as well.
3
sadly, the united states is no longer able to claim a moral high ground in terms of honest government. with citizens united and a complete republican hold on the executive and legislative branches, this country is in the hands of the wealthy who, it appears, never have enough. it saddens my heart and turns my stomach. when will this end?
6
Ah, we all know what happened to Mary-Antoinette. Who she was and what she did.
Institutionalized corruption ... the name of the game in politics
2
Well when was the last time a citizen of the middle class ever held a high profile position in any Presidential administration?
2
Truman, I would guess.
2
What if corruption inheres in the very existence of top down government, as opposed to self-government?
The Trump mob is behaving more like the Clinton gang they claimed during the campaign to loathe...conflicts of interest, pay to play, etc etc.
3
They are not even trying to hide it
They are loud, proud and unapologetic
They are loud, proud and unapologetic
6
Of course the winners were enriched, not matter that they claimed to run against that.
4
Astonishing and scary the ceaseless profiteering we are being shown. Principles? No way.
8
Does any of this explain why none of the media tried to get Trump to say anything about going after Citizens United during the campaign? He certainly had railed against it in past speeches. He would gain a lot of goodwill from the left if he kept some of those promises that they agree with, and this would be a big one to show he is trying to drain that ol' swamp...
2
The main mystery, the single question that I can find no coherent answer for, is why the 99% of Americans of both parties, who aren't millionaires or billionaires ( and never will be) consistently nominate and vote for the candidates bought and paid for by the 1%.
18
Susan:
I am afraid that the last nail in the coffin of American democracy was Citizens United. When Bernie Sanders regularly stated that unless the next Supreme Court Justice was committed to overturning Citizens United, for many years to come America democracy would be in very deep trouble and unfortunately, the scenario you describe is unfolding as we speak.
I am afraid that the last nail in the coffin of American democracy was Citizens United. When Bernie Sanders regularly stated that unless the next Supreme Court Justice was committed to overturning Citizens United, for many years to come America democracy would be in very deep trouble and unfortunately, the scenario you describe is unfolding as we speak.
3
Schumer, Durbin and Leahy voted for Gorsuch in the past so are they just correcting a mistake or have they seen the light. President, Senate and House should be only one term with a mandatory 180 days present in Washington and then go back home and find a job and get a life. I am so disgusted with the status quo.
5
If this were an HRC or Bernie white house, the GOP and these new found trumpist "everymen" would be yelling for investigations, and impeachment. Trey Gaudy would be frothing at the mouth. (Though that's unfair; its really all he does.) And maybe that would be right, hard to say. It at least would look unseemly.
And yet, here we are. This charlatan, his family and henchmen profiteering and not even trying to hide it. And the GOP just look away. Shameful.
And yet, here we are. This charlatan, his family and henchmen profiteering and not even trying to hide it. And the GOP just look away. Shameful.
21
The GOP believes in joining government to become rich. Just like the Russians.
8
We are in the throes of one of the most corrupt administrations in contemporary history. Trump, his immediate family, and his cabinet are using their government positions to economically enrich themselves. The press should continue to investigate and report on the deep connections between government officials and their business interests. Republicans in Congress need to be wary of their support for these involvements.
13
I feel sick.
13
Americans wanted to drain the swamp from Republican politicians that only cared about the rich. So they voted for rich business man that only care about the rich. They'll never figure it out.
21
"Trump Aides' ... Surge in Lucrative Political Work"?
In other words, blatant profiteering due to unbelievable conflict-of-interest double-dealing!
NEVER in US history has an administration been so totally riddled with corruption and so inherently corrupt!
In other words, blatant profiteering due to unbelievable conflict-of-interest double-dealing!
NEVER in US history has an administration been so totally riddled with corruption and so inherently corrupt!
23
This is all about taking advantage of this country's weak or nonexistent protection against financial predators.
Our country has become more and more attractive to would be crooks, and the Republican Party has profited most handsomely from this vulnerability. Our protections hav been continually degraded making the present situation seem ok. It's not. And, in fact, it should not seem outrageous to call this treason - but to most, it does.
When you get to the point that greedy, unscrupulous people can crash the world economy without accountability, the coup is complete. There are no fears in the hearts of these criminals.
Our country has become more and more attractive to would be crooks, and the Republican Party has profited most handsomely from this vulnerability. Our protections hav been continually degraded making the present situation seem ok. It's not. And, in fact, it should not seem outrageous to call this treason - but to most, it does.
When you get to the point that greedy, unscrupulous people can crash the world economy without accountability, the coup is complete. There are no fears in the hearts of these criminals.
7
It is really pretty easy to solve this problem intellectually. It just takes obvious Constitutional Amendments no "reasonable" person would oppose:
1.) Require all Congressional Districts to be defined by impartial 3rd parties along logical lines rather than political ones.
2.) Prohibit politicians from receiving any outside funding/money from people living outside the district/state in which it is raised. Require public funding of federal elections to avoid the current runaway costs.
3.) Make it a felony subject to jail and removal for a Congressman to a.) use model statutes developed by private groups (except perhaps the ABA) or b.) accept any type of gift from a lobbyist. Create a non-partisan office to write legislation using the CBO as a guide.
4.) Limit House and Senate members to 18 years per chamber.
5.) Limit Supreme Court Justices to 18 years each in staggered 2 year increments (each President appoints 2 per term).
Of course, what needs to be done to safeguard our democracy is easy to see, creating the political will to do so is much harder!
1.) Require all Congressional Districts to be defined by impartial 3rd parties along logical lines rather than political ones.
2.) Prohibit politicians from receiving any outside funding/money from people living outside the district/state in which it is raised. Require public funding of federal elections to avoid the current runaway costs.
3.) Make it a felony subject to jail and removal for a Congressman to a.) use model statutes developed by private groups (except perhaps the ABA) or b.) accept any type of gift from a lobbyist. Create a non-partisan office to write legislation using the CBO as a guide.
4.) Limit House and Senate members to 18 years per chamber.
5.) Limit Supreme Court Justices to 18 years each in staggered 2 year increments (each President appoints 2 per term).
Of course, what needs to be done to safeguard our democracy is easy to see, creating the political will to do so is much harder!
15
Brilliant! Let's get this ball rolling...I can dream, can't I?
Sad and sickening.
6
Question: Why are all of the official events held at Trump properties rather than the White House? Answer: Because "Don Corleone" gets paid for every room rented, bite/drink served, and hole played. And we'll pay more to send everyone to from D.C. to Florida. PT Barum would be envious.
17
At this point, the round-trip flight to Florida is estimated at ca. $3 million -- That's a lot of Meals-on-Wheels.
7
You can't serve two masters.
Elected officials and political appointees serve We the People... full time job.
Serving themselves and conducting private business while "on government time" is a clear conflict of interest.
And if they are using their official capacity to directly influence their private business, they are committing a crime.
Elected officials and political appointees serve We the People... full time job.
Serving themselves and conducting private business while "on government time" is a clear conflict of interest.
And if they are using their official capacity to directly influence their private business, they are committing a crime.
4
It's official; the Russians and the Koch Brothers et al., bought Trump's presidency. The scary thing? Why Trump?? Is he that much of a pawn?? What does Trump owe these guys? What sort of blackmail have these guys perpetrated on Trump? Don't you think Cruz or Rubio or even Christie would have been more malleable? Maybe I've watched too many episodes of "Designated Survivor" but....
7
Remember, historically speaking, there actually is a connection between the Kochs and Russians. In addition to Hitler, back in the 1930s, Koch Sr. commenced building his wealth helping Stalin develop the Russian oil industry.
1
You're a day behind the real news...where's the headline and story about Susan Rice and the illegal surveillance?
1
This is old news that applies to all political parties. Few people flutter around politicians to benefit society; most are looking for wealth and more wealth for themselves. A little power on the side is just a pheromone.
1
Welcome to Trumpistan. Although corruption, cronyism and contempt for the rule of law long predated Trump, but his oligarchic, clan governance has propelled the US into the top ranks of "stans" that are synonymous with corruption, autocracy, cronyism, favouristism, nepotism in many parts of Central Asia, which gained independence after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
The only difference is that the oligarchs in America seek to control media outlets and influence the public, while such a move is superfluous in countries that are ruled with an iron grip.
The only difference is that the oligarchs in America seek to control media outlets and influence the public, while such a move is superfluous in countries that are ruled with an iron grip.
9
The 21st Century Patriots' Cry for Liberty:
"The Trump Suits are coming! The Trump Suits are coming!"
"The Trump Suits are coming! The Trump Suits are coming!"
4
If the police realized they were part of the people and the people realized there is no justice in a rigged system, they would heed the words of Thomas Jefferson . "When the government fails to protect the interest of its people the people have the right to replace the government and form a new one." We need to take back our democracy by any means necessary because the 1% never does so peacefully.
9
We need a new election NOW, because the Trump administration has no interest in the common good. Democrats need to think in terms of removal, not accepting the status quo and getting along with these crooks.
1
Well, so much for draining the swamp...
7
That should not be of any real surprise even to those who hardly pay attention to the news. This administration is bad from the get-go, and will undoubtedly continue breaking ethical regulations.
I can't recall a more crooked administration. Makes Nixon's look mild in comparison.
I can't recall a more crooked administration. Makes Nixon's look mild in comparison.
18
Want to stop corruption? (Yes) Outlawing lobbyists and reversing Citizens United seem, to me, to be the obvious places to start.
20
Welcome to Trump world. Where the only qualification you need is your name being Trump or a billion dollars.
When they are all in prison, we can then get on with taking care of our nation.
When they are all in prison, we can then get on with taking care of our nation.
7
Getting ready for a war. Make everyone dependent on needing to join the services for substance. Make an already huge military bigger. Align with another power (Putin). Undermine those forces that you would oppose (drop NATO, Pacific Alliances, Northern and Southern boarder countries, undermine the world monetary system, undermine the world environmental alliance). Play on the people's fears but tell that you are THE only one that can save them.....
War, lucrative.
War, lucrative.
12
They are all starring in a reality based serial- "Return of the Swamp Thing".
11
I think I liked the original movie better.
Yeah, it was fiction.
"The buck stops here."
-- sign on Harry Truman's desk
"The bucks stop here."
--sign on Donald Trump's desk?
-- sign on Harry Truman's desk
"The bucks stop here."
--sign on Donald Trump's desk?
13
As always, follow the money and you always find dirt.
17
Will everyone who doesn't believe in government please pack up and go to Somalia? Leave the rest of us to get on with modern civilized society.
13
So to believe in government we have to believe in selling it out to the rich?
4
Rayboy, no I was making the opposite statement (not very well, though!). I meant that the people in our current government believe only in getting rich, not in actual government. They apparently want to dismantle government (see other articles on this site about Grosuch and Bannon wanting to abolish the state), except as it enriches themselves and their rich friends.
2
No, you get money out of politics and replace it with a public financing
system, overturn Citizens United and then and only then you elect representatives who are actually committed to working for ALL of their constituents, NOT their corporate masters.
Of course, it would now seem unless there is something akin to a French or Russian revolution in America, the above is virtually impossible.
system, overturn Citizens United and then and only then you elect representatives who are actually committed to working for ALL of their constituents, NOT their corporate masters.
Of course, it would now seem unless there is something akin to a French or Russian revolution in America, the above is virtually impossible.
If anyone has any doubt of just how toxic Steve Bannon is then simply visit the Breitbart article comment sections...you will find all sorts of disinformation and hate there. Bannon built that. Bannon used that to help POTUS Trump. He continues to use Breitbart hate/disinfo to help Trump. A toxic swamp to be sure.
22
"For the Trump aides, one potential drawback is that they will now take government salaries, which for many will amount to a cut in pay as they refrain from outside work to avoid conflicts."
Hah hah hah hah! LOL. They'll be avoiding conflicts... Hahahahah.
Hah hah hah hah! LOL. They'll be avoiding conflicts... Hahahahah.
14
What would have been the probability, of the Times printing an article like this, about HRC vendors, if HRC had won?
Did I miss the article, where the Times disclosed the dollar value of all banner ads, including expensive "Jumbotron" home page ads, that the Times published for HRC during the campaign?
Is there some kind of magical difference, between the money the Times makes servicing political campaigns, and the money other vendors make servicing campaigns?
Did I miss the article, where the Times disclosed the dollar value of all banner ads, including expensive "Jumbotron" home page ads, that the Times published for HRC during the campaign?
Is there some kind of magical difference, between the money the Times makes servicing political campaigns, and the money other vendors make servicing campaigns?
1
None, because there would never be such proliferation of corruption and in breeding Peter. Not even a good try at deflection.
Jared and Ivnaka as special aides in the WHITE House. You have to be kidding me.
Jared and Ivnaka as special aides in the WHITE House. You have to be kidding me.
13
"Magic" has nothing to do with the FACT that Donald Trump is your GOP fraud settlement. He is. Both figuratively AND literally.
2
There sure is a lot of skunk cabbage growing in trump's swamp.
9
Trump and his team are reshaping my understanding of billionaires. I used to think they were brilliant. Now I think they are admittedly gifted at inheriting and marrying money and at bulldozing money around. But outside this circumscribed sphere, I think they are grossly stupid. Some, like the Annenbergs, Kochs, Geffen, and Philadelphia's Kimmels, at least have some degree of artistic ostentation pretension, to judge by the concert halls to which they attach their names. But most, like Trump, are shallow, cheap, greedy, and totally limited.
11
The ultimate question is when will Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnell say enough for such corruption and self-dealing and enforce the emoluments provision of the Constitution as it pertains to President Trump and the various ethics laws as they pertain to his staff and family.
The Republicans in Congress truly do need to do their job.
The Republicans in Congress truly do need to do their job.
5
Who could have made this up?
Trump is selling access to the Whitehouse and using his position to enhance his businesses, everyone has to stop kidding themselves this is unprecedented enrichment and to say anything else is just not true.
This Grifter had the nerve to scream about Hillary Clinton taking speaking fees, with Trump we need to worry about flim-flam man draining our treasury and priceless artwork in the Whitehouse.
Trump is selling access to the Whitehouse and using his position to enhance his businesses, everyone has to stop kidding themselves this is unprecedented enrichment and to say anything else is just not true.
This Grifter had the nerve to scream about Hillary Clinton taking speaking fees, with Trump we need to worry about flim-flam man draining our treasury and priceless artwork in the Whitehouse.
12
When are we going to hear that the Trumps have divested themselves from conflicting business interests?
3
Never. Is that soon enough?
2
The information is truly disturbing. In the interest of intellectual honesty though, the Clinton Money Machine generated tremendous wealth for Bill and Hillary while receiving "speaking fees" from foreign entities for a long time. Also truly disturbing but some media doesn't want to print those facts.
1
Yes, the Times did publish it. Just because you didn't read it at the time, didn't mean they didn't cover the story. The "some media" line holds no water.
4
There should absolutely be more of this type of reporting. It is essential to uncover who the political elite are working for (usually themselves, their families, their friends and their donors). However, it is unfortunate that this reporting appears to be more a salvo in The Times' 'War on Trump' than an indication of this newspapers commitment to uncover the fully expose the money that flows along channels formed by power and influence in Washington. This same article could have been written about those associated with Hillary Clinton, to pick one particularly strong example. I hope that this newspaper will make a commitment to ask the questions that need to be asked when it comes to money and influence in government.
4
The swamp has become their private swimming and water hole.
Solid GOP values.
Solid GOP values.
13
So much for draining - uh I mean filling the swamp
7
The republican party is a criminal organization. It's long past time to use RICO on them.
14
Meet the new swamp, worse than the old swamp.
12
It's called the NEW Trump Foundation...........shameless enrichment.....really disgusting!
2
What I'd love to know is how many tax dollars are going into Trump and Trump Organization businesses like Mar-a-Lago. I assume White House staff must sleep at Mar-a-Lago every time Trump goes to Florida and I highly doubt they stay for free. Also all the other times Trump has been to a Trump Organization business, like Golf Courses, again I doubt those golf games are for free.
10
Bet you Trump jacked the rates for Mar-a-Lago because it is a "peak time" enabling even more $$$$
3
He also doubled the membership fee to $200,000 a year and no longs are kept so if you want to lobby the pres on the down low just sign up for maralgo and lobby away.
2
Isn't this the swamp Donald promised to drain? all the money flowing over, under, around and through the federal government is making us, the people, less of a factor in the process. even our votes are manipulated by big money.
who, for example, is paying for those TV ads to support Neil Gorsuch? That is the swamp.
who, for example, is paying for those TV ads to support Neil Gorsuch? That is the swamp.
15
Citizen's United forever changed how money influences our politics, forever changing our politician's moral compasses to disregard the poor, the sick, the disabled. The earth, water, air, the Nation's of the world..we are truly living in the end not because of God, but because of the GREED of men!!
17
I really don't see how we get out of this oligarchic society.
Is this the end of the former democracy, the United States of America.
If we could disband there would be some states, for example California, that would still have a society with justice for all. That would at least be something moral to support.
Is this the end of the former democracy, the United States of America.
If we could disband there would be some states, for example California, that would still have a society with justice for all. That would at least be something moral to support.
7
Same swamp. Different creatures -- with bigger teeth.
8
And deeper pockets...
5
There are much bigger "things" now floating in the Washington swamp than were ever there before Donald Trump and his merry band of con artists and thieves came to town.
11
Many members of Congress and Washington politics are far more wealthy than we imagined, not only the Trumps and his staff, but just about everywhere. No wonder these people run for office.
Having said that, I am astounded that anyone could think that these alt-right politicians and businessmen/women really understand or even truly care about the plight of middle class, working and poor Americans. We are fools to think they do. It reminds me in a lot of ways about the phenomena of online teaching, where "experts" teach you to do a thing in your field while these same experts reap in loads of cash while teaching you a skill. We are the audience and they are the ones benefitting from our attention while the actual skill is declining.
Maybe what we need to do is form a union that is for the people, by the people, and does things in the interest of the people. Oh wait...we tried that.
Having said that, I am astounded that anyone could think that these alt-right politicians and businessmen/women really understand or even truly care about the plight of middle class, working and poor Americans. We are fools to think they do. It reminds me in a lot of ways about the phenomena of online teaching, where "experts" teach you to do a thing in your field while these same experts reap in loads of cash while teaching you a skill. We are the audience and they are the ones benefitting from our attention while the actual skill is declining.
Maybe what we need to do is form a union that is for the people, by the people, and does things in the interest of the people. Oh wait...we tried that.
11
Did the hundreds of millions in speaking fees for the Clintons bother us? It should, also.
1
That's why many , like me, voted for Jill Stein. With Trump's scorched earth policy , people will see Progressivism for the true viable choice it is. It saved this country from anarchy 1900-1918 and during the Great Depression, it still can avert a 2nd civil war for us.
1
I know many people that support Jill Stein, but I do not. I don't think a third party is going to work. What I think will work is reformation of both parties from the ground up. I believe this is possible as long as the populace is willing.
So because the story is not "yet" listed on the NY Times about Susan Rice unmasking Team Trump; I wanted to alert the viewers and readers that this is happening.
Go to Fox News for more information.
The NY Times, Washington Post and LA Times have yet to have this "bombshell" reported.
I guess they are too busy protecting their Anointed One.
Go to Fox News for more information.
The NY Times, Washington Post and LA Times have yet to have this "bombshell" reported.
I guess they are too busy protecting their Anointed One.
1
Unmasking an administration drenched in treason is a heroic thing to do. Michael Flynn would still be in one of the most powerful Intelligence positions in the country, with Trump's blessing, without leaks.
I don't know if the lying folks over at Foxnews are right for a change about Susan Rice, but if they are, then I would like to thank her. Every step we make towards impeaching Trump and taking our country back from the brink of insanity, I am grateful for.
I don't know if the lying folks over at Foxnews are right for a change about Susan Rice, but if they are, then I would like to thank her. Every step we make towards impeaching Trump and taking our country back from the brink of insanity, I am grateful for.
6
I think I will stick with real news. Thanks.
3
So, the only new information was that Susan Rice was someone involved in saving intelligence information before the Trump admin buried it. The rest is well known, that incidental surveillance occurred between election officials and foreign "officials" and that names may be unmasked if national security is at stake... in this case because they were communicating with Russians, who had hacked the DNC, and because the people communicating were going to be part of the President's team. Sounds like someone is doing their job right.
4
Political influence peddling disguised as charity while millions are being earned by crooks to prop up billionaires like the Kochs and Mercers. These are the most corrupt and deceptive people ever. It may take 25 or 50 years but the current political system which is controlled by oligarchs is not sustainable and will crumble like a house of cards.
18
All well and good to report on this sleazy, grifting family and their equally heinous associates.
Now WHO'S going to do something about it?
Now WHO'S going to do something about it?
23
A lobbyist, politician and prostitute enter an upscale WDC steakhouse.
"Just the two of you this evening?" asks the maître d'?
"Just the two of you this evening?" asks the maître d'?
25
I spent thirty-four years around public agencies with multi million dollar contracts for consultants,professionals and lobbyists. Graft, bribery, and influence peddling are choices.
I remember dozens of times where public sector managers and local elected officials rejected the offer of a free breakfast, speakers honoraria, cash political contributions, etc.
They followed the law and behaved with integrity. The Trump leadership group, and Cabinet appointees sicken me and erode our democracy.
Sorry, I hate to be too naive.
I remember dozens of times where public sector managers and local elected officials rejected the offer of a free breakfast, speakers honoraria, cash political contributions, etc.
They followed the law and behaved with integrity. The Trump leadership group, and Cabinet appointees sicken me and erode our democracy.
Sorry, I hate to be too naive.
10
After 4 or 5 decades, I'm waiting for the left to discover the Second Amendment again--then we'll see some interesting times.
7
Trump is a bottom feeder. Always was, always will be.
26
Greed in Government is the only Bipartisan thing in Washington. Reversing Citizens United and instituting Term Limits for Congress might be a start to help control it.
23
From Istanbul to Manila to Washington DC, a tidal wave of political corruption and despotism threatens to overwhelm our freedoms and our way of life. If good Americans don't stand up and fight Trump's corruption, our children and grandchildren will inherit a harsher, different country.
What's underneath this sudden, precipitous fall into autocracy? From my limited perspective, Putin is using his unlimited fortune, (estimated at $200B), to buy US politicians, right and left. He installed his deputies in Trump's right wing campaign (Manafort) and Bernie's left wing campaign, (Tad Devine). For what must be pennies on the dollars, he has devastated our political system, lining so many greedy pockets, probably for a few hundred million total. We were easily bought, as it turns out, especially Republicans.
With a mere $200B, Putin spent his spare change and crippled the vaunted $17T American system, and cracked open the established world order.
