Trump is a conman and thief, and the rest of our political leaders are little better.
6
Good lord, the White House response was vintage, misspelling Mr. Shaub's name to accuse him of what Donald must regard as the gravest slur---grandstander. Probably will get upgraded to the showboat category given Mr. Shaub's editorial page piece today. The nerve of him, disagreeing. Take that, you grandstander!
Mr. Shaub, best wishes and thank you for everything you have done to identify the myriad issues that will define this period in time. While I am doubtful that your suggestions will be acted upon during this regime, the tide will turn at some point.
Mr. Shaub, best wishes and thank you for everything you have done to identify the myriad issues that will define this period in time. While I am doubtful that your suggestions will be acted upon during this regime, the tide will turn at some point.
17
Right after the election, a man in Chicago was quoted in the news as saying, "Well, we have a gangster in the chair, now." President Trump lived for years in an environment in which ethics were not important; winning and making money were important. Now we are seeing the disastrous effects of this attitude on our government. We will have a great deal of repairing to do as a nation when he is finally gone from the White House.
12
Like it or not, the President has been and always will be a role model to those that respect us and want emulate our morality. Trump is the opposite of what we preach to others as being the right and moral things to do. However, there are those in the world that admire his lack of morality as a sign of strength. We should be very careful whose side we choose.
5
Trump was the laughing stalk of during the primaries and pundits said he didn't have a chance of winning the nomination, so we relaxed; he was the laughing stalk during campaign and when pundits said he couldn't win against Hillary, and we relaxed and laughed with the rest; and now that he is President and we are the laughing stalks cause we elected him, we seem to wonder why.
1
It's called draining the swamp people. Plain & simple..
1
With the least ethical inhabitant of the US presidency that the country has ever had since Teapot Dome scandals over 100 years ago, and his almost daringly transparent ignorance of conflict of interest traditions (not to forget the secret tax returns), the media (whom he deems "fake news" to start) and the people of this country must be more vigilant than ever. Failure to do so will only "make America fail again" a joke followup to the now silly sounding campaign promises of "make America Great Again".
9
This just might make America great(er). I'm offended daily by the fact that taxpayers are supporting someone whose only goal is to build a legacy (and good luck with that) and gather personal power and wealth. The President should not be above the law, and should be provided with ethics if he hasn't any, at least as far as his job goes.
11
Republican ethics, healthcare is another example: Wondering this morning if McCain is grateful for the surgery that he received just as he was about to vote against a significant portion of the population's ability to secure and pay for even the most basic levels of medical care? How can it feel to be seeing your doctor knowing you have been part of a movement to prevent access to medical care for millions? Where is their conscience?
6
In the current administration, including most Republicans in congress, ethical amounts to anything they can get away with. So sad.
13
The trump folks have ethics. They're the ethics of the Russian Oligarchs, but they're ethics, alright.
4
Close to being the "laughing stock".........We passed "close" a while back. No one can argue that we are the laughing stock of the world. The bully in charge has seen to that.
13
trump has no idea what the word "ETHICS" means, nor will he ever learn...
9
Every day at my job I see US veterans who have given up parts of their bodies in service to this nation. In exchange for a modest salary and benefits, these soldiers volunteered to put their lives and their bodies on the line. There is nothing we could ever do for a man to repay him for the loss of his legs.
Every single day in the news I read about wealthy politicians who live in extravagant luxury, work at their posh jobs, and earn lavish lifetime benefits while they lie, and finger-point, and twist the truth unrecognizably to justify their unconscionable behavior. They have actively destroyed ethics, truth, justice, fairness, history, science, and facts to protect their jobs as the president's "yes men." Keeping their power is more important to them than the future of democracy in America.
The term "public servant" is nauseatingly false. Veterans have served. The politicians controlling the government today are the worst kind of leeches.
One wonders what they will think of their actions when they've lost the power of ethical oversight and a Democratic president takes office.
Every single day in the news I read about wealthy politicians who live in extravagant luxury, work at their posh jobs, and earn lavish lifetime benefits while they lie, and finger-point, and twist the truth unrecognizably to justify their unconscionable behavior. They have actively destroyed ethics, truth, justice, fairness, history, science, and facts to protect their jobs as the president's "yes men." Keeping their power is more important to them than the future of democracy in America.
The term "public servant" is nauseatingly false. Veterans have served. The politicians controlling the government today are the worst kind of leeches.
One wonders what they will think of their actions when they've lost the power of ethical oversight and a Democratic president takes office.
19
You had me until the end.
Tje democrats are WORSE than than the repubs!!
Open your eyes lad.
Tje democrats are WORSE than than the repubs!!
Open your eyes lad.
2
Observant, all my implications are true of both parties. Currently the R's are in power, and so they are pushing the abuse of it farther. They will regret the loss of oversight the next time the Dems are in power, at which point the Dems will push the abuse even farther, and so on. It is the party in power that abuses the power. Today, that power is in the hands of the R's, and wailing about HRC or Obama does little good to restore our system of checks and balances.
While you sit here shouting, "the Dems are worse!" the politicians in this nation have taken our democracy and replaced it with an oligarchy. There is little left to the People's voice.
While you sit here shouting, "the Dems are worse!" the politicians in this nation have taken our democracy and replaced it with an oligarchy. There is little left to the People's voice.
9
I say this same to practically every oped, because I don't think it is stressed/underlined nearly enough--the Republicans have given Trump the keys to our country and told him AND his family to have at it. Not only are we the laughing stock of the world, we'll be third world by the time they're done.
27
And deservedly so.
A "laughingstock," I'm not sure, because I envision a "laughingstock" as someone who sees life as a scripted reality show where he always comes out the winner oblivious to the pigsty in which he lives. I can't think of anyone in the US government who matches that description.
5
"Close to laughingstock?" We're there baby! All this talk about repealing. When are we going to repeal the failing trump administration?
18
Oh yes. I think we passed laughingstock a few miles ago.