What's underneath this sudden, precipitous fall into autocracy? From my limited perspective, Putin is using his unlimited fortune, (estimated at $200B), to buy US politicians, right and left. He installed his deputies in Trump's right wing campaign (Manafort) and Bernie's left wing campaign, (Tad Devine). For what must be pennies on the dollars, he has devastated our political system, lining so many greedy pockets, probably for a few hundred million total. We were easily bought, as it turns out, especially Republicans.
With a mere $200B, Putin spent his spare change and crippled the vaunted $17T American system, and cracked open the established world order.
9
Money in politics has always been here. This includes the old fashioned buying drinks at the bar for all the men when it was men only voting. There really is only one answer for this money problem. The complaining we see now should result in voting for a slate of folks who are committed to change the "money talks" routine in politics. I doubt that this will happen. Get over it.
6
The ethically challenged money-mongering Rogues of this disgraceful presidential administration need to get out of our hair and relocate to some deserted island far, far away, where it can rule the roost to its heart's content. Good riddance can't come soon enough.
P.S.: Leave all your moneybags here. There are millions who would instantly benefit from your pillaging.
P.S.: Leave all your moneybags here. There are millions who would instantly benefit from your pillaging.
5
This is a very sick, diseased, disgraceful, disturbed, and dishonest administration.
I keep imagining that 45 has clandestine meetings with Pence and says, "NOW what can I do? Any stupid thing I tweet, do, or say -- and I can't get impeached. What's next? I need good solid advice to get myself out of this mess. I hate being president."
I don't know how we came to this, but it has to end soon. This afternoon wouldn't be too soon.
I keep imagining that 45 has clandestine meetings with Pence and says, "NOW what can I do? Any stupid thing I tweet, do, or say -- and I can't get impeached. What's next? I need good solid advice to get myself out of this mess. I hate being president."
I don't know how we came to this, but it has to end soon. This afternoon wouldn't be too soon.
6
Half of the country like what he is doing and the other half plus does not. These articles only p(ss people off. That is where the anger comes from. The country is lost and in time will find its way but it seems not with the help of the people. We subscribe to the NYT for the articles like Playboy but now the pics are better. Ignore every little thing this clown does because he is learning and the more he learns the less we will get. He is playing you and me and the country and he is doing a good job. Nothing will change because the people can no longer do anything about it and the rethugs are enjoying watching all the good one man has done and letting this one destroy the planet. Once the rest of the world catches on we will be the ones with a target on our back.
Thank you, Justice Roberts and the other conservative supremes for allowing a decision which enables our country to be sold to the highest bidder! I am disgusted at the turn of events we now face with a newly elected President who pretends conservatism for the right to sit in the sacred oval office. God help us!
11
Drain the swamp? Drink the swamp is more accurate.
4
The foxes are not only guarding the henhouse, heck - they now own it.
13
Well, duh. This election has all been a scheme to make more money for Trump and his cohorts by telling people what they want to hear and then taking their money while they are busy looking for some boogeyman who they think brought them to ruin.
I only wish I'd have thought of it. I could have retired yesterday.
I only wish I'd have thought of it. I could have retired yesterday.
13
The rich have a different concept of America one that unless you are a billionaire or millionaire most of us cannot understand. They don't have a moral center. They do not have any allegiances to country or a people. They only believe that wealth is the status on which their peers judge them on. Those of us who do not have wealth are nothing but dirt under their feet. This type of arrogance has led to many revolts in America and abroad. They really do not understand Americans at all. They are pushing buttons which eventually get out of control. There is a scorch Earth agenda, they will bankrupt the country and leave it divided. They do not have any investment in a people just in corporations. They truly believe that they can control the masses by psychological means and we will continue to buy their products because we must. The Mercers of this world sold to their technology to the highest bidder because they got the gold bug. Even scientists can be turned, although the head of the Mercer clan is unstable mentally and leaned to white supremacy rule early in life.
The good news is that we are Americans made up of many cultures. It will be hard for them to control without crossing the line. Impeachment is around the corner because King Trump will cross it. Wait for it.
The good news is that we are Americans made up of many cultures. It will be hard for them to control without crossing the line. Impeachment is around the corner because King Trump will cross it. Wait for it.
14
Not all millionaires and billionaires are evil; some are using or have used their wealth to benefit others: the Rockefellers, Bill and Melinda Gates, Tom Steyer, to name a few. The Trumps and their friends-not at all.
2
Everything about this president now is aberrant and off: mysterious stuff re Russia, congressmen corrupted, conflicts of interest, enriched political aides, an increasingly incestuous White House, nervous alies and risk taking with potential enemies - and finally the discussion becoming more resolute that he is mentally ill. Why is this man still president? Where is the responsibility of the Republicans to the safety and well being of their country? When is someone with a large voice going to say Enough!? We've been careening toward tragedy with eyes wide open since the election, and we're almost there. Please NYT, put it on the front page in an editorial. You will be roundly condemned by many, but you will have started the discussion.
14
If I had all that money, the Koch money, the Mercer money, I would spend my time enjoying myself and somehow enriching the world. Why have all that money if your only purpose is to attempt to make others miserable with it? And by that I mean pouring money into the fight to undo the Affordable Care Act. I just don't get it.
24
Because with all that money comes the greed that sours a soul.
7
The intent of the Republican party is not about the satisfaction of its constituency. Their intent is to eliminate any and all government regulations and protections for workers and citizens so that they can be free to act as feudal lords over the workforce and to become staggeringly wealthy while doing so.
3
Because they "earn" more money than they spend in the end and own a big piece of our country and huge influence on our government. we are just pawns/fodder to them.
Why is this different from the money earned by the pollsters, consultants, and flaks who hang around and feed at the trough of every other political campaign of every political stripe? They're nearly all parasites.
5
Yeah, just more of the same catering to the Establishment, the wealthy and special interests, just like Trump promised.
7
Trump said he would change the corruption. Clearly, more lies.
Drain the swamp is Trumpspeak for Drain the Treasury. And the Donors, but at least they get SOMETHING out of it. Everyone else, not so much.
11
The banality of the Trump administration - and Trump himself - is most evident when you follow the money.
5
When asked why he robbed banks, Willie Sutton famously replied, "Because that's where the money is."
The world's biggest cash flow today is the money spent annually by the U.S. federal government.
$4 trillion last year, alone. If you multiply 1 million by 1 million you get 1 trillion. Uncle Sam spent four times that last year.
No wonder there's so much interest in controlling the levers of power in Washington these days. Because, as ole Willie would say, "That is where the money is."
The world's biggest cash flow today is the money spent annually by the U.S. federal government.
$4 trillion last year, alone. If you multiply 1 million by 1 million you get 1 trillion. Uncle Sam spent four times that last year.
No wonder there's so much interest in controlling the levers of power in Washington these days. Because, as ole Willie would say, "That is where the money is."
1
I think you're missing the point that these people are using the government to enrich themselves in the private sector.
9
Stocking the swamp with alligators is an unorthodox way to drain it.
9
You have to wonder if Trump's supporters will ever realize what chumps they've been, how he's been playing them for saps while he and his cronies clean up. Billionaires are looking out for "the little guy" -- right.
19
I'm shocked. This will fall on deaf ears for the most part, since a good part of our population would do the same thing. Holding people in government to a higher standard went out the window a long time ago, apparently, and the Trump Administration is showing that it is not coming back any time soon. It is not possible to have respect for these kind of people, whether they are in government or not. Their incompetence and his is only superseded by their unabashed greed. Price, for example, has his lawyer buy stock in a company the day before he is going to give the company a favorable decision. It's all legal???
8
The paragraph on the Democrats is a shameful attempt to appear even-handed.
Obama's spokesman was paid by the Obama campaign? Shocking! (Not).
Dark money is being used by billionaires to pay their minions to do all sorts of things. It is a Republican phenomenon. And while the Mercers and Kochs claim the enormous payouts are for ideology, it should be strongly noted that every policy they support earns them money.
Fake balance is a waste of my time and muddles the issue.
Obama's spokesman was paid by the Obama campaign? Shocking! (Not).
Dark money is being used by billionaires to pay their minions to do all sorts of things. It is a Republican phenomenon. And while the Mercers and Kochs claim the enormous payouts are for ideology, it should be strongly noted that every policy they support earns them money.
Fake balance is a waste of my time and muddles the issue.
17
Trump supporters could care less about anything that he does. As long as it perplexes the so-called elite, they are tickled pink.
4
I strongly support President Trump and his staff, especially Stephen. K. Bannon. If Bannon made $1 million, I say more power to him. Thank you.
You are most generous, with taxpayer money.
6
If you work for a living & aren't rich yourself, you're an idiot then. He made his $1 million advocating for policies that enrich the already rich on the backs of everybody else.
6
And I feel the exact opposite. Bannon's vision of a dark and violent America as articulated in his various speeches and Trump addresses is not the one that I see. Sure, plenty of problems but the US can solve them if people don't sink into a black hole of paranoia and fear.
I have no interest in following Bannon anywhere.
I have no interest in following Bannon anywhere.
11
Why were people incensed about Clinton cash and silent about Trump conflicts? There is no comparison. Trump has monetized the presidency and his cabinet and staff are all complicit or benefiting or both
This just makes me furious
This just makes me furious
30
We don't want to support our neediest populations, provide social security, medicare, medicaid, education, research for diseases, clean air and water, or welfare. Those are given negative connotations, but individual and cororate welfare - that's fine to those who love citizens united. And the ruse is that they'll create jobs. The trickle down economic faucet has been shown to be the fraud it always was, so why are politicians still pushing it? Well we know the answer - $$$$ in their pockets.
The Supreme Court must re-visit the seriously flawed ruling of Citizens United. It is undermining our democracy and the basic principles of by the people for the people, as well as, no taxation without representation. Our representatives are simply not representing us.
The Supreme Court must re-visit the seriously flawed ruling of Citizens United. It is undermining our democracy and the basic principles of by the people for the people, as well as, no taxation without representation. Our representatives are simply not representing us.
24
You do remember who's in control of the Supreme Court now, don't you???
That's where the trouble begins.
That's where the trouble begins.
2
You do know who's in charge of the Supreme Court nominations now, don't you???
That's where all the trouble begins.
That's where all the trouble begins.
I do but that's the only recourse. Hopefully they've seen the error of their ways. Of course, if a democrat had become President this conversation wouldn't be necessary.
The GOP, Trump and his handler, Bannon, have turned the US government into a Ponzi scheme in which all wealth flows upward while stiffing those at the bottom who are desperate to get in on the action.
21
No. Just desperate.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Having said that, that is why the framers of the Constitution enacted clear checks and balances. That is also why people should be alarmed when republican members of Congress declare that they work for the President.( Obviously they work for us ; the people. )
We all knew that there were sycophants, but the brazenness of this administration ( from the top down ) is breathtaking.
Remember, you voted for this ( at least a clear minority of you ), but we will all be ending up with the bill that is coming due.
Having said that, that is why the framers of the Constitution enacted clear checks and balances. That is also why people should be alarmed when republican members of Congress declare that they work for the President.( Obviously they work for us ; the people. )
We all knew that there were sycophants, but the brazenness of this administration ( from the top down ) is breathtaking.
Remember, you voted for this ( at least a clear minority of you ), but we will all be ending up with the bill that is coming due.
17
Oh please...and how much have super PACS for Hillary and Barack raised? And how much have these PACs paid to each of the posses of advisers who then went on to key Obama cabinet positions? The "extent to which private political work has bolstered the financial fortunes" of aides is most definitively not limited to those who advocate for Republican causes!!
4
If you think this is a excuse, you're sadly mistaken.
Of course, HRC & Obama made use of PACs and other contirbutions -- that's the way American politics goes, but neither of them enrolled Russian operatives, and there was a higher degree of transparency to their earnings...
And they also revealed their income taxes.
Of course, HRC & Obama made use of PACs and other contirbutions -- that's the way American politics goes, but neither of them enrolled Russian operatives, and there was a higher degree of transparency to their earnings...
And they also revealed their income taxes.
18
One does not negate the other. Bad acts by one group does NOT justify bad acts of another. The sheer hypocrisy of the GOP and the WH about this is what makes it astounding. Every time a trumpeze tries to justify bad acts by the hog in the WH and his minions it convinces everyone reading that the commenter is OK with corruption and dishonesty and stealing from the American people as long as it's "my guy" doing it. Lack of character and honor are revealed.
6
And wasn't trump supposed to change all that?
I'd like to hope that Citizens United will be overturned or limited at some point but that would take a Democratic congress, white house and then the Supreme Court would have to weigh in.
The idea that the USA is a democracy went out the window with Citizens United and both political parties exploit this new system, but Trump and his cronies are taking it to the next level. There is no pretending that they are in office to serve the public, they are in office to serve themselves, their families and their industries.
The idea that the USA is a democracy went out the window with Citizens United and both political parties exploit this new system, but Trump and his cronies are taking it to the next level. There is no pretending that they are in office to serve the public, they are in office to serve themselves, their families and their industries.
15
Is "Wolf PAC" a legitimate means to overturn citizens united?
Lt. General Flynn (Ret) served in operational assignments in the Army until his first assignment in Washington D. C. in 2011. In D. C. he could not help but notice and wonder at the big money floating around into the pockets of the well connected officials including retired military officers. When he retired he likely wanted a small piece of the pie. He erred in not being a bit smarter in going about collecting (like having a spouse get the payouts) and perhaps violating Army regulations. He should have paid lawyers to get advice on setting up his income generating activities so now he will have to pay lawyers to defend him, like his wanting immunity.
3
Is it possible to create similar graphics for President Obama's administration and George W. Bush's administration? It would be interesting to see a side-by-side comparison to understand how this group compares to past administrations.
1
It is a good thing baby boomers are retiring. Time on their hands. In the 60s and 70s, they stopped a war. In 2017, they need to stop this corruption. Everyone who is retired and middle/lower class: hone your research skills, hone your political skills, and get to work. Yes, you are volunteering. You should; you have the time to do it.
Koch and Mercer corrupters: your time is coming.
Koch and Mercer corrupters: your time is coming.
18
Besides this being a ageist remark, it's also assuming that baby boomers are the only ones with the time to do anything....
We all need to be involved -- Get out there yourself.
We all need to be involved -- Get out there yourself.
3
Excellent article in the Los Angeles Times about the lies of Trump.
http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-ed-why-trump-lies/
http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-ed-why-trump-lies/
8
Robber Baron's of the last century made their money the old fashioned way. In businesses mining, oil, steel, railroads/shipping, car manufacturing/tires.
That gave way to the wave of financial Robber Baron venture capitalists and financial "guru's" which in turn gave way to hi-tech barons of computers and software.
It looks like this century's fertile ground for the next wave to accumulate vast wealth and power will be in the realm of political manipulations. Not that politics didn't play into the previous formulas, but just not at the resulting level Citizens United has distilled.
Can anyone point to a previous period when money has played such a direct and enormous open role in controlling the seat of power in Washington?
That gave way to the wave of financial Robber Baron venture capitalists and financial "guru's" which in turn gave way to hi-tech barons of computers and software.
It looks like this century's fertile ground for the next wave to accumulate vast wealth and power will be in the realm of political manipulations. Not that politics didn't play into the previous formulas, but just not at the resulting level Citizens United has distilled.
Can anyone point to a previous period when money has played such a direct and enormous open role in controlling the seat of power in Washington?
11
Two highly regarded political scientists at Princeton conducted a study that concluded that our legislative process is more responsive to lobbyists than it is to surveys, polls or comments reflecting the views of average voters.
In other words, voting is simply a formality to gain power, but once achieved power is to be used on behalf of the wealth and power represented by lobbyists and their clients.
We no longer have a functioning democracy, we have an oligarchy. But despite articles like this and objective analytical studies, the news pundits pretend otherwise and the entire nation suffers.
In other words, voting is simply a formality to gain power, but once achieved power is to be used on behalf of the wealth and power represented by lobbyists and their clients.
We no longer have a functioning democracy, we have an oligarchy. But despite articles like this and objective analytical studies, the news pundits pretend otherwise and the entire nation suffers.
148
One day the USA will come crashing down and all will stop and wonder how such could happen. We are too well-satisfied and caring little what new is happening.
1
@drspock: Why? Because right now you have to outspend your opponents to get elected, and that takes millions of dollars, even hundreds of millions, over the course of a campaign. Especially for POTUS. Until we change the process so that money doesn't determine the effectiveness of a campaign, we won't begin to move away from oligarchy; instead, we will cement it as our true form of government forever. Put caps on total spending per candidate, and include spending by third parties in that total. If a candidate tries to dominate the media by manipulating it, the estimated worth of that airtime also gets included in the total; after the cap is reached, if the media chooses to cover that candidate, it has to cover the others with equal airtime. And no entity can donate more than $5000 (or whatever number makes good sense) to a campaign, with fines for those who try to work that restriction by hiding behind fake entities or giving money to surrogates for pass-through donations.
With something like that in place, there is no longer any ethical way for anyone to buy a politician. The media will eventually discover bribes when they can't be disguised as campaign contributions.
With something like that in place, there is no longer any ethical way for anyone to buy a politician. The media will eventually discover bribes when they can't be disguised as campaign contributions.
Not the first time I've posted these lyrics. By the look of things, probably won't be the last.
It's so hard keeping track of what's gone wrong
The covenant unravels, and the news just rolls along
I could feel my memory letting go some two or three disasters ago
It's hard to say which did more ill
Citizens United or the Gulf oil spill
Jackson Browne, The Long Way Around
It's so hard keeping track of what's gone wrong
The covenant unravels, and the news just rolls along
I could feel my memory letting go some two or three disasters ago
It's hard to say which did more ill
Citizens United or the Gulf oil spill
Jackson Browne, The Long Way Around
7
I'm clearly in the wrong business but then again I don't have any problem sleeping at night.
6
Come on!
Who would you rather have buy the White House? The Kochs or the Russians?
So lighten up please. Making "America Great Again" requires recirculating American bribes right here in America. No more paying off foreigners! That's right. Read my lips. Better yet, read my Tweets.
Who would you rather have buy the White House? The Kochs or the Russians?
So lighten up please. Making "America Great Again" requires recirculating American bribes right here in America. No more paying off foreigners! That's right. Read my lips. Better yet, read my Tweets.
3
Drain the swamp - into the WH itself. The trump agenda did not fail, at least in this respect.
2
How are we supposed to trust anything any politician does if this is what goes on? In other words, whose best interests do they have at heart? Like many Americans I don't believe that any politician, no matter what party or political beliefs they have, have the average working American's best interests in mind. Certainly not when they write regulations or try to enact legislation that serves to insulate various industries and businesses from harm that they have knowingly done to consumers. Definitely not when they interfere with our rights to sue if we are seriously injured by defective practices or products. Absolutely not when they vote to cut spending and programs that can help us retrain for jobs, put food on the table for hungry schoolchildren, help victims of domestic abuse start new lives away from their abusers.
In America the political class seems to follow its own interests instead of working for our best interests. If the two coincide that's fine. If not, we lose. Furthermore, there ought to be a much stricter enforcement of and a longer period of time where former government employees or presidential advisors cannot go back to their old companies. I think that it creates too much conflict when they know a job is waiting for them at their old company or a think tank that likes them.
In America the political class seems to follow its own interests instead of working for our best interests. If the two coincide that's fine. If not, we lose. Furthermore, there ought to be a much stricter enforcement of and a longer period of time where former government employees or presidential advisors cannot go back to their old companies. I think that it creates too much conflict when they know a job is waiting for them at their old company or a think tank that likes them.
10
It's not any politician. Re-read the democrats versus the rest of the article.
This is primarily a republican phenomenon
This is primarily a republican phenomenon
4
My experience has been that both sides carry on this way. It's not limited to either party. The differences between the GOP and the Democrats come in how they view the people they represent and that further shapes how they legislate.
During Watergate it was the Republicans that turned against Nixon and he was impeached. That showed some backbone. Yet Trump is a bigot, lacks any moral fiber, has the ethics that only fit his needs and is full of caca when it comes to faith. He uses Ryan and McConnell as his little playthings. Why are Republicans not trying to rid the country of this man!?
10
Hypocrisy? Willing to use anything and anyone to ensure that the 1% pay no taxes?
3
"Drain the swamp" has become an inherently ironic phrase.
3
Well, Obama certainly found rewarding work (assuming he actually writes his book himself) awaiting him after he left office. Is there some kind of double standard at work here?
1
Wrong!! Obama can write; Trump can barely read. Obama has no conflicts of interest and had no emoluments difficulties; Trump can't meet any low-bar ethical standard. Try again.
8
No, there's not a double standard.
One found rewarding work *after he left office*.
The other is finding rewarding work by virtue [sic] of being *in office*.
(You may have heard all manner of coastal elites squawking about violation of the Constitution's Emolument Clause -this is related to that issue.)
See?
One found rewarding work *after he left office*.
The other is finding rewarding work by virtue [sic] of being *in office*.
(You may have heard all manner of coastal elites squawking about violation of the Constitution's Emolument Clause -this is related to that issue.)
See?
3
Ah yes, Donald Trump -- president for the lower and middle classes, the displaced and the left behind. Great role model there, Prez.
11
Boundless corruption. Is it time to rethink and restructure the ways we institutionalize force and threats of violence?
5
Who will protect our nation from being totally taken over as a profit center for the wealthy and well-connected, of both parties?
Who will right this ship of state, which is now so top heavy in individual and corporate wealth that it must, in some near or future storm, be capsized?
Who can we depend on to remember that wealth is not prosperity, that wealth does not feed our individual and collective souls, and that power is not the aim of life?
I don't know the answers to these questions, and I am deeply concerned about what happens when this extraordinary and increasing imbalance of wealth and power, with its dependence to resource and human exploitation, sinks our nation into the swamp.
Who will right this ship of state, which is now so top heavy in individual and corporate wealth that it must, in some near or future storm, be capsized?
Who can we depend on to remember that wealth is not prosperity, that wealth does not feed our individual and collective souls, and that power is not the aim of life?
I don't know the answers to these questions, and I am deeply concerned about what happens when this extraordinary and increasing imbalance of wealth and power, with its dependence to resource and human exploitation, sinks our nation into the swamp.
27
We all need to stop asking for a savior. Stand in front of a mirror. We, the People must reclaim ourselves.
2
I think the answer to that is We the People- get organized, and revolt - "resistance" alone won't work because the swamp is infested with piranhas.
4
Yes, Heather, we do have to reclaim our government. No saviors wanted. However, what are the mechanisms and laws available to us to end these travesties without waiting for the 2018 elections?