7
Republicans denigrate Mr. Schaub at their peril. Richard Painter who headed George W. Bush's ethics office has been far more trenchant in his assessment of the ethics lapses of President Trump and his family. The ethical lapses are substantial and real, verging on crimes. If they ever get into legal contention, complicit apologist Republicans will find themselves in danger on multiple fronts.
Almost everyone in the White House has lawyered up. That should tell us all what lies ahead.
Almost everyone in the White House has lawyered up. That should tell us all what lies ahead.
25
Close to a laughingstock? Lots of laughing at the US going on here in France these days...
16
Anyone who takes a stand against the current administration is labeled a "grandstander", and their motives and credibility are attacked. I call them patriots.
61
Thank you Mr Schaub. My only critique is that you say we are "close to a laughingstock". Forget the "close to".
14
" U.S. Is ‘Close to a Laughingstock"
Not at all, I would appreciate being given something that would make me Laugh... this doesn't.
If Trump was close to a Chicken Stock, I would never eat Campbell's Soup or any Soup again for that matter, so sure I would be of getting poisoned from it.
Not at all, I would appreciate being given something that would make me Laugh... this doesn't.
If Trump was close to a Chicken Stock, I would never eat Campbell's Soup or any Soup again for that matter, so sure I would be of getting poisoned from it.
6
Ask Trump and his sycophants in congress to strengthen ethics laws? Your results would be marginally better if you asked a pig to fly.
13
The nation, well at least a portion of it, has been hoodwinked by the master manipulator of public relations, the man who is president. And his lackeys are all profiting one way or another as well. The current administration has taken the corruption of ethics by politicians to a new and grand level!
10
Mr. Shaub, sorry for messing up your name.
2
In 2014 the Executive Secretary of Georgia’s ethics commission was fired after a judge fined her $10,000 for unethical conduct. She had withheld evidence in a case involving the wrongful termination of the previous Executive Secretary.
That and other lawsuits by ousted employees, of the Ethics Commission, resulted in the state paying millions of dollars in fines and settlements for its unethical treatment of employees. Of its ethics commission.
All because they dared to investigate ethics complaints against Gov. Nathan Deal.
In his order fining the now rightfully-dismissed Executive Secretary (not the wrongfully-dismissed one that the rightfully-dismissed one had withheld evidence about) the judge called her (the unethical one the Gov. hand-picked to replace the ethical one he’d forced out) “dishonest and non-transparent throughout these proceedings.”
The Gov’s obstruction of justice has never been criminally investigated. Instead, the state’s Attorney General, whose office was also fined for the evidence withholding, was appointed the president of Kennesaw State University without a national search, as the only candidate considered, and despite having no academic background.
A new Attorney General was appointed. By Gov. Nathan Deal.
Are there no honest men and women left in Georgia? At least that haven’t been wrongfully dismissed?
http://news.wabe.org/term/georgia-ethics-commission
That and other lawsuits by ousted employees, of the Ethics Commission, resulted in the state paying millions of dollars in fines and settlements for its unethical treatment of employees. Of its ethics commission.
All because they dared to investigate ethics complaints against Gov. Nathan Deal.
In his order fining the now rightfully-dismissed Executive Secretary (not the wrongfully-dismissed one that the rightfully-dismissed one had withheld evidence about) the judge called her (the unethical one the Gov. hand-picked to replace the ethical one he’d forced out) “dishonest and non-transparent throughout these proceedings.”
The Gov’s obstruction of justice has never been criminally investigated. Instead, the state’s Attorney General, whose office was also fined for the evidence withholding, was appointed the president of Kennesaw State University without a national search, as the only candidate considered, and despite having no academic background.
A new Attorney General was appointed. By Gov. Nathan Deal.
Are there no honest men and women left in Georgia? At least that haven’t been wrongfully dismissed?
http://news.wabe.org/term/georgia-ethics-commission
4
“I used to be disgusted. Now, I'm just amused...” ~ ELVIS COSTELLO
12
You know? I'm beginning to think that the reason this country is being flushed down the toilet is because the American people pulled the chain.
Whose country is this anyhow? Did we fight a revolution against England so that oligarchs can get rich? Isn't that what we didn't want? How did we hand our rights over to a new form of monarchy?
Oh well, as the Ship of Fools sails into the sunset, say good bye to a once-near-great country where they tried to create a place where fair play and decency prevailed. Now, it's a ship with only first class and steerage, sailing toward heaven knows where.
Nice going, Americans.
Whose country is this anyhow? Did we fight a revolution against England so that oligarchs can get rich? Isn't that what we didn't want? How did we hand our rights over to a new form of monarchy?
Oh well, as the Ship of Fools sails into the sunset, say good bye to a once-near-great country where they tried to create a place where fair play and decency prevailed. Now, it's a ship with only first class and steerage, sailing toward heaven knows where.
Nice going, Americans.
44
I was going to write all that. Thanks for the favor. There nothing more to do but mourn for the loss.
12
Yes one certainly feels like the US may be at the same point as the Roman Empire before it collapsed:
"If you look at great human civilizations, from the Roman Empire to the Soviet Union, you will see that most do not fail simply due to external threats but because of internal weakness, corruption, or a failure to manifest the values and ideals they espouse."
Cory Booker
"If you look at great human civilizations, from the Roman Empire to the Soviet Union, you will see that most do not fail simply due to external threats but because of internal weakness, corruption, or a failure to manifest the values and ideals they espouse."
Cory Booker
1
Notice how the current White House staff always seem to be accusing people who criticize administration policies of "grandstanding"?
They dismiss the real concerns of thoughtful people with accusations of showing off.
Trump has surrounded himself with people as venal and shallow as himself.
They dismiss the real concerns of thoughtful people with accusations of showing off.
Trump has surrounded himself with people as venal and shallow as himself.
34
Yes, this administration is incapable of engaging an idea. They only know ad hominem attack.