Lawyers? Who has standing to sue in court? Which agencies that cannot be stopped by Trump and his employees and appointees would be qualified to go forward?
We know that it is highly unlikely for the Republican Congress and a conservative Supreme Court to halt these transgressions.
I'm looking to understand what people, what organizations, what agencies do have the standing and will and funding to stop the incestuous greed that encompasses our national leadership now.
I will send those capable whatever funding and political support I can.
Lawyers? Who has standing to sue in court? Which agencies that cannot be stopped by Trump and his employees and appointees would be qualified to go forward?
We know that it is highly unlikely for the Republican Congress and a conservative Supreme Court to halt these transgressions.
I'm looking to understand what people, what organizations, what agencies do have the standing and will and funding to stop the incestuous greed that encompasses our national leadership now.
I will send those capable whatever funding and political support I can.
These are the only good jobs that DT will be creating. How many tourism and other jobs are being lost because of the travel ban and crazy antics of this administration. He has destroyed the reputation of America in the rest of the world in two months and made Putin very happy!
16
That Obama saw this coming after 8 years of power shows the weakness of the Democratic Party. He must be living in despair. Nothing accomplished.
6
That Obama saw this coming after 8 years of power, is merely a testament to his intelligence and political acumen.
Besides, it didn't take a rocket-scientist to know that the G.O.P. and White supremacists couldn't wait to take back "their" White House again.
And if he is in despair, it's because he's looking at what this country has become.
He's not alone in that.
Besides, it didn't take a rocket-scientist to know that the G.O.P. and White supremacists couldn't wait to take back "their" White House again.
And if he is in despair, it's because he's looking at what this country has become.
He's not alone in that.
15
The swamp has not been drained, the cesspool has been filled.
22
It looks like Mr. Trump & Co. not only got help from Russia to win the election, it seems like they got help in how to rob the country as well, Russian style.
10
@galtsgulch: They didn't need help for that. They've been robbing the country all along. Just, now they'll do it from directly within an administration rather than paying off people within an administration.
The "real" money will flow for them when & if they manage to lift the oil sanctions on Russia...that is the real prize for these swamp rats.
1
In truth, there was no "swamp" in Washington that Donald said his candidacy was going to fix, no rats to get out of the White House or Congress. His entire campaign was based on simple lies about a mythical morass of problems that only he could fix. Now, there is a swamp, filled with rats who fed on in-coming cash during the campaign and are cashing in on the current mire. All of the promises based on lies will fall: Donald will not get rid of the ACA, will not build a wall, there will be no tax overhaul that will benefit the middle class (or the wealthy), there are no 20 million jobs that need to be filled, and there is no weak military that needs a $54 billion shot in its budget. Yes, Donald can sign the planet's death certificate and Congress can make it harder for poor women to get health care, but the reality is that the swine are at the trough with a declining interest in governing and an escalating interest in self-aggrandizement. We will have to live with this until November, 2018 when the voters will throw out the GOP-dominated Congress that will stand by and do nothing to control the feeding frenzy..
16
This should be no surprise. The real question: do Trump voters care? The answer: no.
15
They will care when they finally realize they won't even be getting any trickle down from all those pockets getting lined. In fact, their own pockets will be rifled.
6
Did Evelyn Farkas lie on Morning Joe, or did she lie when she tried to walk it back?
C'mon, Times, these silly stories are going to blow up on you when the indictments come down, perhaps ensnaring your own reporters.
C'mon, Times, these silly stories are going to blow up on you when the indictments come down, perhaps ensnaring your own reporters.
What does this have to do with the effects of Citizen's United?
3
It would be interesting to compare their net worth when they leave government with these numbers.
6
Any amount of writing like this will only infuriate the conservative public who favors Trump and the gang. They believe only what they want to believe and facts have no meaning to them. Truth seekers are not Trump voters anyway.
Earning money legally was, as last I checked, still legal. One hopes it would also be earned ethically and used for ethical purposes -- but this is not a legal requirement.
1
Thank you for defending Bill and Hilary Clinton's earnings from speeches. Ethical, unethical? We don't really know for sure - probably a matter of opinion. But legal? Definitely.
1
What Bill and Hillary Clinton earned for speeches after returning to private life is very little compared to how Trump and his family are profiting financially from Trump's position as President.
6
The US treasury is a 'piggy' bank to many of those in politics today.
Are there any who aren't multi-millionaires? Certainly not in the Senate.
I say remove all of their and their family's health benefits. Enough trough.
Are there any who aren't multi-millionaires? Certainly not in the Senate.
I say remove all of their and their family's health benefits. Enough trough.
17
Yes, whose current secretary is Steven Mnuchin-
ex CEO of Goldman Sachs -who oversaw the predatory lending of his company, which led to a financial crash, and then ultimately a bail out for his bank-
ex CEO of Goldman Sachs -who oversaw the predatory lending of his company, which led to a financial crash, and then ultimately a bail out for his bank-
3
Donald Trump's refusal to disclose his personal and corporate income tax returns along with his personal and corporate business holdings, deals, financial and accounting records, deals and debts has turned the White House into a part of Trump's private profitable personal media hotel golf course resort real estate casino empire. Ruling from his Trump Tower and Sea Lake Resort, President Trump has to occasionally go slumming in Washington D.C.' s most famous public housing project.
5
While I applaud this kind of incisive coverage, it's hard for me to read it knowing that Obama did the same thing, and the Democratic Party continues to enrich its own consulting class that, as we saw during the election, cares little about what half of its base (mostly young, poor, minority voters) think of its corporatist nature. Where were the Times and other institutions when this was happening from '08-'16? This kind of coverage when it comes to Democrats was relegated to news organizations like The Young Turks or Democracy Now, which are constantly dismissed and delegitimized by mainstream media and by establishment Democrats. The point is: it's wrong to enrich a certain class and then seek to put them in government at the expense of the little people no matter what party you come from. This is a bipartisan issue.
7
The irony that Trump voters wanted him to drain the swamp and to shake up the status quo. Bald face lies.
2
This country is being dismantled and destroyed right before our eyes. Congress isn't going to stop it. They are part and parcel of what's happening. They don't have the will or the stomach to step up and act.
"We the people" are going to be the ones that have to stop this travesty. We either put an end to this, or we lose it forever.
"We the people" are going to be the ones that have to stop this travesty. We either put an end to this, or we lose it forever.
10
Trump has drained the swamp and replaced it with a cesspool full of parasites who are profiting off of their conenctions to a corrupt White House. Meanwhile all of the Trumpites continue to think the emperor is well dressed and infallible, as Rome burns.
7
As Warren Buffett has noted, "Actually, there’s been class warfare going on for the last 20 years, and my class has won." The most reliable way to make a fortune is to pander to right-wing billionaires. And the people working for trump know this fact better than most. Billionaires like the Koch brothers and the Mercers apparently do not mind being used in this way as long as they get their radical policies implemented.
12
The limits on the advantages inherent to these "consultants" is their imagination and contacts. Here today, gone tomorrow.
If I were to state the obvious, it is that these people are corrupt, money grubbing leeches.
If I were to state the obvious, it is that these people are corrupt, money grubbing leeches.
4
The name of the game is creating a network of contacts which are wealthy and wield enormous influence with law makers and political power players. It happens with both parties.
More often than not, the income shown as consulting fees is a mere facade. However accounted for in the books, they are payment for help granted with enabling a lucrative deal and influencing a slant for new law.
What is unusual about it with Trump administration is the shameless bluntness and utter disregard for conflicts of interest that Trump himself and his cronies have shown in the process of milking this opportunity.
More often than not, the income shown as consulting fees is a mere facade. However accounted for in the books, they are payment for help granted with enabling a lucrative deal and influencing a slant for new law.
What is unusual about it with Trump administration is the shameless bluntness and utter disregard for conflicts of interest that Trump himself and his cronies have shown in the process of milking this opportunity.
2
Now, if only we could find politicians and their consultants who are not ruled entirely by self interest. Country first for a change.
5
In Bernie Sanders and other progressive representatives, those politicians were right in front of your eyes, yet, Sanders was rejected by the corporate/establishment democratic party and marginilized by the media. Add to that because he thought the discussion of real policies and their solutions were most important to ALL the voters and the "one-percenters" should not be allowed to "have it all", to them, he represented a serious threat that under no cirumstances would he be permitted to be elected. Bottom line, yet, clearly, the current crop of establishment/corporate democrats have still not learned that lesson.
"I love the poorly educated"
- Donald Trump
This is the key to Trump's empire.
- Donald Trump
This is the key to Trump's empire.
19
Why should anyone be surprised? Politics are money makers for the rich who are involved in helping the process of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. It happens on both sides of the aisle. This country is all about money not the welfare of the people. It is the kind of process that eventually will get people in the streets to change how this country is run. Let's just hope it is a peaceful process.
9
Is this surprising to anyone? Are there really people foolish enough to think these people were going to drain the swamp? They live, flourish and grow rich in the political swamps of the world. They know the secret to gaining power and influence - nearly everyone is for sale.
3
We Canadians who love our single payer national health care system and other socialistic appendages of our cultural ideology find nothing wrong with the largesse that continues to shower on the 1%, or maybe 2%, of the US population. What if the Trump family and their loyal flunkies use the US Presidency as a 'cash cow'. After all, that is business as usual for the Trump and Kushners and the "revolutionary" Steve Bannon who is out to destroy the established order, much like Mao Zedong.
But while Mao embarked on the Long March and endured hundreds of miles on his way to Beijing, Steve Bannon merely stepped out of Wall Street into DC with Goldman Sachs warriors in tow.
So, we good Canadians (some of whom accompanied Mao on the Long March) want to say: Let's be charitable to these to these tireless workers trying to Make America Great Again. They are all needy people who need their $2000 bottles of Chateau Lafite, private schools for their darling children, and all the goodies that they deserve. Eventually, their wealth will trickle down to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and provide access to the finest healthcare in the world.
But while Mao embarked on the Long March and endured hundreds of miles on his way to Beijing, Steve Bannon merely stepped out of Wall Street into DC with Goldman Sachs warriors in tow.
So, we good Canadians (some of whom accompanied Mao on the Long March) want to say: Let's be charitable to these to these tireless workers trying to Make America Great Again. They are all needy people who need their $2000 bottles of Chateau Lafite, private schools for their darling children, and all the goodies that they deserve. Eventually, their wealth will trickle down to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and provide access to the finest healthcare in the world.
It's sad to see that the sacrifices and lives laid down by our service men and women since the beginning of this country comes down to the government we have now. The basic liberties that this country stands for have been taken advantage of by the rich and political insiders. It was Thomas Jefferson who once said "A Little Rebellion Now and Then is a Good Thing". Maybe it's time for a little rebellion.
3
This was already set to be the worst administration in US history and it's meeting that expectation and more. It's not only that Trump is the most unfit and unqualified president in our history, he has put entirely unfit, unqualified and wildly inappropriate people in his highest posts. They're the one's running your government.
Trump and his loathsome family simply continue doing their creepy business--only know with the taxpayers help and the once most powerful office in the world for leverage. It's now the swampiest swamp we have ever had in our government. Courtesy: the republican voters.
Trump and his loathsome family simply continue doing their creepy business--only know with the taxpayers help and the once most powerful office in the world for leverage. It's now the swampiest swamp we have ever had in our government. Courtesy: the republican voters.
9
"Drain the swamp..." Yeah, right...more like: "Yippee!! Open the floodgates!!"
3
In the good-old-days when rich Republicans like David Rockefeller sat down with Rich Democrats like Averill Harriman over lunch at the Yale Club to determine the fate of the nation, they managed to look after their own interests while also looking after the interests of ordinary folks as well.
The Rockefellers and Harrimans had the old-fashioned long-view of the very rich: the poor and the middle class are necessary parts of the system in which their fortunes could be made and preserved.
The Trumpian Rich have no such timeline. The poor and the middle class are a short-term vote-bank with no other economic function. Money is to be made/grabbed/stolen right now while the sun shines.
No thought to the next generation or the generation after that. Hence no Climate concerns, no pollution concerns, and no investments in the health, education or welfare of ordinary citizens.
Eat Pompano and Lobster at Mar a Lago today, for the rest of you are all dead in the longer run.
My grandchildren bless you for your generous vision, Donnie.
The Rockefellers and Harrimans had the old-fashioned long-view of the very rich: the poor and the middle class are necessary parts of the system in which their fortunes could be made and preserved.
The Trumpian Rich have no such timeline. The poor and the middle class are a short-term vote-bank with no other economic function. Money is to be made/grabbed/stolen right now while the sun shines.
No thought to the next generation or the generation after that. Hence no Climate concerns, no pollution concerns, and no investments in the health, education or welfare of ordinary citizens.
Eat Pompano and Lobster at Mar a Lago today, for the rest of you are all dead in the longer run.
My grandchildren bless you for your generous vision, Donnie.
5
To be fair and non-partisan, the Kennedy family represented a step down from the David Rockefeller/Averell Harriman standard. Not surprising. The Robber barrons who made the Rockefeller and Harriman fortunies were a bit farther in the past than the Irish bootlegger who made the Kennedy fortune. Noblesse Oblige needs to age in the barrel for three generations to reach maturity. Hence more inclination to putting family members in government and chasing billionaires after one is widowed. Not as crass as Donald. But lace-curtain-Irish crass.
1
Anybody who is surprised by this 'news' hasn't been paying attention the past few years. Since Citizens United, big money in politics has been taking over and Trump has embraced it wholeheartedly. Look at the people in his administration. According to the recent NYTimes report, 25 of them are worth more than $1 million. 7 are worth more than $100 million. The only ones who's financial situation is anywhere near your average American are Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo. That's TWO out of THIRTY-FIVE individuals profiled. The news that many of them got their wealth by selling off conservative values to the highest bidder should come as no surprise.
Welcome to the new swamp. It's time for true conservatives to recognize what has happened to their party, kick these profiteers out, and return to their true values.
Welcome to the new swamp. It's time for true conservatives to recognize what has happened to their party, kick these profiteers out, and return to their true values.
4
Seems that the elites of the libertarian crowd and reactionaries of the GOP are doing quite well, while their master puppet, Herr Trump, signs a bill to throw a few bones to coal miners even though, you know, coal ain't coming' back... The store is open and for the rich to get richer at the expense of the many-again!
3
As long as there has been government, there has never been a shortage of feeders at the public trough.
In ancient China people made sacrifices to get an education so they could work for the government and get rich. Certainly many government officials enriched themselves from the building of the Great Wall.
However, trump's entire campaign was based on how he was different, how he was self-financed, how he would drain the swamp, yada, yada ,yada.
So it is not hypocritical for trump to be criticized and held to a higher standard more so than others.
In ancient China people made sacrifices to get an education so they could work for the government and get rich. Certainly many government officials enriched themselves from the building of the Great Wall.
However, trump's entire campaign was based on how he was different, how he was self-financed, how he would drain the swamp, yada, yada ,yada.
So it is not hypocritical for trump to be criticized and held to a higher standard more so than others.
6
Glad to see the press shining sunlight on wealthy computer scientist and cat fancier Robert Mercer and his daughter Rebekah. After all, Charles and David Koch are certainly not the only oligarchs making Republican operative such a profitable endeavor.
8
An illegitimate election has made the once mighty United States a failed 3rd rate kleptocratic oligarchy.
It will take decades to recover from this abomination, if it is possible at all.
It will take decades to recover from this abomination, if it is possible at all.
9
I'm surprised this story hasn't made front page news until now. This is no surprise. Trump's agenda is that himself, his family and all his cronies make money...lots of it. All he has to do is look backward and see what Cheney did during Bush's 1st term for a grand example of insiders making big $$ while screaming "weapons of mass destruction" from every rooftop and media outlet.
Follow the money people- this IS the agenda of the new "administration".
Follow the money people- this IS the agenda of the new "administration".
12
Makes you wonder if a crowd this obsessed with money is really all that concerned about the welfare of coal miners.
10
Behold the 'Law & Order' president's influence.
6
Gosh, the conservative ultra-rich have 'found' allies in the Trump administration. The word 'found', of course, is inaccurate. These people have been bought. How convenient that dollars 'invested' in a short list of Trumpsters is many times more cost-effective and direct compared to buying dozens of Senators and hundreds of House members.
The era of anonymous big-money has totally eclipsed the era of democracy. This, more than any other single factor, is a scourge on the country that must be eliminated.
The era of anonymous big-money has totally eclipsed the era of democracy. This, more than any other single factor, is a scourge on the country that must be eliminated.
13
I guess there's no likelihood that Citizens United will ever be overturned. The US we all know and love is toast.
14
Citizens United and gerrymandering - the two biggest destroyers of our Democracy.
28
The International Top 1% Global Financial Elite / Radical Religion Mafia Good Old Boys' Party/Corporate Cabal has us, Good People of America.
Russia, fox so-called news, hate radio/social media - all owned by the same BIG global democracy-destroying thieves who want it all.
Get your money out of stock markets - they're going to crash them all and they will win - just like The Con Don bragged he won when the markets crashed in 2008 and half of Americans lost half their 401Ks and home value along with jobs and homes.
Boycott fox so-called news and hate radio/social media.
WE THE PEOPLE are the only ones who can stop them.
Russia, fox so-called news, hate radio/social media - all owned by the same BIG global democracy-destroying thieves who want it all.
Get your money out of stock markets - they're going to crash them all and they will win - just like The Con Don bragged he won when the markets crashed in 2008 and half of Americans lost half their 401Ks and home value along with jobs and homes.
Boycott fox so-called news and hate radio/social media.
WE THE PEOPLE are the only ones who can stop them.
5
There is one Party of the rich : it has two branches: Dems and Repubs.
Our founders were the richest folks in the land, Washington was numero uno. Twas ever thus .
And don't forget our famous motto: the business of America is business.
We need a new country built on the care and survival of the working class. We can get rid of inequality, have single payer health care and so on.
Our founders were the richest folks in the land, Washington was numero uno. Twas ever thus .
And don't forget our famous motto: the business of America is business.
We need a new country built on the care and survival of the working class. We can get rid of inequality, have single payer health care and so on.
8
This is a huge big joke on the 99% of the country that is struggling to make ends meet! When will we rise and meet them head on with real challenge and take our country back from the brink of madness!!
13
It seems crazy that the middle class and the poor donate to presidential candidates. But they surely do.
8
I'm old enough to remember when government service was a gift to this country. Now it's a grift on the country.
29
Drain the swamp? Trump has made it bigger. The whole country is in danger of sinking into it's depths, never to be seen again.
5
This lucrative political work, popularly known as "black money", may be the reason why the president, Mitch McConnell and the GOP are determined to go nuclear to get Neil Gorsuch confirmed to the Supreme Court bench. With that kind of cash rolling in and the Court looking the other way, this administration isn't going to drain the swamp, it's going to drain Fort Knox.
11
Sad but true. The Trump administration is NO DIFFERENT than any corrupted governments in the developing world. What is so shocking is the silence and acceptance of Congress, of the mainstream press and, above all, of the American people as if they had been living under dictatorship terror for too long that they were just happy to be alive.
3
Why is the silence and acceptance of Congress so shocking??
They're the ones who helped put him on office.
You think their loyalty to the country has anything to do with it?
Think again.
They're the ones who helped put him on office.
You think their loyalty to the country has anything to do with it?
Think again.
2
Trump has been the convenient diversion for them to move ahead briskly with the legislation that they have dreamed about implementing for decades.
I must really ask Americans though, "these circumstances don't happen overnight, what is about America that has changed so radically that would allow someone like Trump to even become a serious choice for President, let alone get elected"?
In my part of the world, when reporting on American politics, the title of the lead
in to the story has changed from the The United States of America to "The DIVIDED States of America".
I must really ask Americans though, "these circumstances don't happen overnight, what is about America that has changed so radically that would allow someone like Trump to even become a serious choice for President, let alone get elected"?
In my part of the world, when reporting on American politics, the title of the lead
in to the story has changed from the The United States of America to "The DIVIDED States of America".
Does one blundered Trump voter even care? Does one voter for a third-party candidate or a single person who stayed home rather than vote as an act of protest take responsibility for this mess? Does one complicit GOP member of Congress (including the Speaker and Senate Majority leader) show signs of trying to put the brakes on this train wreck of a President?
No, no and no. Deplorable! (Isn't it amazing how well that word fits with every situation concerning the White House these days?)
No, no and no. Deplorable! (Isn't it amazing how well that word fits with every situation concerning the White House these days?)
14
Why be president/senator/representative when you can buy one?
This pattern is found at the sate, county and local level as well as federal.
This pattern is found at the sate, county and local level as well as federal.
8
It seems to me that Washington is a huge Web of corruption that is slowly
destroying our Democratic process and the the power of the American
people. We went to war,with the supposition, that other countries are corrupt
and it is our responsibility to put their leaders in jail. First, we should have
started in our country long,long ago.
PAUL
destroying our Democratic process and the the power of the American
people. We went to war,with the supposition, that other countries are corrupt
and it is our responsibility to put their leaders in jail. First, we should have
started in our country long,long ago.
PAUL
9
If you want to find a silver-lining in this article, it would be that even anti-establishment guys are part of the crooked Washington. They are much less likely to implement Trump supporters' stupid demands.
1
The Mercers, "...describe their charity as having a political bent". Most people interrupt charity as giving aide to someone or some organization that works for the betterment of society. Un doing Obama's "mistakes" like passing the ACA, and instituting environmental regulations to reduce carbon emissions are examples of a political bent that helps society as a whole and not just the upper 1%.
6
...did you really mean "Interpret" rather than "interrupt?"
...did you really mean "undoing" when you wrote "un doing...?"
Your syntax speaks volumes.
...did you really mean "undoing" when you wrote "un doing...?"
Your syntax speaks volumes.
Corruption of an unfathomable scale. And no fear of being prosecuted.
7
The Trump administration's corruption is merely the effect, the cause resides at the Supreme Court in the person of Chief Justice Roberts et al. I wonder if this was his intent in shepherding through the Citizens United decision? Or perhaps as corporate lawyer in the service of wealth & privilege he simply couldn't imagine that the results would be as disastrous as they have been. The air of privilege & victimization swirls around wealthy conservatives like the Mercer's & is reflected in the views of their servants & sycophants. Feeling that their wealth (earned, stolen or inherited) entitles them to an unquestioned level of deference and respect they work to remake the land in their image. Democracy in all it's messiness is simply too chaotic for contemporary royalty so their well compensated servants will tame it into a serviceable form of plutocracy.
6
So much for "draining the swamp." I propose that a new game be developed, "Name that ethics violation." A photograph of one of the Trump cronies can be shown and the contestant would need to name the breach of ethics regulation the perp committed. Extra points could be assigned by being able to provide the number of the law violated. Such an exercise would encourage citizens to explore the nuances of federal law and become more engaged. Alas, I may be delusional that my fellow citizens would be so motivated as they don't seem to be the slightest bit fazed about any outrage the Chief Swamp Creature perpetuates....Russia ties immediately come to mind, failure to release tax returns, continued self-enrichment courtesy of the taxpaying public.
5
These are the new ethics, and we had better get used to them. In fact, they are the old ethics established by evolution. People follow leaders because they stand to gain materially. The laws against nepotism go against evolutionary psychology, so they don't last.
2
This administration, like most populist governments, is about one thing only: graft. While they mouth platitudes about jobs, choice and prosperity, they are busy stealing those jobs, choice and prosperity from the general public, and transferring them to wealthy, powerful insiders. How obvious does it have to become before the Republican base sees it? At least the Democrats still *try* to serve the public interest, and invest in public works and services.
I always thought that when the "Freedom Caucus" triggered government shutdowns, the FAA and NTSB should have been the first departments to be closed down. It might remind the right-wing anarcho-plutocrats what government does for them, and that their future libertarian paradise will come with the air safety record of an Indonesia or Afghanistan.
I always thought that when the "Freedom Caucus" triggered government shutdowns, the FAA and NTSB should have been the first departments to be closed down. It might remind the right-wing anarcho-plutocrats what government does for them, and that their future libertarian paradise will come with the air safety record of an Indonesia or Afghanistan.
6
The real problem is the Trump voter, although secretly perhaps they wanted this. Government assets being returned to the people. Hardy individuals grazing their cattle freely on the public range. We've barely scratched the surface here.
The depths should be truly breathtaking.
The depths should be truly breathtaking.
4
No need for an Ethics Committee. These folks have none what so ever.
12
Former Vice President Dick Cheney said Monday that Russia's attempts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election could be considered an "act of war" against the U.S.
Some Democratic lawmakers “charged” last week that Russia's election meddling amounted to an act of war, and others have accused Moscow of "attacking" the United States through its hacking.
"I actually think that their engagement was an act of war, an act of hybrid warfare, and I think that's why the American people should be concerned about it," Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) said at a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Russian election interference last Monday.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) also said back in December that Russia's actions amounted to an act of war.
Trump…and his cabinet…treasonous.
Some Democratic lawmakers “charged” last week that Russia's election meddling amounted to an act of war, and others have accused Moscow of "attacking" the United States through its hacking.
"I actually think that their engagement was an act of war, an act of hybrid warfare, and I think that's why the American people should be concerned about it," Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) said at a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Russian election interference last Monday.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) also said back in December that Russia's actions amounted to an act of war.
Trump…and his cabinet…treasonous.
13
Trump, Ryan, Nunes, Bannon…follow the money…The Kochs
David Koch’s Libertarian Platform 1980
TO BE ABOLISHED:
Department of Energy (DOE)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA)
Federal Communications Commissions (FCC)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Federal Reserve
Social Security
Welfare
Public Schools
Taxation
All branches of the military accept the Army
Does this sound at all familiar?
David Koch’s Libertarian Platform 1980
TO BE ABOLISHED:
Department of Energy (DOE)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA)
Federal Communications Commissions (FCC)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Federal Reserve
Social Security
Welfare
Public Schools
Taxation
All branches of the military accept the Army
Does this sound at all familiar?
16
Abolishing the Air Force and Navy, while retaining the Army is fascinating.
We would be equipped to fight Mexico and Canada, but not to defend against China or Russia.
The Founders favored a standing Navy but no standing Army.
I doubt that Donald has any idea what he wants for our defense . Just plenty of expensive acquisition contracts for military "stuff".
We would be equipped to fight Mexico and Canada, but not to defend against China or Russia.
The Founders favored a standing Navy but no standing Army.
I doubt that Donald has any idea what he wants for our defense . Just plenty of expensive acquisition contracts for military "stuff".
4
Yes. It sounds familiar....it also sounds like Steve Bannon.
All we have to do is add:
National Endowment for the Arts
National Endowment for the Humanities
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Have I left anything out??
All we have to do is add:
National Endowment for the Arts
National Endowment for the Humanities
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Have I left anything out??
1
The driving influence in our leaders lives.
Paul Ryan worships Ayn Rand (Atlas Shrugged): Rand’s thinking is “sorely needed right now” because we are “living in an Ayn Rand novel”, “the reason I got involved in public service,” that he makes it (Ayn Rand) “required reading in my office for all my interns and my staff,”
Ayn Rand:
“I ask them if they believe in God. And if they say they do-then, I know they don’t believe in life.”
Ayn Rand bristles against the notion of shared sacrifice and shared rewards. She argues that individuals are not their brothers’ and sisters’ keepers; that one must only do unto oneself; that personal happiness is paramount; and that one’s greatest good is what is good for oneself rather than for the greatest number of people. (Narcissism)
Steve Bannon (the alt-president) is a Strauss and Neil Howe (general theorists) worshiper: Strauss and Neil argued that American history operates in four-stage cycles that move from major crisis to awakening to major crisis. These crises are called “Fourth Turnings”. Bannon, in interviews, speeches and writing — and especially in his embrace of Strauss and Howe — he has made clear that he is, first and foremost, an apocalypticist. Bannon believes that war is inevitable.
Donald Trump is a Hitler worshiper (Mein Kampf & Hitler’s Speeches): Has said he “loves war” “we have nukes, why don’t we use them” and now wants to increase military spending along with increasing our nuclear stockpile and abilities.
Paul Ryan worships Ayn Rand (Atlas Shrugged): Rand’s thinking is “sorely needed right now” because we are “living in an Ayn Rand novel”, “the reason I got involved in public service,” that he makes it (Ayn Rand) “required reading in my office for all my interns and my staff,”
Ayn Rand:
“I ask them if they believe in God. And if they say they do-then, I know they don’t believe in life.”
Ayn Rand bristles against the notion of shared sacrifice and shared rewards. She argues that individuals are not their brothers’ and sisters’ keepers; that one must only do unto oneself; that personal happiness is paramount; and that one’s greatest good is what is good for oneself rather than for the greatest number of people. (Narcissism)
Steve Bannon (the alt-president) is a Strauss and Neil Howe (general theorists) worshiper: Strauss and Neil argued that American history operates in four-stage cycles that move from major crisis to awakening to major crisis. These crises are called “Fourth Turnings”. Bannon, in interviews, speeches and writing — and especially in his embrace of Strauss and Howe — he has made clear that he is, first and foremost, an apocalypticist. Bannon believes that war is inevitable.
Donald Trump is a Hitler worshiper (Mein Kampf & Hitler’s Speeches): Has said he “loves war” “we have nukes, why don’t we use them” and now wants to increase military spending along with increasing our nuclear stockpile and abilities.
1
How about posting the net worth of the Clinton and Obama government officials and show a comparison to trump officials print all side by side.
3
Please do not make excuses for this grossness! This is absolutely disgusting what they are doing!
4
How about you pay attention to current office holders and current political events, rather than people who are no longer public officials?
4
Neither Obama nor Clinton are President. However since you are curious https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2011/12/president-barack-obama-wealth/
4
If a person is working primarily on your campaign and they receive a generous "salary" or bonus from a third party, how is that not a donation to your campaign and a violation of the spirit of the campaign finance law ?
3
Money has always been the life-blood of politics and avarice a hard-wired genetic defect in our species.
The Citizens United decision was akin to providing addicts with a temporary (tenure in office) unlimited supply of high grade narcotics...No one should be surprised, therefore, if on a 'flush with cash high' they decide to share same with their friends and/or 'stash' a little on the side for themselves for a later date...
The Citizens United decision was akin to providing addicts with a temporary (tenure in office) unlimited supply of high grade narcotics...No one should be surprised, therefore, if on a 'flush with cash high' they decide to share same with their friends and/or 'stash' a little on the side for themselves for a later date...
1
Interesting article, but in the annals of greed fairly small potatoes. I suggest another avenue for tracing these folks income - how much of what they earned/received in the past 2-3 years, directly or indirectly, came from Russia or Eastern Europe? I have this suspicion that Manafort and Flynn were not alone....
3
Trading one "establishment" for another "establishment"
Trump ran against the"establishment, corporate elites, wealthy interest groups, and Wall Street".
If we consider these folks he ran against as Category A, how does category A (the villainous establishment in Trump's eyes) differ from group B (the pro Trump establishment also comprised of corporate elites, wealthy interest groups, and Wall Street)?
The Pro Trump Rich Establishment leans towards;
1. Holidays in Florida rather than Martha's Vineyard
2. Well-done Porterhouse steaks with ketchup rather than rare steaks
3. Powered Yachts rather than sailing yachts
4. Tickets to the Super bowl rather than tickets to the Metropolitan Opera
5. Huge houses built five years ago rather than huge houses build 90 years ago
6. Cheating at golf if you can get away with it rather than taking your lumps when you slice
7. Demonstrating your wealth by ostentation rather than by moderation
8. Boasting rather than demonstrating good manners
So what we have gained with Donald is the displacement of the familiar (and sometimes tiresome) old establishment by the less familiar (and almost always tiresome) nouveau establishment.
Not such a hot deal!
Trump ran against the"establishment, corporate elites, wealthy interest groups, and Wall Street".
If we consider these folks he ran against as Category A, how does category A (the villainous establishment in Trump's eyes) differ from group B (the pro Trump establishment also comprised of corporate elites, wealthy interest groups, and Wall Street)?
The Pro Trump Rich Establishment leans towards;
1. Holidays in Florida rather than Martha's Vineyard
2. Well-done Porterhouse steaks with ketchup rather than rare steaks
3. Powered Yachts rather than sailing yachts
4. Tickets to the Super bowl rather than tickets to the Metropolitan Opera
5. Huge houses built five years ago rather than huge houses build 90 years ago
6. Cheating at golf if you can get away with it rather than taking your lumps when you slice
7. Demonstrating your wealth by ostentation rather than by moderation
8. Boasting rather than demonstrating good manners
So what we have gained with Donald is the displacement of the familiar (and sometimes tiresome) old establishment by the less familiar (and almost always tiresome) nouveau establishment.
Not such a hot deal!
7
Never have so many been led by so many who are so incompetent.
9
Where among the various definitions of silly means foolish, I definitely agree with the observation made about the Trumpian hirelings for this partisan-nondefined-trying-to-look-like-conservatives-but-failing-miserably, but artificially hooded but not-really-liberal-at-all current, but illegitimate, American presidential administration. Sorry for the overly hyphenated expression but I wanted to make a point, or several points regardless how it is taken. However, I have to disagree that it is comical, though! Since in this context, it is rather morbid. It is completely inconsonant and lacking any humorous harmony even in the least. The gravity of the current national well-being is as disturbing to us citizens as it has ever been.
So, not being funny, it means that as a sovereign country, a democracy of the people and by the people, we are in severe danger and are losing that state of being, of existing, our existence. To not lose that condition of freedom, liberty, independence, we have our own responsibility to do, to act, to undertake the reparation of what has been ravaged and wrecked by these self-serving usurpers of our nation and by whatever reasonable and justifiable means we have at our disposal. We must rid our government of this biased blight by getting rid of these plotters and schemers to destroy our democratic, our autonomous, government.
So, not being funny, it means that as a sovereign country, a democracy of the people and by the people, we are in severe danger and are losing that state of being, of existing, our existence. To not lose that condition of freedom, liberty, independence, we have our own responsibility to do, to act, to undertake the reparation of what has been ravaged and wrecked by these self-serving usurpers of our nation and by whatever reasonable and justifiable means we have at our disposal. We must rid our government of this biased blight by getting rid of these plotters and schemers to destroy our democratic, our autonomous, government.
3
H'mmm, the Obama's just bought property in one of the swankest neighborhoods in D.C., (on top of the mansion that their 'friend' helped them by in Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago) they jetting around the world to exotic, ultra-expensive locations.
Now, where did all that money come from, one wonders?
H'mmm, very interesting. The Clintons are said to be worth close to a Billion dollars.
H'mmm
Now, where did all that money come from, one wonders?
H'mmm, very interesting. The Clintons are said to be worth close to a Billion dollars.
H'mmm
2
Your contrived premise that the Obamas and Clintons are corrupt billionaires does what exactly? Proves that it is OK that Trump is a corrupt billionaire?
9
It points out the emptiness and hypocritical braying of partisans who remained silent when their boys were up at bat.
This is what Trump elected.
This is what Trump elected.
Trump is the reincarnated serpent that deceived Eve.
8
Dear Trump Supporters,
You thought he would train the swamp? You were conned. Could you please face the truth and stop voting Republican? Our Democracy is at stake. Could you please act like a sentient adult?
Thanks,
The Rest of Us Who Have to Live Here Too
You thought he would train the swamp? You were conned. Could you please face the truth and stop voting Republican? Our Democracy is at stake. Could you please act like a sentient adult?
Thanks,
The Rest of Us Who Have to Live Here Too
34
A tetchy Trump has a clique of staff, who have been, undeniably, wallowing in wealth, and who are his policy makers, working for the destitute and the downtrodden, shall we say and add? It appears that Trump, in his heterodox way, is engineering a dynasty. Of sorts. Will Ivanka's and Jared Kushner's payless jobs catalyze the burgeoning of Trump assets, by exposures to foreign dignatories? Conceivably.
The authors of the present column have gone. laboriously, to great lengths, to paint a numerical picture of the wealths of Trump's retinue, in a methodical fashion. It appears appalling! At the same time, one cannot help becoming incredulous about their claims of working towards the prosperity of the less advantaged and less privileged.
However, in a recent survey a focus group of core Trump supporters still gave him an ''A'' grade in his performance, so far. Very intriguing. His cockalorum will be maintained unabated. Sean Spicer, for his turn, will be quite successful at delivering stiff doses of donnybrooks, during the press briefings.
The authors of the present column have gone. laboriously, to great lengths, to paint a numerical picture of the wealths of Trump's retinue, in a methodical fashion. It appears appalling! At the same time, one cannot help becoming incredulous about their claims of working towards the prosperity of the less advantaged and less privileged.
However, in a recent survey a focus group of core Trump supporters still gave him an ''A'' grade in his performance, so far. Very intriguing. His cockalorum will be maintained unabated. Sean Spicer, for his turn, will be quite successful at delivering stiff doses of donnybrooks, during the press briefings.
5
This swamp started to flow from the Supreme Court when it ruled, spending is a from of protected speech. Now all the swamp dwellers are in the high ground of the White House as the swamp floods the nation.
13
I thought it was completely against tradition and rule of this government that you couldn't do all this...where's the oversight? Who's in charge? Oh yes, Republicans.
16
The authors insightfully describe..."how an explosion in spending has expanded the lucrative array of PRIVATE political work in Washington"......( of course lets not forget Russian, Chinese and other international COVERT POLITICAL efforts).....all benefits for the INNER 1% establishment elite.........The authors also accurately discern and how this, Trumpean inspired, process is......"enriching even OUTER establishment activists and operatives who sided with Trump" .
Can there be any doubt that the political process is swiftly deteriorating to a destructive system of INSTITUTIONALIZED OPPORTUNISTIC CORRUPTION under the corporocratic paradigm dream of the Trump administration ???
Can there be any doubt that the political process is swiftly deteriorating to a destructive system of INSTITUTIONALIZED OPPORTUNISTIC CORRUPTION under the corporocratic paradigm dream of the Trump administration ???
tsk tsk. such cynicism.
it used to be what was good for GM was good for america.
it's a small step to what's good for trump, his family and all the acolytes/lobbyists is good for america.
americans love to talk about the exceptionalism they believe exists and makes the usa the greatest everything in the history of the universe.
i'll give them this one.....the amount of money thrown around for power and access to it is exceptional.
and corrosive.
it used to be what was good for GM was good for america.
it's a small step to what's good for trump, his family and all the acolytes/lobbyists is good for america.
americans love to talk about the exceptionalism they believe exists and makes the usa the greatest everything in the history of the universe.
i'll give them this one.....the amount of money thrown around for power and access to it is exceptional.
and corrosive.
13
It's no wonder that Trump wants to cut taxes on the rich. All his friends and co-workers are rich. He even wanted to kick Americans off health insurance just so he could enrich his rich friends even more. Truly shameful. Sick.
24
It's all so gross..not only the money, but the ineptness of everything! I awake every morning hoping it's just a nightmare and praying if it's not that he doesn't trigger a nuclear war!
15
Some say "... knowledge is power." Knowing now that this level of greed among the thieves of D.C. is just a minor part of the great swindle currently deepening the muck of the same ole same "swamp" that represents me, I am embarrassed to be an 'American.' I am comforted to know, however, that the ones who die having the most money -- win.
A pox on them all!
I am further saddened by the fact that the example of 'what is important,' being set by these turkeys, will be the marker of success that easily impressed young citizens will perpetuate.
A pox on them all!
I am further saddened by the fact that the example of 'what is important,' being set by these turkeys, will be the marker of success that easily impressed young citizens will perpetuate.
4
“Trump’s aides staff mixed politics and paydays, filings show and disclosures reveal surge in lucrative political work, while his basket of deplorables, and lesser intellectual station, are being left hanging high and dry for they don’t even get a single job of the tens of thousands the schizoid promised them.
He is a disaster and a phony clown!
He is a disaster and a phony clown!
5
This is all due to the Supreme Court's Citizen United decision. Please do not ever utter the words to me that the chief justice is smart. This and the decision on the Voting Rights act makes him an idiot savant. Knows law technicality, but is a complete idiot when it comes to understating human nature.
9
Enrichment and conflict of interest is one thing.
The other more troubling aspect is how many of these firms can take advantage of the recent ruling that allows internet service providers to sell browsing histories of its users.
It does not take a very imaginative mind to see how a combination of data mining and super-PAC money can create a very troubling landscape this data can be aggregated for sale for both political and commercial purposes.
Scanning of social media by hiring organizations is getting common place. How about scanning of browsing history from personal non-work computers? Where a liberal comment to the NYT can be grounds for rescinding a job offer?
Troubling times indeed.
The other more troubling aspect is how many of these firms can take advantage of the recent ruling that allows internet service providers to sell browsing histories of its users.
It does not take a very imaginative mind to see how a combination of data mining and super-PAC money can create a very troubling landscape this data can be aggregated for sale for both political and commercial purposes.
Scanning of social media by hiring organizations is getting common place. How about scanning of browsing history from personal non-work computers? Where a liberal comment to the NYT can be grounds for rescinding a job offer?
Troubling times indeed.
12
Our whole system has degenerated into opportunity and welfare for the rich, the powerful and the corrupt.
How do the low income Trump supporters feel about this? Is it okay with them?
How do the low income Trump supporters feel about this? Is it okay with them?
17
Observer,
They have no idea.
They have no idea.
2
Well as long as planned parenthood is gutted and LGBT rights are demolished America will be saved. I guess nobody cares that their ship is sinking as long as someone else is getting thrown to the sharks first.
4
"Anti-establishment" just means "not yet establishment." All politicians and "activists" who claim to be anti-establishment become establishment the moment they get in power. Even the Bolsheviks started enjoying caviar and retreats at dachas on the Black Sea once they were in power. Although, in Trump's case, I never saw how a gang of millionaires and billionaires could be "anti-establishment."
12
The article does not address if these people have violated any laws. Everyone is entitled to make money before taking the job at White House.
I am missing the point in this article.
I am missing the point in this article.
6
How is this different from Hillary campaign ?
4
Hillary has revealed her taxes going back 30+ years, it is the Trump operation that traditionally hides its finances in the shadows and out of public scrutiny.
5
Well one was a campaign, and the other is the current POTUS. Minor detail but sort of important.
5
Citizens United is the culprit. Trump's cronies just rose to the bait made available by alt right, corporate funded groups. The same bait is available on the left. The result seems to be further polarization, not a push to the center.
5
Trump did not exactly hide the fact he was going to make money off the Presidency. Trump basically told everyone he was not going to follow rules and customs of the high office, and apologists kept saying, "he'll do it the normal way once he gets in office." Then Trump refused to divest himself from his business except to let pass control his sons. Can't really Trump fooled us. He told us he was going to use the White House to turn a buck and many Americans applauded.
4
When Trump promised to drain the swamp, the "swamp" in question was the filthy lucre of special interest money in which Washington is awash. And the "drain" led to the bank accounts of Trump and associates.
5
Good job, America, you were so hopping mad about corporate interests influencing your President with lobbyists, you decided to cut out the middle man and fill the high office and his cabinet with people who embody corporate interest.
12
No surprises here. In fact, I would have thought that these people would have earned more from this sordid affair. I guess the big pay-off is after the term is over.
5
Make no mistake, if you voted for Trump you were conned. Trump, his family and advisors have one and only one goal in mind. To use their current positions to advance their personal business interests.
You are about to witness this first hand when he releases his tax reform proposal. You'll see the vast majority of the benefits accruing to not just the top 1% but the top .0001%, meaning those who are making $25M or more per year. For everyone else and especially the middle class, you can expect a tiny benefit to placate and make you feel like you got something.
For those who voted for Trump, you've turned the country over to the largest group of self-interested billionaires ever, so don't be surprised that the policies that you'll see benefit this group.
You are about to witness this first hand when he releases his tax reform proposal. You'll see the vast majority of the benefits accruing to not just the top 1% but the top .0001%, meaning those who are making $25M or more per year. For everyone else and especially the middle class, you can expect a tiny benefit to placate and make you feel like you got something.
For those who voted for Trump, you've turned the country over to the largest group of self-interested billionaires ever, so don't be surprised that the policies that you'll see benefit this group.
30
They were conned? There must be a better word. Why is it that WE all (well most readers of the NYTs) saw through the ludicrous campaign? I still remember Diane Feinstein screaming something about Russia back around Sept. 2016. It's not an easy image to forget. Putin/Wiki - seemed right up their alley.
We knew about Wiki. I remember Guiliani's smug-ill-looking face saying there's more to come (again, maybe back in Sept./Aug.).
We're from all walks of life on the NYTs. But the core dtfans don't care about so many issues (including Russia) that logically worries many of us. As I knew my skills were rapidly becoming obsolete some through automation and many through cheap foreign H1Bs etc. in my white-collar job (and I tried to keep ahead of the axe). But I knew my livelihood was about to change and took the action I could years in advance. Why didn't the coal miners understand the canary died and coal is toxic? They were going to be obsolete if they didn't start considering their future.
I just don't understand how anyone can support this regime. If this is the case, vote democrat and we'll march together to get the change America deserves and it won't be Russian. I've been disgruntled with our system for decades but I'd never vote for a regime that models itself on killing opposition and killing the media while the regime steals money to enrich themselves at the cost of the world's life. Look at the rich cabinet and the fact they're being dismantled.