22
My first reaction was that Shaub should hang in there until January, as a thorn in Trump's side, or until Trump fired him. But, now, once Trump guts the department and fills it with cuties straight out of college, and empty suits, he may ramp up his corruption game. His brainless base voters won't care. But enough of his anti-Hillary voters might be ready to vote for something different in 2018 and 2020, if Democrats can get their act together and offer it to them.
20
This administration appointing an ethics person is absurd. Unless they have the absolute independence and can report findings to appropriate agencies for investigation it's a fraud.
4
For Americans who are still ignoring the ethical standard of this President, please visit countries where politicians openly enrich themselves and corruption runs rampant. Do not think that it won't happen in the United States.
42
It's already on.
25
Nobody is laughing.
19
“My goal from the start has been to advance the ethics program, not a political goal.”
Thank you Mr Shaub. You sound like a person of integrity. We need more people like you in our government.
Thank you Mr Shaub. You sound like a person of integrity. We need more people like you in our government.
36
There is definitely no humility in the White House. Rather than be thoughtful about the comments, they are defensive and criticizing the man who knows best. God knows, the Trump administration is unethical. We have all seen evidence of that.
27
Can't Trump impose a tax the world on all the laughter they're getting for free by watching his folly.
6
'Close' to a laughingstock? That's odd, because all my foreign friends thought we were back in January!
33
A Trump spokeswoman said, “The truth is, Mr. Schaub is not interested in advising the executive branch on ethics. He’s interested in grandstanding and lobbying for more expansive powers in the office he holds.”
I see his words and photograph here. Mr. Shaub does not seem like the grandstanding type.
I see his words and photograph here. Mr. Shaub does not seem like the grandstanding type.
24
Trump and his henchmen always project onto others their own thoughts, actions and plans. Why are we the taxpayers paying for these lying henchmen?
26
"Grandstanding" is the go-to word when they are criticized. James Comey was also declared a "grandstander."
38
A White House official dismissed the criticism, saying on Sunday that Mr. Shaub was simply promoting himself and had failed to do his job properly.
Classic bully talk, typical of President Trump and his spokes-sycophants.
The person who has most spectacularly failed to do his job properly is clearly Mr. Trump, in ways too numerous to mention.
But, in case there's anyone reading this who actually thinks Trump is doing a good job, I'll simply ask two questions:
1. When do you think he's going to follow up on his campaign promise to put Hillary Clinton in jail?
2. Why has he not repealed Obamacare and replaced it with “something terrific” as he promised to do “very quickly”?
Classic bully talk, typical of President Trump and his spokes-sycophants.
The person who has most spectacularly failed to do his job properly is clearly Mr. Trump, in ways too numerous to mention.
But, in case there's anyone reading this who actually thinks Trump is doing a good job, I'll simply ask two questions:
1. When do you think he's going to follow up on his campaign promise to put Hillary Clinton in jail?
2. Why has he not repealed Obamacare and replaced it with “something terrific” as he promised to do “very quickly”?
33
I'm waiting to see the Wall.
2
“Mr. Schaub’s penchant for raising concerns on matters well outside his scope with the media before ever raising them with the White House — which happens to be his actual day job — is rather telling,” Lindsay E. Walters, a White House spokeswoman, said in a statement that misspelled Mr. Shaub’s name. “The truth is, Mr. Schaub is not interested in advising the executive branch on ethics. He’s interested in grandstanding and lobbying for more expansive powers in the office he holds.”
May we please see evidence to support or refute Lindsay Walters' statement that Mr. Shaub did not raise these concerns with the White House before taking them public?
May we please see evidence to support or refute Lindsay Walters' statement that Mr. Shaub did not raise these concerns with the White House before taking them public?
28
How is it possible to refute a negative? Why don't you show me proof you don't beat your wife?
3
Neal, I do not have a wife and the conversation is not about my domestic relations. I take your point, however, that it is more difficult to refute a negative. If I read you correctly my objective phrasing of the question has led you to impute illogic to my question. Let me restate: We have a problem. Mr. Shaub has asserted that he approached the White House regarding ethical concerns before going to the media. The White House has asserted that Mr. Shaub went to the media before he approached the White House regarding ethical concerns. These are mutually exclusive versions. Is it possible for further investigation to determine which of these versions is correct?
16
Now more than ever we must demand to see trumps tax returns. The guy is dirty and the dirt is buried in those returns.
30
Very impressive to think that it took only 7 months to go from "respected" to "laughingstock"! If Trump really puts his mind to it, just think what he could accomplish in the years ahead! "Pariah" status, perhaps?
21
The President called it when he said the world was laughing at us. It's a shame that Mr. Shaub is not joining Mr. Mueller's team.
7
Wait! He may still do a LOT of good from where he'll be.
5
Actually I wonder if resigning allows Mr. Shaub to in fact join the Mueller team. I imagine Mr. Mueller has all kinds of people volunteering information and help.
2
The only thing I don't understand is why does he say we are 'close' to a laughingstock? We are the laughingstock of the world.
26
When Lindsay Walters is an old lady looking back at her life in government, will she deem her willingness to slander Walter Schaub worth the loss of self respect that always occurs when one consciously lies? She should not forfeit her self respect so readily. Trump's time will pass but not so our image of ourselves.
31
It is too late. Anyone who works for the Trump administration lost their self respect the moment they took the job and stayed on after the first lie.
lets have a thousand points of light
4
Money trumps ethics. This administration is so brazen they just openly lifted the veil. The pawning off the US is now clearly out in the open. And the foolish Republican members of Congress who are not just in it for the gain, are being openly played as badly as the rest of us if they think they are making any sort of political difference that's not going to turn around and bite them where they sit.
18
Another person of conscience fleeing this criminal enterprise posing as an administration... Anyone who accepts any appointment in this circus of deception is missing human essentials.
34
Mr. Shaub,
Thank you for your service. You have served the nation with honor, integrity, and bravery. You have set an example for others to follow. The current administration sets new lows every day for honesty, truthfulness, and probity.
Hopefully, Mr. Mueller can uncover the conflicts of personal interest that have dwarfed the interests of the American people and their Federal government.
You have done your job. Maybe someday, the Republicans in both houses of Congress will fulfill their sworn oaths and do their jobs.
Thank you for your service. You have served the nation with honor, integrity, and bravery. You have set an example for others to follow. The current administration sets new lows every day for honesty, truthfulness, and probity.
Hopefully, Mr. Mueller can uncover the conflicts of personal interest that have dwarfed the interests of the American people and their Federal government.
You have done your job. Maybe someday, the Republicans in both houses of Congress will fulfill their sworn oaths and do their jobs.
103
Mr. Shaub, I appreciate your service for this country. Knowing that there are people who are trying to do the right thing made me feel better about this society. We need more people like you to shine to remove darkness.
26
Unfortunately it's easy to see how Mr. Shaub must have been viewed by Trump and co. - as an annoying little fly in their ointment. They are no doubt relieved that he is resigning. All they need to do in response is put out more nonsensical spin and move on to the next crisis they can sweep under the rug. I wish there were more people like Mr. Shaub willing to speak out against what they see as wrongdoings and oversteppings by an administration that is indeed a laughingstock, without being very funny.
20
Bravo Mr. Shaub, your integrity remains impeccable, your goals admirable.
The White House response? is grossly transparent in its attempts to discredit anyone who stands up for the integrity of office - an amazing number of people appear to be "grandstanding" of late.
The White House response? is grossly transparent in its attempts to discredit anyone who stands up for the integrity of office - an amazing number of people appear to be "grandstanding" of late.
74
Virtually everyone in America is governed by some type of ethics rules. I work in financial services, and as evidenced by the DOL Fiduciary Standard, we're always being reminded to do the right thing, morally/ethically.
And in the private sector, this obligation comes with teeth. Violate the new fiduciary rule as an advisor, for example, and you'll lose your license and will not be able to practice for a number of years, maybe forever.
So why should citizens be held to a higher standard than our elected officials? Isn't it the other way around? Shouldn't they be setting the example?
Not in the Trump administration. He doesn't care how much he disrupts local businesses when he decides to spend so many weekends at Mar-a-Lago. And he doesn't care becasue 1) he is immoral, and 2) there's no way to enforce ethical action.
And ethical action shouldn't have to be enforced, especially in America where we pride ourselves (or used to) on how we treat fellow citizens, and citizens of the world.
We've all had enough of Trump doing whatever he wants, whenever he wants, and lying whenever it suits him. And this is America? Well, I don't recognize it anymore. Trump has no shame, no moral center. And neither do his enablers in the GOP.
And in the private sector, this obligation comes with teeth. Violate the new fiduciary rule as an advisor, for example, and you'll lose your license and will not be able to practice for a number of years, maybe forever.
So why should citizens be held to a higher standard than our elected officials? Isn't it the other way around? Shouldn't they be setting the example?
Not in the Trump administration. He doesn't care how much he disrupts local businesses when he decides to spend so many weekends at Mar-a-Lago. And he doesn't care becasue 1) he is immoral, and 2) there's no way to enforce ethical action.
And ethical action shouldn't have to be enforced, especially in America where we pride ourselves (or used to) on how we treat fellow citizens, and citizens of the world.
We've all had enough of Trump doing whatever he wants, whenever he wants, and lying whenever it suits him. And this is America? Well, I don't recognize it anymore. Trump has no shame, no moral center. And neither do his enablers in the GOP.
28
It must be a big relief not to have to be a paragon of virtue anymore.
1
When you have a chief executive beholden to no ethics, well, there you go. He is a NYC real estate huckster who masquerades as a successful businessman, his "success" being built on a foundation of hoodwinking, deceiving, misleading,
and lying to people within the framework of buying and selling properties and branding properties with his name. It is astounding how half of this nation's voters not only cannot understand this, but could not care less.
and lying to people within the framework of buying and selling properties and branding properties with his name. It is astounding how half of this nation's voters not only cannot understand this, but could not care less.
23
Dear Mr. Shaub,
We are past "laughingstock" and definitely in horror territory. Thanks for your work.
Greg
We are past "laughingstock" and definitely in horror territory. Thanks for your work.
Greg
16
The current president is absurdly unsuited to even a routine staff position in this administration. The lack of fitness was on full display at the G20. Or as many called it, the G19.
Aloof, alone and adrift. That was the president. A total embarrassment.
And signing executive orders is not legislating---he doesn't understand the difference. This healthcare bill is a joke. McCain is a crusty voice?
In no time, Obama created a far-reaching financial rescue plan, a strong national stimulus package that kept states from financial ruin, and also coordinated an international response to the financial crisis.
Our current president is a scary storm in progress-- and it is becoming category 5...
Aloof, alone and adrift. That was the president. A total embarrassment.
And signing executive orders is not legislating---he doesn't understand the difference. This healthcare bill is a joke. McCain is a crusty voice?
In no time, Obama created a far-reaching financial rescue plan, a strong national stimulus package that kept states from financial ruin, and also coordinated an international response to the financial crisis.
Our current president is a scary storm in progress-- and it is becoming category 5...
24
For future elections, there MUST be some ethical standards added to the age/citizenship requirements one must have to run for president of the United States. Please.
Trump, years ago, actually paid fines 106 times due to money laundering involving Russians and his casinos... the list of ethical breaches goes on and on and on from there.
I knew we were in big trouble when he actually incited violence in a crowded rally space (I believe that's a felony) and was not immediately arrested; Obama would've been body-slammed to the ground, cuffed, and perp-walked to jail by his own security detail if he'd done anywhere near the same.
Once Trump became a candidate, the press (you're the Fourth Estate, folks), Jill Stein and her voters (she was pictured being wined & dined by Putin during her run), the non-voters, the Bernie-or-nobody pouters, and finally the electoral college, all failed to preserve our democracy from what it's being subjected to right now: a Kremlin sponsored slide into kleptocracy.