We knew about Wiki. I remember Guiliani's smug-ill-looking face saying there's more to come (again, maybe back in Sept./Aug.).
We're from all walks of life on the NYTs. But the core dtfans don't care about so many issues (including Russia) that logically worries many of us. As I knew my skills were rapidly becoming obsolete some through automation and many through cheap foreign H1Bs etc. in my white-collar job (and I tried to keep ahead of the axe). But I knew my livelihood was about to change and took the action I could years in advance. Why didn't the coal miners understand the canary died and coal is toxic? They were going to be obsolete if they didn't start considering their future.
I just don't understand how anyone can support this regime. If this is the case, vote democrat and we'll march together to get the change America deserves and it won't be Russian. I've been disgruntled with our system for decades but I'd never vote for a regime that models itself on killing opposition and killing the media while the regime steals money to enrich themselves at the cost of the world's life. Look at the rich cabinet and the fact they're being dismantled.
1
DT voters, sadly, are not very educated, not very curious, not very deep. They were attracted to whatever swagger was not black and not female because they blame their circumstances on blacks and females who succeed. They don't have to take responsibility to move where the jobs are or re-educate themselves. Donald said he would "fix" it all and they want to believe.
2
Wait, you are saying that Clinton is not the only one owned by big money? Shocking
12
What is being said is that the working class people in Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Pennsylvania and so on were told that it was about them, and it was not. It was about getting wealthy once in power. They were duped. The actions of Trump and his team have so far have validated that. What they have done so far is typical of a GOP who works only for the wealthy.
They drained the swamp directly into the West Wing of the White House. Well done, middle America.
30
Trump, who slammed Super PACs in 2015 as a "totally phony deal", has decided they're OK as long as his cabal benefits from them.
The future of the United States rests on the efforts of a select few in Congress and America's courts who, with help from a committed intelligence and enforcement community, will prove capable of 1) throwing Trump and Bannon in prison, and 2) reversing Citizens United.
The future of the United States rests on the efforts of a select few in Congress and America's courts who, with help from a committed intelligence and enforcement community, will prove capable of 1) throwing Trump and Bannon in prison, and 2) reversing Citizens United.
22
It's interesting that the only retort by Trump supporters is calling out Hilary or Barack. Hint: two wrongs don't make a right and frankly, the present crew is beyond the pale. A murder of crows, a pack of thieves and everything else that can ruin all of us have taken over our government.
16
Business is business. The name of the game is to tell them what they want to hear just to get in the door, even for Judge Gorsuch, then once in the candy store, you are free to take what you want. Ever notice that each cabinet member has his or her own agenda and each one has serious business ties? . What Trump promised was access for loyalty. It's called the Art of the Deal.
12
It's called the "art of corruption".
I'll summarize article...no politician is in office for the pay.
7
If you define "pay" as a w-2, maybe not. But there are perks, like medical and pension. And most of all, being treated with respect, like someone with power. So many in Congress are second-rate minds who, in the real world, would be selling cars or life insurance. The best and the brightest work in law firms, in finance, in creative endeavors.
Originally, going to Washington was a duty, an obligation, time out from one's farm and family. Now, it's a sweet gig that people will do anything to hold onto.
Originally, going to Washington was a duty, an obligation, time out from one's farm and family. Now, it's a sweet gig that people will do anything to hold onto.
2
When is this "Drain the swamp" thing supposed to happen? Is that something he's reserving for his second term, or is it supposed to start sometime after that? Or could it be that Mr. Darling Trump said something during the campaign that he didn't really mean?
And wasn't it horribly wrong when that nasty old Hillary took money for her nonprofit foundation from those who wanted access to her? I guess if Trump's people do it for personal profit, that somehow makes it more noble. Hillary's foundation gave away to good causes 88% of what it took in, 0% to Hillary; let's see if any of Trump's staff come anywhere near that.
And wasn't there something about not letting elected representatives lobby for a period after their terms are over, to avoid undue influence? So, it's OK to be bought and paid for on the way in, just not on the way out?
Mr. Trump seems to have set new lows in the competence and experience of his staff and appointees, and new highs in their level of special influence they come with. And the mega-donors are getting smarter since Citizens United; why pay lobbyists and try for influence the old fashioned way, when you can just own the staff?
I'm starting to regret all 3 of my votes for Mr. Trump.
And wasn't it horribly wrong when that nasty old Hillary took money for her nonprofit foundation from those who wanted access to her? I guess if Trump's people do it for personal profit, that somehow makes it more noble. Hillary's foundation gave away to good causes 88% of what it took in, 0% to Hillary; let's see if any of Trump's staff come anywhere near that.
And wasn't there something about not letting elected representatives lobby for a period after their terms are over, to avoid undue influence? So, it's OK to be bought and paid for on the way in, just not on the way out?
Mr. Trump seems to have set new lows in the competence and experience of his staff and appointees, and new highs in their level of special influence they come with. And the mega-donors are getting smarter since Citizens United; why pay lobbyists and try for influence the old fashioned way, when you can just own the staff?
I'm starting to regret all 3 of my votes for Mr. Trump.
20
Because I no longer work, I have time to deal with the intricacies of this regime by reading what I can and watching what I can from safe sources. When dt ran, he was the worst joke imaginable. There was no choice but not to vote for the buffoon and I liked his opponent.
"It" was obviously insecure and a money-grubbing wannabe. So, it surrounds itself with loyalists who are actually oligarchs in the making. It was obvious and it was also obvious we are under an attempted coup.
This is why it's imperative the Senate and FBI get cracking, so we can start pulling out the swamp creatures before we've been taken over.
Don't get distracted. Our focus will always remain on the swamp connections to Russia and not this gobbledegook manipulate the media to take us off the scent garbage.
"It" was obviously insecure and a money-grubbing wannabe. So, it surrounds itself with loyalists who are actually oligarchs in the making. It was obvious and it was also obvious we are under an attempted coup.
This is why it's imperative the Senate and FBI get cracking, so we can start pulling out the swamp creatures before we've been taken over.
Don't get distracted. Our focus will always remain on the swamp connections to Russia and not this gobbledegook manipulate the media to take us off the scent garbage.
28
I'm sick of these people.
And no, Jason Chaffetz, I do think the president and his aides should be investigated and stopped from getting rich off of our government.
Do your job you feckless-Benghazi-lock-her-up-Republicans and stop allowing the Trump people to corrupt our country.
And no, Jason Chaffetz, I do think the president and his aides should be investigated and stopped from getting rich off of our government.
Do your job you feckless-Benghazi-lock-her-up-Republicans and stop allowing the Trump people to corrupt our country.
50
I think the notion that Washington wasn't thoroughly corrupt for 20-plus years is woefully misguided, or more likely, an intentional misstatement.
1
And while you're at it, Jason Chaffetz should be investigated.
1
It appears that we are going to have to come up with a new term to describe the government. Oligarchy seems too old fashioned. Kleptocracy seems closer and kakistocracy is what Trump has accomplished with his unqualified picks for most of his cabinet. And then we have the Apprentice-like board with Ivanka and Jared (although to be fair, Ivanka didn't show up until Season 3 to spice it up and Jared wasn't ever ready for Prime Time for the TV show).
Whatever we call it, it's a corrupt way of governing. For Trump and his supporters who argued that they wanted a business-like approach to government, this isn't it. Not one successful business would be run this way, unless the goal of the business was to declare bankruptcy. Oh yeah, that's the Trump expertise we have been waiting to see. Welcome to Trumptocracy!
Whatever we call it, it's a corrupt way of governing. For Trump and his supporters who argued that they wanted a business-like approach to government, this isn't it. Not one successful business would be run this way, unless the goal of the business was to declare bankruptcy. Oh yeah, that's the Trump expertise we have been waiting to see. Welcome to Trumptocracy!
17
Just brilliant!! Thank you for your comment!
Judging by the Times coverage, no one associated with previous administration (especially Democrats) have ever profited financially.
Shock! Horror! Unprecedented!
...but I'm old enough to remember the greedy Friends of Bill in the 1990s. Or how about Chelsea's sweetheart job at NBC.
And isn't it interesting that the money spigot pouring into the Clinton Foundation suddenly turned off when she lost the election?
Or how about Obama's aides who are raking it in today? I suspect they are making well north of the minimum-wage. Wouldn't that be an interesting story?
Shock! Horror! Unprecedented!
...but I'm old enough to remember the greedy Friends of Bill in the 1990s. Or how about Chelsea's sweetheart job at NBC.
And isn't it interesting that the money spigot pouring into the Clinton Foundation suddenly turned off when she lost the election?
Or how about Obama's aides who are raking it in today? I suspect they are making well north of the minimum-wage. Wouldn't that be an interesting story?
1
Old news Fly-over. Why would that be more interesting than the current situation? Does that make it okay for you? Should we just be resigned to corruption in all perpetuity?
3
Distraction and totally irrelevant.
This article is about the corruption in Trump's administration, and no, the point is that there has not been anything like this before. In the past, presidents have divested their business interests. People were approved for his Cabinet despite previous ethics violations, and ethics investigations have been ignored. Trump himself has had to settle multiple lawsuits such as the racism in housing and Trump U fraud (meaning he is guilty).
Please actually read the articles on this.
This article is about the corruption in Trump's administration, and no, the point is that there has not been anything like this before. In the past, presidents have divested their business interests. People were approved for his Cabinet despite previous ethics violations, and ethics investigations have been ignored. Trump himself has had to settle multiple lawsuits such as the racism in housing and Trump U fraud (meaning he is guilty).
Please actually read the articles on this.
7
Just skipped that whole paragraph discussing exactly what some previous Admin got, I guess.
By the way, what makes this okay by you?
By the way, what makes this okay by you?
3
I'm very, very hungry. How can I weeddle my way into that gravy train? I'll do anything. ANYTHING. I learned how to toadie on YouTube.
3
These folks have made a bundle on the Ideology-Economy. Just like the so-called Platform Economy; intangibles pay quite well.
4
In other words, the swamp. Payola. Political graft, albeit possibly legal in our current bizarrely permissive laws on corruption.
Far too much of the right are not even politicians in any old-fashioned meaning of the word. The right is overwhelmed by hucksterism and gifting. Sarah Palin is a prime example, but the phenomenon is ubiquitous. We've got politicians and "personalities" pushing gold scams, high-blood-pressure cures ... on and on it goes.
And of course all the efforts to get money (and likely launder it) from the Russian oligarchs. Kushner (and through him Trump?), Manafort, Flynn, Wilbur Ross.
And then of course there's all the sexual assaults, the groping, the harassment, the racism ... and all the payoffs.
How many of these people will go to jail?
Far too much of the right are not even politicians in any old-fashioned meaning of the word. The right is overwhelmed by hucksterism and gifting. Sarah Palin is a prime example, but the phenomenon is ubiquitous. We've got politicians and "personalities" pushing gold scams, high-blood-pressure cures ... on and on it goes.
And of course all the efforts to get money (and likely launder it) from the Russian oligarchs. Kushner (and through him Trump?), Manafort, Flynn, Wilbur Ross.
And then of course there's all the sexual assaults, the groping, the harassment, the racism ... and all the payoffs.
How many of these people will go to jail?
16
Money, more so than ever, is power, un-elected power.
If there is not a ballot box revolution in 2018 and 2020, then the USA will deserve what it will get, billionaire gangster control of the government, just like trump's beloved Russia.
If there is not a ballot box revolution in 2018 and 2020, then the USA will deserve what it will get, billionaire gangster control of the government, just like trump's beloved Russia.
41
maybe more could have been brave and 'taken a risk' electing bernie. you could he was candidate of destiny; too many disgruntled 'low energy' very depressed people electing a top 1% billionaire instead....now we are all reaping what uneduc. depressed bitter minority 'chose' as hillary spllit progressive vote. and a lot still didnt bother voting depending on others. maybe learn something??? it is still poss that we can save democracy but have to actually support progress. obama turned around total catastrophe of dubya. never got the respect he deserved due to bitter RW....who is such a masochist now after trump does MUCH worse. how much resilience is left?
2
Divide and conquer is a tried and true strategy. The top 0.1% (mostly white people) has convinces poor white people that they have more in common with them than with those foreigners, American born or not. We all fight for the crumbs debating whether to cuts to Appalachia is worse than cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts. Simply galling.
16
Drain the swamp? Hahahahahah!! Just toooo funny, Trump. You're a hoot! And the Supreme Court and Citizens' United? Good going! Just what America needed.
The .01% bow to your Majesty and give you thanks.
The .01% bow to your Majesty and give you thanks.
14
The reporters on this story mentioned in passing, one of the true cesspools of political spending created by Citizens United: enabling "social welfare" organizations to use their non-profit status to lobby and proselytize for legislations and regulations that they favor or oppose. To wit, this sentence from the article:
"Judicial Crisis Network, a nonprofit group that has spent millions of dollars, raised from wealthy donors, in an effort to reshape the federal court system."
One must assume that this "judicial" network is a 501(c)4 non-profit entity that is raising and spending millions, tax free, on their causes. In the case of Judicial Watch, its cause to change the federal court system to favor conservative jurists.
The only restraint, which is no restraint at all, is that such entities are not allowed to undetake political action as their "primary" activity. Donations to 501(c)4s are allowed to be anonymous. (It is precisely this kind of non-profit entity the IRS was investigating that led to the Republican jihad against the agency).
Congress will never overturn this legal monstrosity because members benefit from its secret largesse. And in Neal Gorsuch, the GOP has found a Supreme Court justice who, in his past rulings, has favored Citizens United as protected speech. No wonder millions have been spent to insure his appointment.
The cesspool metaphor is apt: legal corruption swirling and swirling inside the Beltway.
"Judicial Crisis Network, a nonprofit group that has spent millions of dollars, raised from wealthy donors, in an effort to reshape the federal court system."
One must assume that this "judicial" network is a 501(c)4 non-profit entity that is raising and spending millions, tax free, on their causes. In the case of Judicial Watch, its cause to change the federal court system to favor conservative jurists.
The only restraint, which is no restraint at all, is that such entities are not allowed to undetake political action as their "primary" activity. Donations to 501(c)4s are allowed to be anonymous. (It is precisely this kind of non-profit entity the IRS was investigating that led to the Republican jihad against the agency).
Congress will never overturn this legal monstrosity because members benefit from its secret largesse. And in Neal Gorsuch, the GOP has found a Supreme Court justice who, in his past rulings, has favored Citizens United as protected speech. No wonder millions have been spent to insure his appointment.
The cesspool metaphor is apt: legal corruption swirling and swirling inside the Beltway.
18
If the left can tolerate and even applause the Clintons for funneling money into theBill was taking in the money as Hillary was Secratary of State. How would the left feel if Melania went about getting a half million a speech and it went into the Trump foundation.
The left would say that all that money going into the Clinton Foundation was because it is such a fine caring foundation. No quid pro quo there. Well how much money is going into the Clinton Foundation now?
The left would say that all that money going into the Clinton Foundation was because it is such a fine caring foundation. No quid pro quo there. Well how much money is going into the Clinton Foundation now?
2
Diversionary hypothetical.
Didn't the Trump Foundation apply for termination? And wasn't the application rejected because it was under investigation?
Now if Melania got $500k for a speech and donated it to a real charity, like the Clinton Foundation, that would be interesting.
Didn't the Trump Foundation apply for termination? And wasn't the application rejected because it was under investigation?
Now if Melania got $500k for a speech and donated it to a real charity, like the Clinton Foundation, that would be interesting.
5
It would depend on whether the Trump Foundation donated its proceeds to real charities and didn't funnel it back to the Trumps. And what would Melanie have to say?
That the Clinton Foundation is not just reputable but charitable is a given.
That the Clinton Foundation is not just reputable but charitable is a given.
2
And this is your response to the article?
3
Morning shows the day. In 75 days of this new administration we have seen so much corruption and greed that the Mafia bosses look innocent children. Trump has been known as tricky master manipulator tax cheating greedy businessman. His son in law Jared Kushner came from another corrupt criminal family in New Jersey (Jared's father was jailed by Chris Christie). White House staff's total worth is 12 billion dollars. These administration guys are using our White House as cash cow to make mountain of money. They are shameless.
15
One of my father's favorite mottos was, "Coming events cast their shadow before."
1
Guess we have some new denizens of an expanding swamp.
And what was the mission???
To quote the immortal Pogo "We have met the enemy and they are us".
And what was the mission???
To quote the immortal Pogo "We have met the enemy and they are us".
6
So much for draining the swamp. The Trump Administration is now officially the Everglades-on-the-Potomac!
Thanks, Citizens United!
Thanks, Citizens United!
15
Well said, John!
This can all be summarized with one word...Corrupt.
6
"It's called PAY. FOR. PLAY."
Thank you, Donald. I would not be able to spot it so easily had you not harped on about it every day of the campaign along with the pure evil and hypocrisy it entails.
The worst part is that this was one of the largest cudgels the Trump campaign unduly wielded to slander Clinton into oblivion. It was painful at the time because we all knew Donald would do what HRC did but many times over and with a far greater degree of audacity. Here we are, folks.
Thank you, Donald. I would not be able to spot it so easily had you not harped on about it every day of the campaign along with the pure evil and hypocrisy it entails.
The worst part is that this was one of the largest cudgels the Trump campaign unduly wielded to slander Clinton into oblivion. It was painful at the time because we all knew Donald would do what HRC did but many times over and with a far greater degree of audacity. Here we are, folks.
7
I wonder if Obama's economic sanctions had any effect on Russian money laundered into Trump or anti-Hillary Super PACs? Isn't that the reason and purpose for all the dark money in politics? Cronies United for Fraudulent Speech.
Americans for Prosperity of the Kochs, pursued their own happiness by funding the GOP's repeal of health coverage from 24 million Americans, denying them any prosperity at all. The 0.01% Club for Growth is just that - wealth growth for the elite 0.01% club.
Not to be forgotten are the fees earned by Manafort and Flynn at the Americans for Russian Prosperity and Putin's Comrades for Growth.
"a data mining firm" and "psychpgraphic" profiles - no wonder the immediate rollback of Internet privacy! Government Intelligence Agencies are being replaced by Private sector Intelligence Companies with the full rights and privileges to spy on Americans - for profit, control and "lists of names".
Conway consulting? Specializing in what, ... lies, deception and alternative facts? Who knew outright lying would be so profitable - unless she is lying?
One can only hope that these people's association with the Trump family and brand, will tar and feather them for life, but there are the few, the proud, the extremely wealthy who will still pay handsomely for their services for the detriment of the country and its citizens. They are counting on Washington being a high growth business for them - as usual.
The take over of the People's government is now complete.
Americans for Prosperity of the Kochs, pursued their own happiness by funding the GOP's repeal of health coverage from 24 million Americans, denying them any prosperity at all. The 0.01% Club for Growth is just that - wealth growth for the elite 0.01% club.
Not to be forgotten are the fees earned by Manafort and Flynn at the Americans for Russian Prosperity and Putin's Comrades for Growth.
"a data mining firm" and "psychpgraphic" profiles - no wonder the immediate rollback of Internet privacy! Government Intelligence Agencies are being replaced by Private sector Intelligence Companies with the full rights and privileges to spy on Americans - for profit, control and "lists of names".
Conway consulting? Specializing in what, ... lies, deception and alternative facts? Who knew outright lying would be so profitable - unless she is lying?
One can only hope that these people's association with the Trump family and brand, will tar and feather them for life, but there are the few, the proud, the extremely wealthy who will still pay handsomely for their services for the detriment of the country and its citizens. They are counting on Washington being a high growth business for them - as usual.
The take over of the People's government is now complete.
2
Capitalists do tend to protect their wealth and position at all costs...forgetting democracy, humanity, survival of the race of mankind and nature...as well as hoy lunches for young children. Most of Trumps acolytes profess Christianity, somehow forgetting the teachings of their Christ as relates to children and orphans of all ages. Nothing political about the greedy folk; it's all about great wealth, I think.
1
So much for draining the swamp. I did not realize that it actually meant fill up the bank accounts.
133
To all the coal miners and pipeline workers and other unemployed: start to think of ways to start a business or ban together and create and innovate. Your leader is a con artist so don't wait for him to help you. You have made a terrible mistake. Time to get up and try to learn something new and go forward. Let's get rid of this murder of crows. I feel covered in dirt just reading about them.
16
Citizens United has brought us control of the political process by a wealthy oligarchy and the people they choose to enrich.
7
Confidence men pray on trust, desire & impressionability and that's exactly what POTUS 45 does. His $25 million out of court settlement is proof. Would be nice if journalist released court documents on that case.
7
Be honest America...The U.S.A. in the 21st Century is an oligarchy, except when it's a banana republic, and except when it's a laughably fake "Christian" nation.
19
You know, there are no hard and fast "rules" on how a nation can be destroyed, but you can recognize that it IS being destroyed when it stops going "forward" and instead goes "sideways" or "backwards".
Thanks for nothing, Supreme Court.
This baby is yours.
Thanks for nothing, Supreme Court.
This baby is yours.
24
Both the Trumps and Clintons are business people with money to be made. But there is a difference. Trump looks at it as payment for protection while Clinton looks at it as fee for service. One is extortion and the other is you get what you pay for.
1
There's plenty of money to be made in endangering the survival of your country.
9
What this is is the endgame of a right wing revolution to dismantle our democracy and take over our government. A active war going on for a long time right under our noses, but being fought with the weapons of money and mendacity instead of guns and bullets so we don't see the blood in the streets splashed across our TVs on the nightly news.
But it is a real war nevertheless. The Republicans' underhanded unprecedented refusal to vote on Garland, Obama's nomination for the Supreme Court, was tantamount to the Nazis burning down the Reichstag in its assault on our nation.
Now with their undoubtable unscrupulous changing of the Senate rules to seat Gorsuch on the court the revolution will be won.
Then we will see the blood—the life blood of our democracy drained, and of all who are not wealthy.
But it is a real war nevertheless. The Republicans' underhanded unprecedented refusal to vote on Garland, Obama's nomination for the Supreme Court, was tantamount to the Nazis burning down the Reichstag in its assault on our nation.
Now with their undoubtable unscrupulous changing of the Senate rules to seat Gorsuch on the court the revolution will be won.
Then we will see the blood—the life blood of our democracy drained, and of all who are not wealthy.
12
And a propos of that, EL, you can be sure that if John Roberts were confronted on film with the deleterious effects of Citizens United, he'd answer with the same insouciance as Scalia did when criticised about Bush v. Gore; "Get over it," Scalia chuckled.