But the real tragedy is that he even qualified to run in the first place: police officers, airline pilots, and nuclear power plant workers have to pass a psych evaluation before taking on their responsibilities, but we've handed the nation, our military, nuclear arsenal & launch codes to an amoral maniac.
Trump, years ago, actually paid fines 106 times due to money laundering involving Russians and his casinos... the list of ethical breaches goes on and on and on from there.
I knew we were in big trouble when he actually incited violence in a crowded rally space (I believe that's a felony) and was not immediately arrested; Obama would've been body-slammed to the ground, cuffed, and perp-walked to jail by his own security detail if he'd done anywhere near the same.
Once Trump became a candidate, the press (you're the Fourth Estate, folks), Jill Stein and her voters (she was pictured being wined & dined by Putin during her run), the non-voters, the Bernie-or-nobody pouters, and finally the electoral college, all failed to preserve our democracy from what it's being subjected to right now: a Kremlin sponsored slide into kleptocracy.
But the real tragedy is that he even qualified to run in the first place: police officers, airline pilots, and nuclear power plant workers have to pass a psych evaluation before taking on their responsibilities, but we've handed the nation, our military, nuclear arsenal & launch codes to an amoral maniac.
38
well said!
7
I have three words for the White House: Prove Him Wrong.
10
We are there!!!
1
The hypocrisy of Trump's administration just grows and grows. Everyday it is some new horror. Never once is something uplifting or presidential said about him. Saw Obama on the news the other day. Couldn't believe my eyes. What happened to that grace and thoughtfulness? I just wish he could come back. But of course ...
The absolute worst part about this is that if HRC were doing .0000001 percent of what Trump does on a daily basis the Republicans would be jumping up and down screeching bloody murder. But they're not. Are they? They are just sitting around watching this charade of a man do whatever he wants. Disgusting. Every one of them.
The absolute worst part about this is that if HRC were doing .0000001 percent of what Trump does on a daily basis the Republicans would be jumping up and down screeching bloody murder. But they're not. Are they? They are just sitting around watching this charade of a man do whatever he wants. Disgusting. Every one of them.
25
Vulgarity, misogyny, racism, greed, idiocy, and isolationism are what’s being peddled by Trump and his followers; and they get away with it. It is a shame that the US ethical brand is now almost useless.
7
Not just "pretty close to a laughingstock"--we definitely are. I was at a science conference this past week and in a side meeting on planning future activities, where representatives from different countries were talking about the support for science activities they could expect from their government, several from other countries were laughing because the US under Trump does not support science. Mortifying...and SAD!
14
Mr. Schaub's recommendations are not dissimilar to what many financial houses now require. Workers are not required to disclose their taxes or health records, but the presidency and vice presidency are different. It is tragic that we need this kind of oversight in our highest office. It is tragic that the RNC on their standard survey page imply that four year colleges are somehow bad. They want to denigrate honor, integrity, and education. I have no words...
8
This country is in much deeper trouble than merely being a laughingstock. It will take a great deal of observation, patience, forgiveness and plain hard work for Europeans to hang on and keep us and the European Union together for at least the next two years. We are owned by Russia now after many years of regulatory capture by the stateless wealthy. Best country, most resources, inspiration to many, man on the moon, and now we are reduced to a puppet of both Fox and Putin.
11
We need a mechanism for a public vote to recall a sitting President. It's pretty clear that he'd lose that vote by a large margin.
14
we have one. it's called an election.
A friend with the State Department is posted to a US Embassy in South East Asia. She is compelled to register all gifts received by local contacts to eliminate any appearance of conflict of interest. On her birthday recently, she received a $20 coffee mug with a photo of herself and her dog on it from a local work related acquaintance. She duly reported it and donated it to a box of gifts received by other staff that will ultimately be given to a local charity. My friend and her colleagues have strong ethics and integrity. Trump and Co have none.
25
"Every other president since the 1970s, Republican or Democrat, worked closely with the ethics office, he said."
Does "since the 1970s" mean since 1980, or since 1970, or what?
Does "since the 1970s" mean since 1980, or since 1970, or what?
1
Stopped laughing long ago. I'm just frightened now.
23
Mr Shaub's position as departing head of the Office of Government Ethics will be filled on the last day of Trump's second term
MAGA
MAGA
6
What is so appalling is that the ethical lapses of Trump and his administration are so glaringly obvious that it doesn't really take someone like Mr. Schaub to point them out to us.
I think I understand his decision to leave. Were Trump and his minions interested in maintaining a level of integrity and behaving ethically, Mr. Schaub would be invaluable in providing them with advice, as he has done with other administrations. As it is, by continuing in his position, he would make it look like these unethical crooks were actually interested in what he tells them.
Thank you to Mr. Schaub for his service; our country is the less for the fact that this administration has no interest in how to behave ethically.
I think I understand his decision to leave. Were Trump and his minions interested in maintaining a level of integrity and behaving ethically, Mr. Schaub would be invaluable in providing them with advice, as he has done with other administrations. As it is, by continuing in his position, he would make it look like these unethical crooks were actually interested in what he tells them.
Thank you to Mr. Schaub for his service; our country is the less for the fact that this administration has no interest in how to behave ethically.
29
If, by accident of a few thousand votes in certain states, Ms. Clinton were President and committing such actions, The GOP Congress would have pulled a muscle running to impeachment proceedings.
Is it even possible now for legitimate political process to cleanse this sort of corruption and malfeasance from the executive branch? What would it take for the GOP to fulfill their oaths to the Constitution?
Is it even possible now for legitimate political process to cleanse this sort of corruption and malfeasance from the executive branch? What would it take for the GOP to fulfill their oaths to the Constitution?
54
Aren't these OUR United States? Elected or not, if a politician is systematically destroying our credibility and standing in the world, we must demand that our integrity as a nation is restored.
Have we gotten to a point of money and corruption in politics where such sentiments seem laughably naive?
All the more reason to take action now.
Have we gotten to a point of money and corruption in politics where such sentiments seem laughably naive?
All the more reason to take action now.
27
To Trump and his family, Shaub was a little nuisance, like a fly at a Mar El Lago reception for energy executives. Just something to brush away with a flick of his wrist. "Get lost. Throw him outta here."
A metaphor, surely, about this catastrophic Presidency.
A metaphor, surely, about this catastrophic Presidency.
20
I feel like sobbing.
The one word that keeps reverberating for me about Trump, his family, his administration, their lack of regard for ethics (not to mention the optics of no regard for them) is HUBRIS.
The treatment of Mr. Shaub is beyond sickening.
More and more, our new reality is looking a lot like House of Cards without the brilliance and grace of Kevin Spacey).
The one word that keeps reverberating for me about Trump, his family, his administration, their lack of regard for ethics (not to mention the optics of no regard for them) is HUBRIS.
The treatment of Mr. Shaub is beyond sickening.
More and more, our new reality is looking a lot like House of Cards without the brilliance and grace of Kevin Spacey).
26
The entire Trump mob family will be going to jail before too long. Muller has everything he needs and just has to tie up loose ends. Lawyers in DC who I know are dancing on their desks. The sooner Dangerous Don and company are put in the slammer, the better. And Pence won't be far behind. I predict Paul Ryan ends up president, and will get nothing done. Keep sending out your tweets, DD, the fun is almost over.
17
President Trump's behavior is exactly why this country has regulations. Almost every regulation is a reaction to an attempt to circumvent the laws and norms of the country. Trump has run roughshod over so many norms that it is inevitable that the long term result will be more rules and regulations to curb the kind of behavior that typifies the Trump presidency. It's no surprise that most of the Trump administration's executive actions to date are to reduce regulations in almost every area of public life. It's what you would expect of someone with no moral or ethical compass at all.
16
We have so many rules, regulations, and laws that you can't move without subject to some violation. Lawyers and lawsuits dominate our society. And our society has become the society of somebody else is at fault for my behavior. Please no more, we need another law to tell us how to behave.
3
I am hoping Mr. Shaub and others can be more effective at reigning in the rogue President from outside the system that has been hampering him. Had he had the support of the GOP Congress at the beginning of this administration I am sure he would be staying on.
Trump showed his arrogance and spots during the campaign. The time to create and enforce a requirement for the President-elect to produce his tax returns and deal with what we knew would be vast emolument issues could have happened between election day and inauguration day. Representative Clark (D-MA) was one who introduced such a bill during that very timeframe but of course it went nowhere.
Trump showed his arrogance and spots during the campaign. The time to create and enforce a requirement for the President-elect to produce his tax returns and deal with what we knew would be vast emolument issues could have happened between election day and inauguration day. Representative Clark (D-MA) was one who introduced such a bill during that very timeframe but of course it went nowhere.
8
The simplest and perhaps most telling ethics test, it's yes or no: Would you want your kids to grow up to be like Donald Trump?
44
My European relatives are either appalled or laughing hysterically.
21
0.5 down, 3.5 to go.
Or, 7.5 to go depending on who the Dems put forward in 2020.
Or, 7.5 to go depending on who the Dems put forward in 2020.
5
Would it be helpful for Shaub to go around the country and EDUCATE the public on what he has witnessed in his tenure? This guy has witnessed violations that warrant more attention than an article in your newspaper.
22
I agree. I saw Mr. Shaub interviewed recently on MSNBC and my brother said he heard him interviewed on NPR, so he's been getting out there talking about this.
7
Thank you Mr. Shaub. We all must resist and you did so mightily.
Sadly, I have zero confidence that Trey Gowdy will be honorable in such a situation. I remember his absurd time with Hillary all too well. Republicans as a bunch are not doing so well in the honorable dignified do-what-is-right department; they will go down in history as an immoral bunch of cowards.
Sadly, I have zero confidence that Trey Gowdy will be honorable in such a situation. I remember his absurd time with Hillary all too well. Republicans as a bunch are not doing so well in the honorable dignified do-what-is-right department; they will go down in history as an immoral bunch of cowards.
18
Re: Outgoing Ethics Chief: US Is 'Close To A Laughingstock'
To paraphrase from the famous scene in the comedic movie Blazing Saddles. The scene is where the banditos apply to Hedley Lamar to become enforcers ...
"Ethics, we don't need no stinkin' ethics"
After all, this is the Trump Administration, it's just life imitating art.
To paraphrase from the famous scene in the comedic movie Blazing Saddles. The scene is where the banditos apply to Hedley Lamar to become enforcers ...
"Ethics, we don't need no stinkin' ethics"
After all, this is the Trump Administration, it's just life imitating art.
9
Vladmir Putin's ethical lapses aren't laughable, they are horrifying.
And so, increasingly, are Trump's.
And so, increasingly, are Trump's.
26
Not long after he wrote the Prince, Machiavelli wrote to a friend,
Guicciardini, that “for a long time I have not said what I have believed, nor do I ever believe what I say . And if sometimes I do happen to tell the truth, I hide it among so many lies that it is hard to find.”
If Machiavelli came upon Trump, would they not embrace laughing their hearts out?
Guicciardini, that “for a long time I have not said what I have believed, nor do I ever believe what I say . And if sometimes I do happen to tell the truth, I hide it among so many lies that it is hard to find.”
If Machiavelli came upon Trump, would they not embrace laughing their hearts out?
9
In the new universe that is America, the White House spokesperson cannot even spell the name of the ethics chief correctly.
Proves how seldom anyone in the White House interacted with the ethics office.
Also proves their level of complete unprofessionalism, stupidity and refusal to respond to Mr. Shaub's request for information, in line with the responsibilities of his position.
Good luck to him and thanks for his ethics.
Proves how seldom anyone in the White House interacted with the ethics office.
Also proves their level of complete unprofessionalism, stupidity and refusal to respond to Mr. Shaub's request for information, in line with the responsibilities of his position.