I was infuriated that Roberts and his cohort remained silent in the face of the Senate's abrogation of its duty to "advise and consent" on the Garland nomination. But finally coming to understand that SC conservatives consort with the same oligarchs that Trump does, and advance their interests because they share them in common.
I was infuriated that Roberts and his cohort remained silent in the face of the Senate's abrogation of its duty to "advise and consent" on the Garland nomination. But finally coming to understand that SC conservatives consort with the same oligarchs that Trump does, and advance their interests because they share them in common.
Since when did the Club for Growth -- which dreams of getting rid of SS, Medicare, Medicaid, the estate tax, industrial regulation and any and all pollution control -- become "right-leaning"?
Does the word "extremist" offend NYT sensibilities?
Does the word "extremist" offend NYT sensibilities?
18
Also most of these "foundations" are tax dodges so that in effect the US taxpayers are paying for these people to undermine them even as they get rich.
22
So if you were a Trump supporter, applauding the bombast of Trump about "Crooked Hillary", are you now calling him "Pretzel Trump"? Most corrupt administration ever, and it is only Month 3. Trump just had to pay a settlement of $25 million to buy off his accusers in the Trump U fraud case. When you worship money, everything is a potential profit center - Trump Hotels where you can put up visiting diplomats, Trump resorts where you can hold state meetings with world leaders (instead of the people's house, the White House) and charge the leaders, security personnel, and other members of the entourage with the money flowing into Trump coffers. Why did the Republicans sell off our government through Citizens United and now the Trump government enterprise?
Where do we get our money back? Can we charge these frauds and get a return on of taxpayer funding?
Where do we get our money back? Can we charge these frauds and get a return on of taxpayer funding?
Don't ya just LOVE hypocrisy?
Democrats have always enjoyed advantages in campaign money. Hillary had SIX times the money to run with that Winner Trump ran with, and the only billion-dollar campaign budgets have ALL been Democrat.
BUT when any money is Republican, THAT is too much?
Back when actual newspaper people ran the failed coastal media, this was something you'd have never seen.
Democrats have always enjoyed advantages in campaign money. Hillary had SIX times the money to run with that Winner Trump ran with, and the only billion-dollar campaign budgets have ALL been Democrat.
BUT when any money is Republican, THAT is too much?
Back when actual newspaper people ran the failed coastal media, this was something you'd have never seen.
1
Clearly, this article goes beyond "R" and "D," and is about the effects of Citizens United.
Learn to think deeply, paisan.
Learn to think deeply, paisan.
11
Are you including the "dark money"?
I didn't think so.
I didn't think so.
7
Since the Russians tipped the scales with their interference - including 15,000 people trolling, spreading fake news, hacking, etc. -- you really need to include how much the Kremlin spent to make Trump president.
2
I confess I didn't write his name in on my 2016 ballot, but reading this piece makes me think about what Washington would look like today if Bernie had won.
Bernie was not the most realistic or pragmatic of candidates. His idealism sometimes seemed ungrounded.
But surely he would have done several things very differently from the Donald:
1. He would have tried hard to select competent people for his cabinet and his White House staff
2. He would have instinctively shied away from very rich and very greedy Federal job seekers
3. He would not have put his family into official positions of authority
4. He would not have prioritized buying F-35s over meals-on-wheels
5. His attempt at a comprehensive health care reform would have been slower and more thoughtful than Donald's. It might even have been able to win a majority of votes in Congress
6. If Bernie's health reform had failed, it could have informed a workable Republican alternative
No, Bernie wasn't the most perfect candidate for president since George Washington.
But things would be looking a whole lot better in Washington today if he had (somehow) been elected to the presidency in November 2016.
Bernie was not the most realistic or pragmatic of candidates. His idealism sometimes seemed ungrounded.
But surely he would have done several things very differently from the Donald:
1. He would have tried hard to select competent people for his cabinet and his White House staff
2. He would have instinctively shied away from very rich and very greedy Federal job seekers
3. He would not have put his family into official positions of authority
4. He would not have prioritized buying F-35s over meals-on-wheels
5. His attempt at a comprehensive health care reform would have been slower and more thoughtful than Donald's. It might even have been able to win a majority of votes in Congress
6. If Bernie's health reform had failed, it could have informed a workable Republican alternative
No, Bernie wasn't the most perfect candidate for president since George Washington.
But things would be looking a whole lot better in Washington today if he had (somehow) been elected to the presidency in November 2016.
28
The same can be said for HRC -- After all, she's the one who got the nomination, and won b 3 MILLION votes.
5
But HRC, while less so than Donald, is money-grubbing, greedy, self-centered, inclined to give favors to the rich and willing to indulge in nepotism (hubbie and daughter).
She is a liberal friend of the Washington swamp. Donald is a sort-of conservative friend of the Washington swamp.
Bernie, for all his political weaknesses, was never attracted to the swamp. Indeed, he was manifestly a swamp-avoider.
She is a liberal friend of the Washington swamp. Donald is a sort-of conservative friend of the Washington swamp.
Bernie, for all his political weaknesses, was never attracted to the swamp. Indeed, he was manifestly a swamp-avoider.
1
@John B
Don't kid yourself. Bernie came out of this deal alright.
Besides, you don't hear too much (if anything) from him now, do you?
That's because he's avoiding the swamp -- just like you said.
Don't kid yourself. Bernie came out of this deal alright.
Besides, you don't hear too much (if anything) from him now, do you?
That's because he's avoiding the swamp -- just like you said.
1
There is another word for this "consulting": corruption.
12
or "kleptocracy"
5
Backdoor entry with the secret password.
3
@Keen
Or, "kakistocracy"
Or, "kakistocracy"
2
The altruistic attitude which guided the founding fathers of our nation has completely eroded and has been replaced with greed. The politics of our nation, through PACs and the super rich, is now simply a market place for buying and selling power and influence for personal gain.
12
Citizens United, the gift that keeps on giving. What a fine bunch of Patriots!
8
Yes trump said he was against business as usual and he was anti-establishment.
Right. With him words have no meaning because he defines them as he wishes every day. The world's biggest liar.
He is the swamp, and anyone with any sense knew he'd add to it rich repub parasites who care about no one but themselves, each a deceitful version of trump himself.
And of course that's what he's done. Hope the day of reckoning comes soon, for the sake of our nation.
Right. With him words have no meaning because he defines them as he wishes every day. The world's biggest liar.
He is the swamp, and anyone with any sense knew he'd add to it rich repub parasites who care about no one but themselves, each a deceitful version of trump himself.
And of course that's what he's done. Hope the day of reckoning comes soon, for the sake of our nation.
6
Good reporting.
This also raises two issues about financial disclosure:
1) Do we have financial disclosure showing who contributed to the PACs which then hired these individuals. In other words, can you see through the organizations to see who is paying the bills and who is benefiting, and what influence they may have even after the person is no longer employed by them.
2) While we may know what income (and sources) a current staffer received before he/she became a White House employee, we still don't know much about the financial status and income sources of the person who employed him, the President, while that person is still subject to financial influence from his own investments.
This also raises two issues about financial disclosure:
1) Do we have financial disclosure showing who contributed to the PACs which then hired these individuals. In other words, can you see through the organizations to see who is paying the bills and who is benefiting, and what influence they may have even after the person is no longer employed by them.
2) While we may know what income (and sources) a current staffer received before he/she became a White House employee, we still don't know much about the financial status and income sources of the person who employed him, the President, while that person is still subject to financial influence from his own investments.
5
Sandra Day O'Connor has expressed regret over Bush v. Gore, as she should—as they all should. We can lay Bush II at the feet of that court.
Lay this complete sellout of leadership and society at the feet of the Roberts' court and their brazen reversal of a century of precedent because they are "originalists" and not "judicial activists."
The Citizens are not United, Supremes.
Justice Democrats— This is what democracy looks like. You, SCOTUS, are what hypocrisy looks like.
Lay this complete sellout of leadership and society at the feet of the Roberts' court and their brazen reversal of a century of precedent because they are "originalists" and not "judicial activists."
The Citizens are not United, Supremes.
Justice Democrats— This is what democracy looks like. You, SCOTUS, are what hypocrisy looks like.
24
Government belongs to the people. We are a nation built by the people, for the people, and we consist solely of the people. We are not a cash crop to be harvested carte blanche by criminal enterprises. Republican tyranny, and Russian mobsters must go. What further evidence do we need to finally realize that the power structure which allows this disease to fester is criminal?
4
Where is Grover Norquist in the middle of all this political fat catedness? After all the complaints about taxes why isn't the anti tax lobby taking on this sector of government as business? I don't mind taxes as long as I get what I am paying for...roads, education and the like. But paying for Trump's golf games isn't making me a happy citizen.
Looking at congress also brings up questions. Why do congressmen like Devin Nunes run unopposed for their seats but get a couple million in donations? What is this money really buying?
Looking at congress also brings up questions. Why do congressmen like Devin Nunes run unopposed for their seats but get a couple million in donations? What is this money really buying?
10
Trump's "draining the swamp" masks the collective rush to cash from his administration. It is disgusting to see.
Seldom is there such a yawning chasm between what public officials say in public and what they, in fact, do in their private daily lives.
Pontificating about the public good hides their bilking and milking the common good.
Beware when they shout holier-than-thou "family values" at you, because under scrutiny most of these people come up as having broken the law, in addition to other prurient personal scandals often involving minors.
The so-called "freedom of speech" as per the Citizens United decision has been perverted and is now the freedom to channel torrents of cash, public and private, towards exclusive private special interests having nothing at all to do with the American people, or with our now-imperiled democracy.
The whole lot have to go. We need to vote them out of office. Someday soon before tomorrow the American people will say to Trump, "You're fired!"
oz.
Seldom is there such a yawning chasm between what public officials say in public and what they, in fact, do in their private daily lives.
Pontificating about the public good hides their bilking and milking the common good.
Beware when they shout holier-than-thou "family values" at you, because under scrutiny most of these people come up as having broken the law, in addition to other prurient personal scandals often involving minors.
The so-called "freedom of speech" as per the Citizens United decision has been perverted and is now the freedom to channel torrents of cash, public and private, towards exclusive private special interests having nothing at all to do with the American people, or with our now-imperiled democracy.
The whole lot have to go. We need to vote them out of office. Someday soon before tomorrow the American people will say to Trump, "You're fired!"
oz.
7
Who knew that #45 could learn so quickly from his buddy, the richest man in the world, Putin?
Trump, Inc. is out to beat him.
New definition of "Make America Great Again"? "SUCK 'EM DRY!"
Trump, Inc. is out to beat him.
New definition of "Make America Great Again"? "SUCK 'EM DRY!"
12
What sickens me most - along with the brazen and shameless graft and corruption infecting this administration- is the impact this has on the lives of average Americans.
We elect government officials to legislate and serve on behalf of the public. This is frankly impossible, when our elected officials are beholden by currents of dark money, and serve only the selfish, narrow views of a few billionaires.
Public service is designed to better the society, stability, and opportunity of the American people. Yet, Republican officials see public office only as a stepping stone for personal enrichment. Oh, they'll legislate on behalf of their sleazeball benefactors, but the majority of the American people can go hang.
Citizens United was one of the worst Supreme Court decisions in history. The Roberts Court will bear that stain on its legacy forever. Now, we have the fearful possibility of another corporatist rubber-stamp ascending the Court in Neil Gorsuch.
Elections matter. And in the light of the past decade of politics, it is proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that Republicans cannot be trusted to govern. They are only interested in looting and sabotaging our nation. That is an outrage. I am sick and tired of a cadre of wack-jobs and yahoos using my country - our country- as a personal piggy bank while the rest of us struggle to stay afloat.
We elect government officials to legislate and serve on behalf of the public. This is frankly impossible, when our elected officials are beholden by currents of dark money, and serve only the selfish, narrow views of a few billionaires.
Public service is designed to better the society, stability, and opportunity of the American people. Yet, Republican officials see public office only as a stepping stone for personal enrichment. Oh, they'll legislate on behalf of their sleazeball benefactors, but the majority of the American people can go hang.
Citizens United was one of the worst Supreme Court decisions in history. The Roberts Court will bear that stain on its legacy forever. Now, we have the fearful possibility of another corporatist rubber-stamp ascending the Court in Neil Gorsuch.
Elections matter. And in the light of the past decade of politics, it is proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that Republicans cannot be trusted to govern. They are only interested in looting and sabotaging our nation. That is an outrage. I am sick and tired of a cadre of wack-jobs and yahoos using my country - our country- as a personal piggy bank while the rest of us struggle to stay afloat.
9
We have a severely broken government with individuals only concerned with their self-serving interest and big money.
We are witnessing corruption and lies coming from these so called Politicians and are virtually defenseless to do anything about it……they also lie with impunity.
We have a country being run to the ground to provide more for the rich; where the poor, impoverished and middle income, health care, education and basic human rights don’t seem to matter.
We have a divided country thanks to the rhetoric of an incompetent and divisive President and those foolish enough to believe and trust his words.
We have a country where millions of Trump supporters are blind not see the outrageous behavior and mockery of the oval office by this tyrannical narcissist of a President and administration.
We are losing the respect and trust of other Nations and now becoming a laughing stock of incompetence
It is extremely sad that this great nation is being led by such incompetence at the risk of all America’s security and people. This will all come to haunt us one day…..and yes, even the Trump supporters.
We are witnessing corruption and lies coming from these so called Politicians and are virtually defenseless to do anything about it……they also lie with impunity.
We have a country being run to the ground to provide more for the rich; where the poor, impoverished and middle income, health care, education and basic human rights don’t seem to matter.
We have a divided country thanks to the rhetoric of an incompetent and divisive President and those foolish enough to believe and trust his words.
We have a country where millions of Trump supporters are blind not see the outrageous behavior and mockery of the oval office by this tyrannical narcissist of a President and administration.
We are losing the respect and trust of other Nations and now becoming a laughing stock of incompetence
It is extremely sad that this great nation is being led by such incompetence at the risk of all America’s security and people. This will all come to haunt us one day…..and yes, even the Trump supporters.
217
Don't you mean "especially the Trump supporters"?
5
While it is true that Democrats have financial resources, the important thing about this revelation from Eder, Lipton and Lehren is that the Trump voters told us that Trump was going to drain the swamp. Those Trump voters lied to us.
6
It is becoming increasingly obvious that there is little difference between Putin's and Trump's kleptocracy. Their mutual admiration should come as no surprise.
8
I have never once accepted Trump as anything but an " American Accident." I sincerely feel that, at this time in history, America is without a President.
When I look at the so-called "advisors" who are around him, I don't see anyone there, also. These are the Hollow Men...subsumed into sheer inviibiity...an accidental addendum to the Emperor's New Clothes story.
I hold a Ph.D. from a substantive university and I know why Trump and his advisors are "invisible." Most very well educated people don't see Trump and his advisers. We see 2018 and 2020 which are already here...for us.
We were intellectually discussing "Deconstructionism" twenty years ago, so Bannon does not seem impressive, but I do hope he finds the self-control to lessen the size of himself.
It is comical to read that people hire thse people for anything, but they are "trendy" and "in" with ultra conservatives...who, if the sociological research about these types of thinkers is correct, says they are the least intelligent group in society.
It's amazing to me that anyone is talking about these folks at all, except in the Rustbelt which, by the way, is not one of the more exciting Hubs for Progress in the world.
So, these folks were "the American accident waiting to happn," but in reality, they are as unimportant as other silly passing trends. To the Judiciary and Legislative Branches, they already "came and went."
When I look at the so-called "advisors" who are around him, I don't see anyone there, also. These are the Hollow Men...subsumed into sheer inviibiity...an accidental addendum to the Emperor's New Clothes story.
I hold a Ph.D. from a substantive university and I know why Trump and his advisors are "invisible." Most very well educated people don't see Trump and his advisers. We see 2018 and 2020 which are already here...for us.
We were intellectually discussing "Deconstructionism" twenty years ago, so Bannon does not seem impressive, but I do hope he finds the self-control to lessen the size of himself.
It is comical to read that people hire thse people for anything, but they are "trendy" and "in" with ultra conservatives...who, if the sociological research about these types of thinkers is correct, says they are the least intelligent group in society.
It's amazing to me that anyone is talking about these folks at all, except in the Rustbelt which, by the way, is not one of the more exciting Hubs for Progress in the world.
So, these folks were "the American accident waiting to happn," but in reality, they are as unimportant as other silly passing trends. To the Judiciary and Legislative Branches, they already "came and went."
9
Thank you for such a rational commentary! Most unusual and most appreciated!
4
This is why Citizens United must be overturned.
24
You're kidding right? If you are trying to hint at any sort of corruption, look no further than your friendly democrats (demonrats). I hope that in the future you can do articles on the Clinton Crime Family, Obama, Pelosi and co. once they're outed for showing their true colors, bleeding the American people dry for their own personal gain.
4
so you're happy with all this current bleeding "daddy"?........
and how much have you managed to swindle?
and how much have you managed to swindle?
2
Provide the slightest evidence for your accusations. This was part of the fake news spread by Trump, the Mercers/Kochs and the Russians. Republicans bought it hook, line and sinker. In the meantime, Trump just had to pay $25 million for his Trump U fraud. Some of his cabinet members had corruption on their record already (Gov. Purdue of Georgia, for one) as well as other crimes (spousal abuse, etc.)
Over the top and hyperbolic, but anything to try to provide cover for Trump. He and his family are on track to have already cost taxpayers to support their lifestyles and security more than 8 years of all the Obama/Biden family did. There are good articles about this, such as the cost of all of Trump's weekends at his own resort in Florida at taxpayer expense, his wife and son's expenses at Trump Tower, etc. The Secret Service has requested an extra $60 million for next year due to the excessive expenses of the Trumps. Talk about bleeding the American people dry.
Over the top and hyperbolic, but anything to try to provide cover for Trump. He and his family are on track to have already cost taxpayers to support their lifestyles and security more than 8 years of all the Obama/Biden family did. There are good articles about this, such as the cost of all of Trump's weekends at his own resort in Florida at taxpayer expense, his wife and son's expenses at Trump Tower, etc. The Secret Service has requested an extra $60 million for next year due to the excessive expenses of the Trumps. Talk about bleeding the American people dry.
2
Thinking something is true and finding out it's true are two separate things. Why aren't we hearing the loudest cry imaginable from the American people? This isn't acceptable. It's obscene.
All of these people must either divest themselves of their conflicts of interest, or they must go. People and country must come first. Personal enrichment at the taxpayer's expense and blatant corruption will never be acceptable while in office.
All of these people must either divest themselves of their conflicts of interest, or they must go. People and country must come first. Personal enrichment at the taxpayer's expense and blatant corruption will never be acceptable while in office.
9
Er., thanks for suggesting that this is occurring. It would be news only if it were not.
America will take a corrupt tin pot dictator who is male and blond, with every evidence of tawdriness and corruption because America is overwhelmingly interested becoming white again, blowing up any evidence of a black president (like the Taliban blow up their artifacts), preventing a women from power, and ensure that all non-whites live in fear if not deported.
That this will be accomplished by a golden boy with a golden family, and an army of sycophants, Rasputins, and Nesferatus - inspired by dangerous lunatics (such as Cecil Rhodes, eugenicists, Ayn Rand, and by the Birch society) - all the better. Never in the last forty years have Americans inhabiting its ugly underbelly of racial superiority been this energized, this vocal, this strident, this confident, or this happy.
"Well, that is one way of looking at the facts," Kellyann (speaking for all Trumpites) will say, "but what about the Clinton foundation and Benghazi?" And America will accept that as two equivalent wrongs that can be set right if every Hispanic is harassed and every Muslim deported.
Goodbye Kansas, hello Czarist Russia.
Kalidan
America will take a corrupt tin pot dictator who is male and blond, with every evidence of tawdriness and corruption because America is overwhelmingly interested becoming white again, blowing up any evidence of a black president (like the Taliban blow up their artifacts), preventing a women from power, and ensure that all non-whites live in fear if not deported.
That this will be accomplished by a golden boy with a golden family, and an army of sycophants, Rasputins, and Nesferatus - inspired by dangerous lunatics (such as Cecil Rhodes, eugenicists, Ayn Rand, and by the Birch society) - all the better. Never in the last forty years have Americans inhabiting its ugly underbelly of racial superiority been this energized, this vocal, this strident, this confident, or this happy.
"Well, that is one way of looking at the facts," Kellyann (speaking for all Trumpites) will say, "but what about the Clinton foundation and Benghazi?" And America will accept that as two equivalent wrongs that can be set right if every Hispanic is harassed and every Muslim deported.
Goodbye Kansas, hello Czarist Russia.
Kalidan
So much money so little talent. If any of them could actually govern....but that is not their motivation. I continue to be surprised that the Mercers thought Trump was the best their money could buy. Would they settle for a dysfunctional yacht?
14
Yep, Trump sure did empty the swamp.
The swamp is so big now you need a swamp boat to get around the executive branch
The swamp is so big now you need a swamp boat to get around the executive branch
The swamp has officially been drained, and power restored back to regular people. Thank you, sir!
1
"Money, it'a gas........" , but I digress. Meantime the award for the laughable notion for for this century if not posterity will go to Chief Justice Robert's true observation that if congress wants to get money out of politics it has the authority to do so. No doubt, the doublespeaking eels, whose primary purpose for breathing is self promotion, are considering writing off their sugar daddies.
To paraphrase Captain Renault from Casablanca -- I am shocked, shocked that such a thing is going on.
4
Hate and greed go hand in Hand.
3
Since 'Citizens United' ordained by the US Supreme Court, American has become precisely the country the Founding Fathers tried to prevent offering the best government money can buy. The hogs have come to the trough to feed upon the corpses of their supporters.
7
So now it is the Republicans swim time in the swamp. Trump never meant what he said about draining the swamp. In fact he boasted that he would be the first person ever to make money off the presidency.
The Citizens United decision just made Washington DC a larger swamp. Party affiliation is not the issue. That private individuals such as the Koch Brothers or the Mercer Family can have so much influence over government and legislation negates the full value of our vote. Talk about disgust with the 'elite'! They now have outsized influence in our daily lives and moving forward it will be even more so unless the entire financial structure of campaigns and rules regarding lobbying are drastically changed.
The now quaint notion of 'one man/woman, one vote' is gone. Majority rules are now gone. It is just money, money, money. If you have enough, you can shape America to your whim. And we the people have no idea who 'you' are?
Get money out of all 'politics' and let the American people have a direct line of sight to who is governing. We want to know. We want our vote to matter.
The Citizens United decision just made Washington DC a larger swamp. Party affiliation is not the issue. That private individuals such as the Koch Brothers or the Mercer Family can have so much influence over government and legislation negates the full value of our vote. Talk about disgust with the 'elite'! They now have outsized influence in our daily lives and moving forward it will be even more so unless the entire financial structure of campaigns and rules regarding lobbying are drastically changed.
The now quaint notion of 'one man/woman, one vote' is gone. Majority rules are now gone. It is just money, money, money. If you have enough, you can shape America to your whim. And we the people have no idea who 'you' are?
Get money out of all 'politics' and let the American people have a direct line of sight to who is governing. We want to know. We want our vote to matter.
Hillary haters didn't like her philanthropic services through Clinton Foundation.
They voted to bring corruption for oneself inside our country through Trump & all R's.
And now they have new supreme court nominee, to approve their bidding, if you were to ask for help through 3rd arm of government.
They voted to bring corruption for oneself inside our country through Trump & all R's.
And now they have new supreme court nominee, to approve their bidding, if you were to ask for help through 3rd arm of government.
6
'Philanthropic'. I don't think that word means what you think it means.
1
Moira -- This is a long debunked understanding (smear) about the Clinton Foundation. It spent 88% of its donations on charity, and had an A rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy's Charity Watch which is expert on this matter. See http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2016/aug/25/reince-pr...
Another source is http://www.factcheck.org/2015/06/where-does-clinton-foundation-money-go/
The Clinton Foundation did an enormous amount of good globally, including with HIV/AIDS in Africa, rural areas for crops to prevent famine, pediatric treatment for diarrhea which kills many infants, and others, helping many millions.
The Clinton Haters should give it a break.
Where has Trump given anything to charity? Unless you count donating a painting of himself to hang at one of his golf resorts.
Trump is deeply corrupt as are most of his people, and desperate Trump lovers try to deflect from his close ties to Russia and corruption in office by returning to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, two very fine leaders who were highly qualified and whose main fault for Republicans is that one was female and the other was black.
Another source is http://www.factcheck.org/2015/06/where-does-clinton-foundation-money-go/
The Clinton Foundation did an enormous amount of good globally, including with HIV/AIDS in Africa, rural areas for crops to prevent famine, pediatric treatment for diarrhea which kills many infants, and others, helping many millions.
The Clinton Haters should give it a break.
Where has Trump given anything to charity? Unless you count donating a painting of himself to hang at one of his golf resorts.
Trump is deeply corrupt as are most of his people, and desperate Trump lovers try to deflect from his close ties to Russia and corruption in office by returning to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, two very fine leaders who were highly qualified and whose main fault for Republicans is that one was female and the other was black.
3
The name of the game is tell them what they want to hear, even for Judge Gorsuch, just to get in. Once in the candy store, you are free to take what you want. Ever notice that each cabinet member has his own agenda and a piece of it is business. It's what Trump has promised for loyalty. My question is, do we have a government or a mafia?
7
It's hard to put a finger on what is worse: That a few billionaires are willing to underwrite anti-democratic institutions, or that there are people willing to take their money. Without the Kochs and Mercers, most of these people are nobodies, and Trump is still shortchanging contractors. We could begin to address the problem by requiring all 501(c)(iii) groups to disclose their donors. At least we'd know then who these groups actually serve and how much their influence is worth to big-money donors.
3
It is entirely possible to get a list of Koch products........and boycott them
and this list should include all money grubbers whose companies can suffer at
our hands........
.....divest stocks.......We influenced South Africa
and apartheid policies.....We should be able to do something with American made Fascism!
and this list should include all money grubbers whose companies can suffer at
our hands........
.....divest stocks.......We influenced South Africa
and apartheid policies.....We should be able to do something with American made Fascism!
1
This administration feels that their supporters are gullible and disposable so why enact any programs that are favorable to them or will save their lives? The administration also doesn’t seem to be concerned about contradicting themselves because these people seem to have no memory retention whatsoever and their ability to deny hard facts is off the charts.
4
Our real constitutional crisis happened with Citizens United and Hobby Lobby, and we are reaping the devastating consequences.
The Kochs bought Congress and the state legislatures. The Mercers own the White House, and their boy is about to be named to the Supreme Court. Money has poisoned the well of our democracy, and the hucksters are gathering like buzzards to feed on the mounting carcasses.
What more has to happen for Trump voters to panic? For decent Republicans to stand up and be counted? For the 65 million of us who voted anyone but Trump to turn out into the streets and turn up to vote in every election, state and federal?
The Kochs bought Congress and the state legislatures. The Mercers own the White House, and their boy is about to be named to the Supreme Court. Money has poisoned the well of our democracy, and the hucksters are gathering like buzzards to feed on the mounting carcasses.
What more has to happen for Trump voters to panic? For decent Republicans to stand up and be counted? For the 65 million of us who voted anyone but Trump to turn out into the streets and turn up to vote in every election, state and federal?
6
This is Trump's idea of draining the swamp? Both he and the Republicans could care less about less fortunate Americans. His cabinet picks demonstrate this and the endless conflicts of interest are meaningless to these people. The term enough money never occurs to them.
The real danger is these private sector wealthy people are in no way qualified to be in their respective appointed positions and are disconnected from reality because their wealth has insulated them for so long from people who actually have to work for a living. This is the richest cabinet in US history.
This will only get worse. What a mistake this is for America. It's depressing.
The real danger is these private sector wealthy people are in no way qualified to be in their respective appointed positions and are disconnected from reality because their wealth has insulated them for so long from people who actually have to work for a living. This is the richest cabinet in US history.
This will only get worse. What a mistake this is for America. It's depressing.
3
I'm glad to read that Steve Bannon can afford a new pair of jeans to wear the next time he descends from a plane with Financial Times under his arm! What a guy.
5
Is this supposed to surprise us?
2
no wonder people want to move to united states.if one is smart and lucky you can become very rich.
And Clinton's team would've been any different? LOL!
3
It appears that Trump has drained the swamp by replacing its creatures with far more venal ones. The hypocrisy reminds me of the many family values Republicans who will do just about anything for a quick buck (Huckabee's magic elixir) or a an extramarital refresher (Sanford's Appalachian Trail).
Nobody matches Trump, though, for unbridled lust and venality.
Nobody matches Trump, though, for unbridled lust and venality.
4
Doesn't the idea of public service ever occur to any of them? Can you name one person in the Trump administration who is not in it for him/herself? Hypocrites, traitors, wind-bags, know-nothings, do-nothings. Our Congress is hopelessly partisan and powerless, our senate is asleep. Half the people in the country don't care about this, or think it's excused because they say the Clinton's were worse. The other half are simply dazed and confused, and can't do anything about it anyway. It's incredibly easy for the Grifter-in-Chief and his hoards to stuff their pockets. No matter how much the corruption is reported, there is absolutely no one to stop it from happening.
4
This con must be especially satisfying for Donald Trump because in spite of all the trustworthy, established sources trying to stop him and educate his followers, they stubbornly refuse to listen to hard facts and won’t budge. It’s like watching a mass suicide in action.
So I guess "Drain the Swamp" really meant, evict the old tainted Democrat swap dwellers and replace them with the Presidents new tainted swamp inhabitants.
2
Enough already. Stop with the negative stories, day after day. I didn't vote for Trump nor do I support his policies but the NY Times and all the media and celebrity hate is going to bring a backlash from the American people. Just like you didn't think he would win!!
1
Here we go again with a media type suggesting that Trump is "anti-establishment." Is this a joke?
At some point, the media needs to stop using terms which imply that Trump and everyone associated with him have any interest whatsoever in the common good or in nurturing a positive future for U.S. citizens. They absolutely care only about their wealth and power, and all of the moves they've made so far prove that to be true.
This idea that Trump is "anti-establishment" or that he wants to "drain the swamp" or that he's "populist" in any way, or that he has "grassroots support"... please just stop this nonsense. He's doing, and will continue to do, great damage to the working class, the middle class, "ordinary citizens," whatever description you want to use. Anything that suggests otherwise is simply an extension of Trump's propaganda, wittingly or unwittingly.
At some point, the media needs to stop using terms which imply that Trump and everyone associated with him have any interest whatsoever in the common good or in nurturing a positive future for U.S. citizens. They absolutely care only about their wealth and power, and all of the moves they've made so far prove that to be true.
This idea that Trump is "anti-establishment" or that he wants to "drain the swamp" or that he's "populist" in any way, or that he has "grassroots support"... please just stop this nonsense. He's doing, and will continue to do, great damage to the working class, the middle class, "ordinary citizens," whatever description you want to use. Anything that suggests otherwise is simply an extension of Trump's propaganda, wittingly or unwittingly.
6
Money talks and it talks so much that now we have an oligarchy running the country, be it ineptly. Mercer,Koch are the big players, Trump a mere appendage. Will anybody throw their ill gotten gains into Boston Harbor?
3
Bad enough you had to put the first photo up - then came Kellyanne.....then Newt! Maybe a better photo series would have been a bowl of writhing leeches, a close up of a lamprey's mouth and a swollen tick.
Its Monday morning in the United States of America.
Its Monday morning in the United States of America.
4
Let me get this straight.
The information in this front page story is that conservative folks, before accepting invitations to work in government, made money by doing work for conservative organizations. And, in the ninth paragraph, it briefly is pointed out that liberals/progressives, before accepting innovations to work in government, made money doing work for liberal/progressive organizations.
I am shocked, shocked to find ......
The information in this front page story is that conservative folks, before accepting invitations to work in government, made money by doing work for conservative organizations. And, in the ninth paragraph, it briefly is pointed out that liberals/progressives, before accepting innovations to work in government, made money doing work for liberal/progressive organizations.
I am shocked, shocked to find ......
1
The GOP is full of bloodless money grubbing freaks. And people are just finding this out now???!!! It just boggles my mind that people voted against their interests.....and they were worried about Hillary Clinton's e-mails????!!! My answer to Trump voters is.....GET REAL!!!!!
6
The sad truth is that this greed transcends all political parties and it is rampant in federal, state and local governments throughout America. I just read today about the three lawyers (Gerard Sweeney, Michael Reich and Frank Bolz) who work for the Democratic Party of Queens NY. for the past 30 years. They rake in millions each year for their monopoly over administering in Surrogate’s Court the estates of people who died without leaving wills. Congress is full of millionaires and it been that way for a long time now.
71
I agree that greed crosses party lines, but fail to see a political connection between the Surrogate Court account and being rewarded for shaping public policy.
So, MF, you must be for legislating the overturning of Citizen United and requiring full campaign contribution disclosures and the reporting of lobbying income sources.
Republican democracy that comes from ancient Greek and Roman tradition is completely at odds with the government that now exists in the U.S., and particularly in Washington, D.C. The few and the wealthy now rule this nation as opposed to the people. Strange that just enough could be convinced to back these anti-democratic forces and put a billionaire class in charge that cares little for the needs of the people and the survival of the planet.
3
From Trump and his family on down through the ranks of the administration, government is just another money-making opportunity. That's what Trump has always been about, so this is no real surprise and it's not going to change.
15
Meanwhile, no one gets to ask gun and ammunition company investor Barack Obama how much he personally profited from his loud stimulation of that industry with his hints that we should disarm Americans.
Who knew there was so much "value" in the swamp.
9
Ex post, we know the last election was not an ordinary one. It was more like an unprecedented hostile takeover of the ultimate corporation in America i.e., the presidency of the USA.
The winners --Trump's clan + business associates -- are now taking over the spoils to enrich themselves.
The winners --Trump's clan + business associates -- are now taking over the spoils to enrich themselves.
14
It's so refreshing to see the Trump Family Businesses benefiting so many people outside of the family. Is there any truth to the rumor that "The Trump Organization" is going to be re-named "La Cosa Nostra ?" Or is that just one of their newly granted Chinese trademarks"
8
Besides his aides, what about Trump himself? Over a year ago, I thought he was running for President to enrich himself. It's obvious he was as his aides have followed his lead.
12
There's money in politics? This is way more complicated than I imagined.
8
For Judge Gorsuch, this is all a pageant of free speech, not to be tampered with.
5
Next question: Where are their hidden assets? (You know at least a few people in this group have the wherewithall and smarts to hide it either offshore or in companies that cannot easily be tied to them.)
3
To counter these troubling trends my recommendation is for every county in every state of the union to adopt USPS delivered vote by mail elections. The physical ballot evades any form of corruption or disruption by Russian or other players in our electoral process since it serves as its own audit mechanism in the event of a disputed result. It also serves to hopefully encourage all people everywhere to vote and not stay at home during election season which, to the dismay of some republicans, would show just how against their current policies most Americans really are. It would also nullify all the wasted monies, citizens united or otherwise, on false news, advertising, etc. during an election cycle.
6
You DO realize the use of the mail would negate the Democrats' huge advantage in dead and illegally present people voting, right? Each fraudulent mailed vote comes with fines and jail time for committing fraud within the U.S. Mail.
http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/crime-penalties/federal/Federal-mai...
The only election ballot machinery on the planet that is actually connectable to the internet is made by solidly progressive political allies of Barack Obama.
Democrat Mike Morell has already told us that no Russian interfered with the 2016 elections.
http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/crime-penalties/federal/Federal-mai...
The only election ballot machinery on the planet that is actually connectable to the internet is made by solidly progressive political allies of Barack Obama.
Democrat Mike Morell has already told us that no Russian interfered with the 2016 elections.
USPS by mail voting would be the most secure, efficient, least costly and genuine way we could implement all of our voting in America. All the better that mail fraud comes with fines and jail time. There would be very little if any fraud with a vote by mail system. Check out states that already have vote by mail. It works very well, is less costly than in person voting, and has high participation rates all without any real issues of fraud or possible corruption by foreign individuals or governments. Your criticisms seem to stem from a fear of changing to a better way of encouraging full participation by all voters. With only about 23-25% of the voting population determining our current mess in Washington and elsewhere, I would much prefer the results obtained from a 70-90% vote by mail participation level.
Looks like the swamp is drowning the electorate.
But more to the point, is any of these activities (or proceeds) illegal? I would start from Cambridge Analytica's campaign practices of swaying public opinion first tried in the Middle East as a weapon against IS. Can something be done about this, or are we to wait to be educated on these bizarre practices by the ever more real-life, dystopian weekly Homeland storyline?
One is for sure. CA's voter targeting & potential misuse of voters' data for political purposes are illegal under EU law. But suspicions were raised they used those methods in the UK to sway the vote in favour of brexit, something that the company has formally denied. The probe though by the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), is ongoing.
But more to the point, is any of these activities (or proceeds) illegal? I would start from Cambridge Analytica's campaign practices of swaying public opinion first tried in the Middle East as a weapon against IS. Can something be done about this, or are we to wait to be educated on these bizarre practices by the ever more real-life, dystopian weekly Homeland storyline?
One is for sure. CA's voter targeting & potential misuse of voters' data for political purposes are illegal under EU law. But suspicions were raised they used those methods in the UK to sway the vote in favour of brexit, something that the company has formally denied. The probe though by the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), is ongoing.
2
Time for Jane Mayer to write a sequel to "Dark Money." The billionaires and millionaires willing to work for paltry government salaries and benefits all know they will be rewarded and "well taken care of" by the extreme right wing white conservative conspirators who have created the right wing "think tanks," ALEC, AM "hate" radio to disseminate their fascist anti-American beliefs.
The Supreme Court Justices who decided that "money is speech" in Citizens United will be remembered in history as aiding and abetting the corruption of politics and good government in the United States.
This is not the America we deserve!
The Supreme Court Justices who decided that "money is speech" in Citizens United will be remembered in history as aiding and abetting the corruption of politics and good government in the United States.
This is not the America we deserve!
21
The level of corruption and the total lack of a scintilla of morality in this administration is mindboggling.
7
I am surprised this important article doesn't mention the Democratic precedent of the Clinton administrations, with their shady overseas financiers, sales of White House hospitality and other corrupt pay-for-play practices. Citizens United made things worse, but the problem was there before.
3
Penny ante compared to Trump's high stakes games.
PS Diversionary tactic is way too obvious. Try harder.
PS Diversionary tactic is way too obvious. Try harder.
9
But wait...I thought the conservative narrative was that the Clinton's were broke when they left the White House? And so how could they have amassed such a fortune in the intervening years? And here one fairy tale runs smack dab into the back of the Clinton Foundation being a slush fund fairy tale. THAT'S HOW THEY BECAME RICH!!
Conservatives can't keep track of their fake stories. And, by the looks of it, practice "whatabouttheClintonsisms" so much, they fail to see what's happening with trum*'s swap draining. No wonder they approve of the job the grifter is doing.
Conservatives can't keep track of their fake stories. And, by the looks of it, practice "whatabouttheClintonsisms" so much, they fail to see what's happening with trum*'s swap draining. No wonder they approve of the job the grifter is doing.
5
Nothing "diversionary" about my comment. Trump's game is bigger, but that doesn't absolve the Clintons.
The anti-government wealthcare queens and kings are getting richer off the government they hate but are now part of, at the expense of the suckers who swallowed con-man Trump's snake oil and voted for him.
Gosh; who could have predicted it?
Gosh; who could have predicted it?
4
Just wait until Gorsuch joins the Supreme Corporate Court of the Corporate States of America; greed, corruption and exploitation of the 99% will rival Russia.
6
We shook our heads when Trump accused HRC of 'pay-for-play' and called for "draining the swamp", we being anyone right, left or middle who disregarded partisanship to make an objective assessment of this man's history and character. The greatest pay-to-play administration, the largest cash-in, the deepest, nastiest swamp in American history is well underway. The vast majority of Trump voters were partisans. There were some who have suffered in modern times and were looking for a savior. They are being burned like never before, having struck the matches themselves.
13
Now take "corrupt Hillary" whose every breath was analyzed under a microscope and whose picture still shows up on the front cover of the grocery store magazines depicting her as on her way to prison, dying or both. Howling and screaming about Clinton ethics followed every move she and her husband made. Tisk, tisk, the left said, can't vote for such a person, not pure on issues or morals. So, we have the swamp drainers in place, removing regulations to free us from the burden of having to drink water without coal sludge or breath regulated, controlled, less-full-of-pollution air. Soon, the only thing regulated will be the bodies of women. Remember, many women have forgotten that they are merely the vessels that bring new life into the world and must be protected from themselves and the vicious abortionists who would destroy the incoming human to preserve the life or mental health of that woman carrying the baby. As to health care and schooling, genetics determines all, and best be able to pay out of your own pocket for any health care you, your children, your spouse or that baby being carried by the vessel might have. So, nothing unethical about folks pocketing lots of money as they go about their deregulation duties to improve society. They understand who should have and who should have not, something that eluded "corrupt Hillary". Perhaps these new proponents of ethics, many of whom called for jailing "corrupt Hillary" still will punish her for her crime of existing.
15
This might get even uglier if Trump’s aids believe they are on a sinking ship. “Get what you can while the going’s good,” they’ll start telling each other.
6
They already have. It's called the art of the deal.
You mean this didn't happen in the Obama administration? And it wouldn't have happened in a Clinton administration? Because if it did or if it would have, I'm sure Times was or would have been on the case with a front page article.
4
Here's an idea. Do the research yourself -- that's why there's Google.
But chances are, whatever you find it's nowhere near as nefarious as this.
But chances are, whatever you find it's nowhere near as nefarious as this.
3
Actually, it didn't happen like this.
1
Trump and his thieves must be taken on like it's a war. The Republicans are energetic, shameless, and relentless, The progressives must bring out their biggest weapons (NOW) and fight them like there's no tomorrow.
7
This gang is the logical result of the multiple successive decades American voters have handed the reins of power to elites who care for themselves, their peers, their institutions, their money, and their power.
We keep electing terrible people who keep picking their friends to serve with them, and finally, this is what we get. The worst of the worst.
We keep electing terrible people who keep picking their friends to serve with them, and finally, this is what we get. The worst of the worst.
3
the totals pale in the light cast by those of the clinton cash machine...face it america, the "general Welfare" is toast, no matter which one of the two-family mob we "elect."
2
There is a difference. Trump looks at it as payment for protection. Clinton would look at it as fee for service. One is extortion and the other is you get what you pay for.
1
The American public must demand from their representatives in Washington to subpoena Donald Trump's taxes (at least 5 years) if the country is truly serious about draining the swamp. Donald Trump coined the phrase "drain the swamp." The very things we accuse others of is precisely what we are guilty of ourselves.
12
Bandits from outside the beltway? Build a wall!
2
Ivanka and hubby are worth $740 mil yet fly coach on a discount airline to Florida. That must be why the have so much money.
1
So sad to read that some of these people will have to take a cut in pay. Must be awful to have to give up $800k consulting gigs to be able to run amok at the WH.
Read the article beneath this one about the programs for low income "lazy" people being cut, one in Ohio, and the cuts amount to 1% of the budget. Oh yes, and those slouches getting meals on wheels. And all the other "deadbeats" that are the main cause of Ametican problems.
As one guy who i think is in a consulting firm said, my take on DJTs comment about healthcare,..no one knew there were so many programs like the one in Ohio.
Gotta fly the trump team to Mara Lago every weekend. Far more important, right?
It can't believe some of these people voted for DJT. It's finally starting to dawn on these people what's going on? Too bad we all have to suffer under this administration's ongoing get rid of the poor programs. After all who needs em? Might be your mom and dad, your sister or brother, but hey....tough luck.
Sorry for the diatribe. It's getting more depressing every day. And this is going to lead to more problems. We ain't seen nothing yet.
Read the article beneath this one about the programs for low income "lazy" people being cut, one in Ohio, and the cuts amount to 1% of the budget. Oh yes, and those slouches getting meals on wheels. And all the other "deadbeats" that are the main cause of Ametican problems.
As one guy who i think is in a consulting firm said, my take on DJTs comment about healthcare,..no one knew there were so many programs like the one in Ohio.
Gotta fly the trump team to Mara Lago every weekend. Far more important, right?
It can't believe some of these people voted for DJT. It's finally starting to dawn on these people what's going on? Too bad we all have to suffer under this administration's ongoing get rid of the poor programs. After all who needs em? Might be your mom and dad, your sister or brother, but hey....tough luck.
Sorry for the diatribe. It's getting more depressing every day. And this is going to lead to more problems. We ain't seen nothing yet.
16
Keep it up NYT. Like Orwell said, "Journalism is printing what someone else does not what printed: Everything else is public relations."
Orwell never envisioned this crew, but so far, deconstructing the administrative state looks an awful lot like reconstructing the administrative state while looting the construction site for a select few.
Orwell never envisioned this crew, but so far, deconstructing the administrative state looks an awful lot like reconstructing the administrative state while looting the construction site for a select few.
3
Call it what it is; Bribery on the Bribery Coast. The Pirates thrive in the lawless city. The F.B.I. is Republican. Have you noticed?