Good luck to him and thanks for his ethics.
24
Well that was his job title, ethics. So he better be.
The Republicans have a 'naked emperor' leading them and, thus far, too few who are willing publicly to admit that 'the emperor has no clothes.'
16
godspeed, walter shaub. let us know if we can help.
14
"There is no compromise when it comes to corruption. You have to fight it." (A.K. Antony, politician, India) This is what our OGE is doing on the behalf of the American people.
Trump and Clan Trump are too busy building a personal empire of enormous financial wealth and power to worry about ethics in government. Americans need a president, a leader and defender of democracy who represents all Americans, not a bullying crime boss and his staff of bobble heads.
If Trump is not removed from office soon he will bring America to its knees. He is the most untrustworthy, deceitful, unfit, unknowledgeable, dishonorable, unpatriotic, and corrupt president in American history.
Mr. Schaub, we are already a laughingstock in the eyes of the world. We were a great country despite our flaws, and we held world leadership. In six months the Trump administration has destroyed our reputation and place in the world. He is a national and international disgrace.
Trump and Clan Trump are too busy building a personal empire of enormous financial wealth and power to worry about ethics in government. Americans need a president, a leader and defender of democracy who represents all Americans, not a bullying crime boss and his staff of bobble heads.
If Trump is not removed from office soon he will bring America to its knees. He is the most untrustworthy, deceitful, unfit, unknowledgeable, dishonorable, unpatriotic, and corrupt president in American history.
Mr. Schaub, we are already a laughingstock in the eyes of the world. We were a great country despite our flaws, and we held world leadership. In six months the Trump administration has destroyed our reputation and place in the world. He is a national and international disgrace.
15
I think we are viewed with sadness and alarm, there is nothing to laugh about in the matter of ethics now.
9
"Close to a laughingstock?!"...We surpassed 'close' a long time ago!
We have been this Admin's stooges for all,but 6 excruciating months!
Lines have either been blurred, if not entirely erased and what's even more stunning is how an inexperience lot, at times ignorant of public service in many instances dimwitted it's mind-boggling yet somehow they have us questioning our convictions, moral standards, fighting against each other doubting our judgement & very blatantly, obvious facts!
What's even more sad than a lack of diplomacy is the fact they have minimized the hard works and efforts of those, who have committed themselves to public service and actually WORK for the people!
We have been this Admin's stooges for all,but 6 excruciating months!
Lines have either been blurred, if not entirely erased and what's even more stunning is how an inexperience lot, at times ignorant of public service in many instances dimwitted it's mind-boggling yet somehow they have us questioning our convictions, moral standards, fighting against each other doubting our judgement & very blatantly, obvious facts!
What's even more sad than a lack of diplomacy is the fact they have minimized the hard works and efforts of those, who have committed themselves to public service and actually WORK for the people!
6
The goal of the Administration (Bannon, included), is to dismantle, scuttle, hobble, or otherwise delay anything that creates stability and predictability. The Mercers are high-speed traders, volatility creates profit. Lack of rules creates controllable volatility. This generates profits. Ironically, the markets have been quite stable.
Mr. Shaub represents stability, transparency, and honesty. Of course he will be denigrated by the Administration. I hope Mr. Shaub's transition allies him to be a lens into how Trump, et al, really work. It would be enlightening.
Mr. Shaub represents stability, transparency, and honesty. Of course he will be denigrated by the Administration. I hope Mr. Shaub's transition allies him to be a lens into how Trump, et al, really work. It would be enlightening.
12
Where are the voices of the outraged Democrat representatives? Why not share their voices rather than constantly reporting on Republicans continued silence. The Republicans are weak in their choices only if you show the strength of the party willing to oppose him.
8
Making America Great Again just one step ahead of the law and with no concern for ethics. What a big improvement over everything the voters hated about the Clintons!
5
Clinton won.
2
oh that word again"grandstand", that means the grandstander-in-chief weighed in on the statement. pathetic.
3
What does he mean "close"? We ARE the laughing stock of the world, and we richly deserve to be so. The rest of the world has long had the opinion that we were sadly lacking in the intelligence of our citizens, especially those of our leaders, but we have now beyond all doubt proved that they were right. Except for the ability to make money were really not all that good at everything else, and the rest of the world is giggling themselves silly. I'll need to remember that next time when I see their smiles when they come in contact with me, now that i know those aren't smiles, they're laughs.
60
Ethics. Republicans. Trump!! Every primary candidate insulted in turn until they fell, one by one, leaving the insulter in chief to represent all Republicans, who then, oh so ethically, using the solicited help of a hostile Russian government, ( if you're listening) proceeded to attack the structure of the Democratic Party and its candidate. And then...all the insulted Republicans quickly fell into line backing Trump, the one who shot them down, putting them, oh so ethically! Political party above the Nation!
God help us.
God help us.
7
Any time anyone stands up against the Trumpists, they are accused of "grandstanding". Just another of their ridiculous memes.
My only problem is that this has been apparent for a very long time.
My only problem is that this has been apparent for a very long time.
11
This is telling: “Mr. Schaub’s penchant for raising concerns on matters well outside his scope with the media before ever raising them with the White House — which happens to be his actual day job — is rather telling,” Lindsay E. Walters, a White House spokeswoman, said in a statement that misspelled Mr. Shaub’s name. “The truth is, Mr. Schaub is not interested in advising the executive branch on ethics. He’s interested in grandstanding and lobbying for more expansive powers in the office he holds.”
This man has been on NPR and other news outlets saying the same thing again and again about Trump and Company's failure to leave their private financial matters and businesses in blind trusts. He has told the White House directly. That they fail to listen, that they ignore him, is telling.
In a just world, their hubris would release dozens of Krakens.
This man has been on NPR and other news outlets saying the same thing again and again about Trump and Company's failure to leave their private financial matters and businesses in blind trusts. He has told the White House directly. That they fail to listen, that they ignore him, is telling.