2
The Koch network has now bought and paid for all three branches of government. I shiver to think what they will take in return. Shameful.
2
The gaudy, 10 karat gold plated gravy train. But, they're patriots, working to make America great, again. Right, Donald???
2
"Activists"? This pack of goose-stepping spreadsheets? People making money out of their own bull and paying themselves for the privilege? Please.
1
The Roberts court has blood on its hands. Overturn Citizen's United. Resist.
3
Joe the Plumber, Joe Six Pack - meet your saviors. Good luck to you. You are gonna need it.
3
Let's see: imperial overreach, political corruption, gross income disparity, ceaseless propaganda, plutocracy. "Shame on the age and its principles!" (M.T. Cicero)
1
Give it a rest.
The PTA is a lobbying group.
The girl scouts are a lobbying group.
The big deal is that the Democratic machines have patronage armies that bring in the vote.
These political armies are financed by taxes which pay the wages and more interestingly the numerous and costly white collar consultants in the form of lawyers, engineers, and whatnot.
Citizens United levelled the playing field.
Now anyone can play. As a result, Democrats have lost hundreds of legislative seats.
The PTA is a lobbying group.
The girl scouts are a lobbying group.
The big deal is that the Democratic machines have patronage armies that bring in the vote.
These political armies are financed by taxes which pay the wages and more interestingly the numerous and costly white collar consultants in the form of lawyers, engineers, and whatnot.
Citizens United levelled the playing field.
Now anyone can play. As a result, Democrats have lost hundreds of legislative seats.
2
Neither the PTA or the Girl Scouts are trying to keep wages low, pollute our air and water, start another war or deny anyone health care. The fact that you can't see this is stunning. You should be ashamed and embarrassed.
5
True Observer
To make these comparisons to what is going on in this White House, you are either incredibly obtuse, or just plain evil.
To make these comparisons to what is going on in this White House, you are either incredibly obtuse, or just plain evil.
1
So now billionaires have shaken off the shackles of their oppression and now can compete toe to toe with the Girl Scouts.
1
Some folks might call it "free speech," but it looks a lot like old-fashioned corruption to me: rich folks paying off greedy operatives to pull government levers. Those who don't recognize this corruption now will probably see it soon enough, because a system like this is bound to erupt in scandal sooner or later.
257
It already has erupted in scandal. This article is saying so. The problem is that the Trump base, the ones paying for protection with votes, will only wake up when they find out that those that didn't pay are defenseless against what the Trump family does to them through legislation. No one, not friends, relatives or neighbors is safe from this kind of extortion.
1
"Those who don't recognize this corruption now will probably see it soon enough, because a system like this is bound to erupt in scandal sooner or later."
Never overestimate the American voter.
Never overestimate the American voter.
Although perhaps not "illegal," per se, this type of targeted enrichment already is pretty scandalous.
The only thing amazing about these revelations is that no one saw it coming -- Too late now.
And too late for all those Trump voters who bought into that 24/7 conservative jingoism, that will leave them standing outside of the door with only unpaid bills as a reward for their support -- they've just sold this country out to the Kochs, Mercers, Bannons, and the rest of the dark right-wing swamp.
And we'll all have to pay for it in the end.
And too late for all those Trump voters who bought into that 24/7 conservative jingoism, that will leave them standing outside of the door with only unpaid bills as a reward for their support -- they've just sold this country out to the Kochs, Mercers, Bannons, and the rest of the dark right-wing swamp.
And we'll all have to pay for it in the end.
158
I have to say, as a center left Democrat, that this does not seem to be unusual, compared to the Obama or Clinton White House.
The real story here is still Citizens United. How any rational person could look at the Mercer family with their fingers in every pie, and not see a gross imbalance in our democracy, is beyond me.
The real story here is still Citizens United. How any rational person could look at the Mercer family with their fingers in every pie, and not see a gross imbalance in our democracy, is beyond me.
104
It is unusual.
1
The wealthy want a kingdom and will have it. They care not about democracy or the republic. We will not be the first civilization to fail due to unchecked greed.
Why is it so hard for the super-wealthy to understand? This exponentially increasing division of wealth is not in their best interests for a stable society either.
Why is it so hard for the super-wealthy to understand? This exponentially increasing division of wealth is not in their best interests for a stable society either.
239
Why change a winning formula? It's working out great for wealthy so far. American literally screamed for a revolution in 2016, and Trump was what happened.
They think their wealth will protect them no matter what happens to the rest of society.
1
"Why is it so hard for the super-wealthy to understand? This exponentially increasing division of wealth is not in their best interests for a stable society either."
They are not interested in a stable society just the billions they can make. Same old story throughout history, so many kings and queens and leaders bought down by their greed and corruption when it would have been so easy for people to share the wealth and well-being and build a better society for all. People never learn. No wonder we go forward at a snail's pace.
They are not interested in a stable society just the billions they can make. Same old story throughout history, so many kings and queens and leaders bought down by their greed and corruption when it would have been so easy for people to share the wealth and well-being and build a better society for all. People never learn. No wonder we go forward at a snail's pace.
1
This is bad. But this level of greed set beside the suffering this group wants to impose? It takes my breath away.
176
I'm sure all of these high paid consultants are doing everything possible to raise the incomes of coal miners, rural Americans, and small town folks from all over the rust belt and deep South. The benefits for them must be pouring in already. We just haven't seen any of it yet because these are very modest people and they don't like to brag. Just wait a year. After that, they will say just wait another year. After that, just give it more a little more time. Meanwhile, these leeches will make many more millions, and reduce their taxes. That's how you dismantle the administrative state, all to the benefit of the working poor.
158
This entire administration is nothing but a money making scheme. Remember "The French Connection?" Well, this is "The Russian Connection." DT owes 300 million to Deutsche Bank and is beholden to the Russian oligarchs/mafia. The Mercer family spent millions in dark money to get Trump elected. Bannon, Flynn, Kushner/Ivanka, Price, Ross, Page, et al have all had their hands in the honey jar. There are many more who are connected to the right way groups and have received handsome payouts. The entire administration is a slap in the face to democracy and America's most treasured soul.
43
Old sayings get that way because they condense a great truth into a few words.
The rich get richer...
I get it. They get richer because they can. Because of their wealth, they can swing things - or keep things - their way.
And I don't hate rich people per se. I've been both - not rich, but comfortable, and the very word "comfortable" tells you which one is better.
And I know money doesn't shield you from life's tragedies, but losing a loved one with beauty and comfort and doctors and pills and travel and isolation and therapy and money for anything you want or need all available to you is easier than with poverty and noise and filth and bills and no car and no doctors or pills and kids who need you and rent that has to be paid and a nasty job you'll be fired from if you don't show up. It just is.
I have no problem with rich people as long as there are no poor ones. We could do that and not affect the lifestyles of the super rich one whit. One more digit on their billions does nothing for them or our economy. One more billion spread to programs and mom and pop businesses and farmers and middle class wage earners so they can buy and consume more in our consumer economy, so others can make more and buy more and hire more, is a much greater economic engine.
It isn't rocket science but when you have rich people running things, the rich will get richer, and the poor will get poorer. Old sayings get old for a reason.
The rich get richer...
I get it. They get richer because they can. Because of their wealth, they can swing things - or keep things - their way.
And I don't hate rich people per se. I've been both - not rich, but comfortable, and the very word "comfortable" tells you which one is better.
And I know money doesn't shield you from life's tragedies, but losing a loved one with beauty and comfort and doctors and pills and travel and isolation and therapy and money for anything you want or need all available to you is easier than with poverty and noise and filth and bills and no car and no doctors or pills and kids who need you and rent that has to be paid and a nasty job you'll be fired from if you don't show up. It just is.
I have no problem with rich people as long as there are no poor ones. We could do that and not affect the lifestyles of the super rich one whit. One more digit on their billions does nothing for them or our economy. One more billion spread to programs and mom and pop businesses and farmers and middle class wage earners so they can buy and consume more in our consumer economy, so others can make more and buy more and hire more, is a much greater economic engine.
It isn't rocket science but when you have rich people running things, the rich will get richer, and the poor will get poorer. Old sayings get old for a reason.
70
If dignity, honor, compassion and decency were the coin of the realm, as a group these Trumpist horrors would be bankrupt and worthless.
20
The pillage of the middle class has begun. We are SO third world now.
28
And not a single one is for increasing the minimum wage.
105
That doesn't fit in their Ayn Randian, Norman Vincent Peale, Protestant "wealth-means-you're-blessed" world-view.
1
I really searched for some news in this missive but couldn't find anything. Big money in DC politics is not news when dealing with the Soros's, Kochs and Steyers of the world.
I know Trump "sells" for left wing media outlets like the NYT, but the amount of non-news Trump stories is becoming a tad ridiculous.
I know Trump "sells" for left wing media outlets like the NYT, but the amount of non-news Trump stories is becoming a tad ridiculous.
4
Republican or Democrat, it is same old, same old. Power corrupts.
3
We all should be concerned about this unless we are above 1%. Assuming it still has value at this point in history-- evidence suggests that legislation and government actors become less democratic the more money pouring into politics. Unless one is pro-oligarchy there really is no other story.
News (noun): newly received or noteworthy information, especially about recent or important events.
I know it's hard for the Trump contingent to understand the use and value of actual news (even news that includes just noteworthy information), so I thought I'd help. Just because you don't appear to have a problem with anything Trump is doing, doesn't mean something isn't news.
I know it's hard for the Trump contingent to understand the use and value of actual news (even news that includes just noteworthy information), so I thought I'd help. Just because you don't appear to have a problem with anything Trump is doing, doesn't mean something isn't news.
11
How's Mr. Trump's street cred for draining the swamp?
Goldman Sachs had been knee deep in the swamp even in 1929, at the center of a market crash that devastatingly mangled the nation's financial system.
In the late 80's Goldman Sachs paved the way to revoke Glass- Steagall, letting banks run unfettered.
In the 90's Goldman Sachs helped put together the NAFTA trade agreement. One of their guys ran the Treasury Dept. as the financial crisis bubbled over in 2008 and a great recession blew into town. Barack Obama inherited that mess.
Donald Trump's supercharged his administration with endless figures from Goldman Sachs. One of the guys had literally kicked people out of their homes with foreclosures.
The guy attached to Trump's ear, Steve Bannon, is a Goldman Sachs alumnus.
Don't try blaming this on Barack Obama, Mr. Trump. You put even more alligators in the swamp. And you conned your supporters.
This must- read from a Goldman Sachs insider article originally appeared in TomDispatch, here is a link:
https://www.thenation.com/article/trumps-not-draining-the-swamp-hes-fill...
Goldman Sachs had been knee deep in the swamp even in 1929, at the center of a market crash that devastatingly mangled the nation's financial system.
In the late 80's Goldman Sachs paved the way to revoke Glass- Steagall, letting banks run unfettered.
In the 90's Goldman Sachs helped put together the NAFTA trade agreement. One of their guys ran the Treasury Dept. as the financial crisis bubbled over in 2008 and a great recession blew into town. Barack Obama inherited that mess.
Donald Trump's supercharged his administration with endless figures from Goldman Sachs. One of the guys had literally kicked people out of their homes with foreclosures.
The guy attached to Trump's ear, Steve Bannon, is a Goldman Sachs alumnus.
Don't try blaming this on Barack Obama, Mr. Trump. You put even more alligators in the swamp. And you conned your supporters.
This must- read from a Goldman Sachs insider article originally appeared in TomDispatch, here is a link:
https://www.thenation.com/article/trumps-not-draining-the-swamp-hes-fill...
37
Well, it appears that the charlatan and grifter in chief has bamboozled his fawning masses, again, with the appointments of the monied class who can really related to their plights. Sad.
47
These people are insatiable pigs. They can never have enough and others can never have too little because they are a party of narcissistic psychopaths. Jabba the Hut is running the USA now.
83
It seems that Trump and his friends can never accrue enough money, but they willingly defund inexpensive, worthwhile programs like Meals on Wheels.
140
What's surprising or maybe not so surprising as much as sad, is how much the Republican's in Congress ethics committees don't seemed to mind or for that matter even the voters who support Trump don't care.
We have this idiot in the Whitehouse that continues to tweet like a 3 year old, can't stay off the golf course, makes up nonsenses that is equivalent to those tabloids in the supermarkets that talk about Elvis living in Idaho, so I ask myself why is this so surprising.
This country took a real turn into the ditch by voting for this incompetent imbecile, and it's scary to think we have already seen the best of what makes this country different than any other and a leader in the world.
We have this idiot in the Whitehouse that continues to tweet like a 3 year old, can't stay off the golf course, makes up nonsenses that is equivalent to those tabloids in the supermarkets that talk about Elvis living in Idaho, so I ask myself why is this so surprising.
This country took a real turn into the ditch by voting for this incompetent imbecile, and it's scary to think we have already seen the best of what makes this country different than any other and a leader in the world.
96
What people keep forgetting is that Mrs. Clinton won the peoples vote by almost 3 million votes. Mr. Trump is not the President of the United States.
4
Washington DC Inc for sale - what the people have known all along. Why else would people campaign so hard for jobs that pay $174,000 a year?
62
There is no doubt that this administration is the most corrupt in all of U.S. history, all of us need to work together to make sure that the eventual take down is the largest in U.S. history. Start by voting in 2018.
274
Voting in 2018 is crucial, but we can't wait that long to start fighting this corrupt administration. Start by doing whatever you can right now. Donate what you can to Democrats running for office, from U.S. Congressional special elections (including Osoff) to state legislatures and governorships, to local offices. Donate to liberal and nonpartisan groups seeking fairness and justice. Become an activist. Volunteer to support organizations that stand up for us all against the horrible policies and corruption of so-called "conservatives" in government, and the propaganda networks that support them. Write and call your representatives in Congress.
2
Robert - I agree with you and I am out there fighting. It's hard to keep up the energy needed to fight something so monumental but I promise to keep doing everything I can. Thank you for the encouragement.
2
Buying a position in the government is undemocratic in the extreme. I blame the Supreme Court for establishing the legitimacy of super pacs thus canceling out the voting power of the people. It was a unconscionable and grievous misjudgment perpetrated by the Republican faction of the Court.
174
I deplore the unconstrained flood of cash to politicians that our Supreme Court deemed to be a fundamental right enshrined in our constitution, but I fail to see how this leads to "canceling out the voting power of the people". The cash buys politicians and influences their decisions to favor the suppliers of said cash, but are "the people" such dupes that the pol with the most cash is guaranteed to get their votes? It used to be that the money in the hands of pols was literally used to buy individual votes, one by one. I have not seen any evidence of this kind of activity at a scale sufficient to actually sway an election. Granted there are an abundance of studies that confirm the candidate who spent the most money going into an election prevailed, but where is the evidence proving causality? Couldn't the winning candidate have had the most money to spend since he/she was the more popular?
Could have.
Did not.
Did not.
So you really think a billionaire who owns a media network has the same amount of "free" speech as one of us?
The way political landscape has been inundated with big money, pushing the one person one vote principle to background ever since the Citizens United ruling, is not only unprecedented in America's political history but seems to have radically redefined the democratic power balance in society in favour of the filthy rich class of the wheelers and dealers, which is really disturbing for the future of democracy.
139
From now on it's The White House, Inc. (Boy, talk about "insiders.")
35
The swamp is alive and well with slimy creatures and lots of green. Well done angry white males. You should have paid attention in civics class.
145
I'm afraid weak white women should be included.
12
Another day, another outrage. Almost becoming numb to the constant flood of Trump crap dominating the media. The country needs an antidote. An alternative to Trump, a champion we can rally behind to drive Trump and the alt right out of our collective lives. The Democratic Party has failed to produce that champion.
88
Tony, maybe you need to stop looking for an inspiring hero to follow, and just start taking action in concert with ordinary like-minded fellow citizens. It's too easy to wait for someone else to save us, when we should be saving ourselves.
Political power is not about finding the ideal "champion." It's a numbers game. It's about YOU and a hundred million like-minded people continually engaging at ground level to promote policies you care about, whether your elected officials are inspiring or not. No leader has exclusive ownership of particular ideas -- in fact, you want as many leaders as possible to switch to the best ideas, even if they're not all the best leaders.
The Civil Rights movement did not start with Martin Luther King, nor did it end when he died. That battle standard was carried by millions of anonymous individuals over many decades -- it still is, and they're not waiting for another MLK to keep going. Neither should we. There are no champions except you and your fellow citizens.
Political power is not about finding the ideal "champion." It's a numbers game. It's about YOU and a hundred million like-minded people continually engaging at ground level to promote policies you care about, whether your elected officials are inspiring or not. No leader has exclusive ownership of particular ideas -- in fact, you want as many leaders as possible to switch to the best ideas, even if they're not all the best leaders.
The Civil Rights movement did not start with Martin Luther King, nor did it end when he died. That battle standard was carried by millions of anonymous individuals over many decades -- it still is, and they're not waiting for another MLK to keep going. Neither should we. There are no champions except you and your fellow citizens.
13
"The Democratic Party has failed to produce that champion."
Is that your excuse for voting for the Felon-in-Chief?
Is that your excuse for voting for the Felon-in-Chief?
4
CORRUPT. THE QUESTION ISNT WHETHER IT WILL TAKE A FALL BUT HOW?
28
As aides (influence peddlers) temporarily set aside lucrative "dark money" to serve their country, working stiffs get an education on their dwindling entitlements--and never the twain shall meet.
21
I suppose we will have to wait until 2021 to "drain the swamp."
29
2018 if we're strong and united.
7
"I suppose we will have to wait until 2021 to "drain the swamp.""
You have an opportunity every November to vote the GOP Party of Death out of office. Please exercise that right.
You have an opportunity every November to vote the GOP Party of Death out of office. Please exercise that right.
3
This is the right-wingnut wealthfare system at work. These people run for office or are hangers-on to those who run for office and even if they or their candidate loses, they still win. I'm sure they laugh all the way to the bank, all while declaring loudly that we really need to eliminate "job-killing" regulations like the minimum wage, which has been at $7.25 an hour since 2009.
I'd like to kill their jobs.
I'd like to kill their jobs.
227
Disgusting how much money is spent to justify the wealthy not paying their fair share of taxes. I wonder if the Mercers, Koch and their billionaire buddies really believe the Randian so-called philosophy they use to justify their greed. That would make them stupid as well as venal.
But at least now we can watch the new reality show: Battle of the Billionaires - with Mercers Family fighting the Koch Brothers to see which family can spend the most and sink the lowest morally. Round 1 goes to the Koch Brothers, whose wholly owned affiliate in Congress, the Freedom Caucus, sunk the rotten Trumpcare bill, albeit for the wrong reasons.
Hey Trump Supporters - how do you like the swamp that Trump is building. Watch as he feeds you to the alligators.
But at least now we can watch the new reality show: Battle of the Billionaires - with Mercers Family fighting the Koch Brothers to see which family can spend the most and sink the lowest morally. Round 1 goes to the Koch Brothers, whose wholly owned affiliate in Congress, the Freedom Caucus, sunk the rotten Trumpcare bill, albeit for the wrong reasons.
Hey Trump Supporters - how do you like the swamp that Trump is building. Watch as he feeds you to the alligators.
512
Very well said, thank you!
16
Rita ~ Your last two sentences are fantastic and prompted a bittersweet smile.
Trumpcare failed because Obama allowed the insurance companies to destroy the ability to undo Obamacare. Don't kid yourself OBAMA sold out this company to for profit insurance companies. That's what destroyed your health care.
This is filling the swamp with affluent effluent.
Remember when the hyper-hypocritical Republicans were beating on the "Hillary took speaking fees from Goldman Sachs!" meme like a rented mule?
Then Trump essentially sold the White House to the highest bidders.
Remember when the hyper-hypocritical Republicans were beating on the "Hillary took speaking fees from Goldman Sachs!" meme like a rented mule?
Then Trump essentially sold the White House to the highest bidders.
399
The Republicans only hate Goldman Sachs because Goldman Sachs had to much sense to lend money to Donald Trump. Instead, he borrowed rubles from the Russian plutocrats.
7
Surprise! People look at the cost benefit analysis of whether or not a kid with cancer should receive an outrageously expensive new drug that might save their life or whether or not a shut in elderly person receives Meals on Wheels are filling their pockets and bathtubs with cash as the argue that they really want to free the disabled, the poor, the sick and elderly from oppressive government run programs such as Medicaid. Citizens United should be renamed Rich and Connected.
302
Selling off the USA to the highest bidder.
106
And Putin won the auction.
1
Anyone who thinks our government isn't bought and paid for is naive. The US has been an Oligarchy since 2014. Things will be going downhill from here with the rich getting richer and the poor getting kicked in the teeth.
121
"The US has been an Oligarchy since 2014."
I'd think so too if I was born in 2013. Can I suggest you read just a little farther back in our history? It's a mere 241 years and a brisk read.
I'd think so too if I was born in 2013. Can I suggest you read just a little farther back in our history? It's a mere 241 years and a brisk read.
2
Two points to be made here.
#1 Trump did actually say, he'd be the first president to turn a profit.
#2 A sucker is born every minute and Trump seems to have cornered the market.
Sadly, both appear true.
#1 Trump did actually say, he'd be the first president to turn a profit.
#2 A sucker is born every minute and Trump seems to have cornered the market.
Sadly, both appear true.
340
Yes, Mr. Thornton. The International Top 1% Global Financial Elite / Radical Religion Mafia Good Old Boys' Party/Corporate Cabal has us.
fox so-called news, hate radio/social media - all owned by the same BIG global democracy-destroying thieves who want it all.
Get your money out of stock markets - they're going to crash them all and they will win - just like The Con Don bragged he won when the markets crashed in 2008 and half of Americans lost half their 401Ks and home value along with jobs and homes.
Boycott fox so-called news and hate radio/social media.
WE THE PEOPLE are the only ones who can stop them.
fox so-called news, hate radio/social media - all owned by the same BIG global democracy-destroying thieves who want it all.
Get your money out of stock markets - they're going to crash them all and they will win - just like The Con Don bragged he won when the markets crashed in 2008 and half of Americans lost half their 401Ks and home value along with jobs and homes.
Boycott fox so-called news and hate radio/social media.
WE THE PEOPLE are the only ones who can stop them.
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The Trump kleptocracy leaves ample graft for the faithful. But the big bucks go to the royal family.
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I guess once you drain the swamp you get to see the snakes.
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no experience of the everyday American. It is as blind as was Marie Antoniette when, during the French Revolution, she stupidly suggested that if Frenchmen couldn't find bread they should eat cake! She did not end well and maybe this government won't end well either. We can hope and fortunately we can count on the Press to expose it.