In a just world, their hubris would release dozens of Krakens.
9
I work at a large high school.
I am just waiting for the first student to cheat on an exam, get caught, then claim that cheating on exams is not against the law, so will go on as if nothing happened.
We have great role models in the WH now.
I am just waiting for the first student to cheat on an exam, get caught, then claim that cheating on exams is not against the law, so will go on as if nothing happened.
We have great role models in the WH now.
15
Do not worry. It is the model Christians support with unquestioning, unthinking loyalty.
5
I was a doubter of Mr. Shaub's resignation before; why resign when he's one of Trump's so few check and balance inside the government? But now it's clear. It's a calculated move so that the limelight is more intense and focused in congress's Ethics committee to make OGE tougher and stronger . Right now, all of OGE's bark has no teeth against this administration's ethics violation. WH doesn't care even with Mr. Shaub's publicly renouncing all it's blatant offense. They mock all his noise, knowing there's no legal consequences. However, the resignation made electorate watching closer. Mr. Gowdy's committee needs to show they don't kowtow to Emperor Trump.
Brilliant move Walter Shaub.
Brilliant move Walter Shaub.
11
The whole arrogant grifter Trump clan needs to go.
11
Mr. Shaub's "loud withdraw" is a heroic act of patriotism. He has my respect. How about the White house claiming that he just wants more authority for the job he's in? Notice that he's leaving it?
123
No we are not close but are the laughing stock as Trump seek to undo everything that Obama did. Thanks to the silence of the GOP, he's getting his way to the detriment of the American people. The saddest part is his supporters don't see it until the damages are done.
7
No Trump's supporters and the GOP know exactly what is happening. They just do not care because now they have power. And it does not matter what they do with that power, as long as they get to keep it. And the American voters keep voting the GOP in.
6
I think we passed "close" about six months ago.
8
Lindsay E. Walters, who apparently works for the Grandstander-in-Chief, can't even spell Mr. Shaub's name, and accuses him of grandstanding. The truth is, Ms. Walters, the White House is not interested in advice on ethics. A new poll shows that only 40% of Americans--40%--believe Trump would put the country's interests before his own economic interests. I'm assuming the same would go for the GOP leadership.
Thanks to Mr. Shaub for taking a principled stand. It's gonna take an army of whistleblowers to drive this administration out of town. But anyone with any professional ethical standards must be engaged in a similar moral calculus. It's not about jumping ship before it hits an iceberg, it's about diverting its course.
Thanks to Mr. Shaub for taking a principled stand. It's gonna take an army of whistleblowers to drive this administration out of town. But anyone with any professional ethical standards must be engaged in a similar moral calculus. It's not about jumping ship before it hits an iceberg, it's about diverting its course.
16
The bar for ethics is so low in this administration I fear we will never return to good ethics in government. I never thought I'd see this day.
18
Sorry, I just don't get comments like "Who cares if he get a little bit richer because he was President?" or "This is a power grab by a bureaucrat. NYT please stop the war on President Trump." This guy is a true American hero.
12
You are wrong.
The confines and restrictions on the presidency are ill-defined In the Constitution. His office was created to assist the presidency deal with unprecendented issues. The office has no regulatory authority under law.
Mr. Shaun is seeking to expand the scope of his office, in a way that is outside the typical pathway for approval, i.e., an agency attacking thep rincipal (presidency) his office was intended to assist.
The confines and restrictions on the presidency are ill-defined In the Constitution. His office was created to assist the presidency deal with unprecendented issues. The office has no regulatory authority under law.
Mr. Shaun is seeking to expand the scope of his office, in a way that is outside the typical pathway for approval, i.e., an agency attacking thep rincipal (presidency) his office was intended to assist.
2
Anyone who defends unethical, immoral, or uncivilized behavior makes a telling statement about their own personal values.
6
Spell Schaub's name correctly and maybe someone will pay attention to you. You will still be wrong but at least you will show that you have some idea as to what is going in here.
2
Do Republicans really NEED ethics, though? They've survived this long without them.
13
Another abomination by our unscrupulous fascist government.
5
As one of the big USA fans, I sadly and fully agree with Mr. Schraub, the US is already the laughingstock at least here in the EU.
16
the guy who is in charge of making sure the swamp stays drained is driven out of office by the so-called president who wanted to drain it
10
So here is another person I can respect. I'll add him to the list with Sally Yates.
16
OK>
Mr. Shaub is quoted as saying " 'It creates the appearance of profiting from the presidency,” Mr. Shaub said. “Misuse of position is really the heart of the ethics program, and the internationally accepted definition of corruption is abuse of entrusted power. It undermines the government ethics program by casting doubt on the integrity of government decision making.'"
Wonder what he has to say regarding Vermont Educational and
Health Buildings Finance Agency that had issued the $6.5 million in bonds for Burlington College to purchase land for its relocation/expansion, not to mention that the venerable Sen Bernie Sanders - or his office - could never ever have pressured People’s United Bank to approve the loan application submitted by the Senator’s wife, Ms. Sanders. [An alternative to NYTimes piece can be had at: http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/06/22/bernie-sanders-jane-sa...].
One could consider it conflation except the latter dates back years ...even the Bank's 2016 calling of the loan due should have been a red flag: "On May 28, 2016, as Bernie and Jane Sanders marked their 28th wedding anniversary with campaign rallies in California, Burlington College closed its doors after 44 years in operation."
Then again, article notes "[the] administration had flouted or directly challenged long-accepted norms in a way that threatened to undermine the United States’ ethical standards, "
kettle and pot?
Mr. Shaub is quoted as saying " 'It creates the appearance of profiting from the presidency,” Mr. Shaub said. “Misuse of position is really the heart of the ethics program, and the internationally accepted definition of corruption is abuse of entrusted power. It undermines the government ethics program by casting doubt on the integrity of government decision making.'"
Wonder what he has to say regarding Vermont Educational and
Health Buildings Finance Agency that had issued the $6.5 million in bonds for Burlington College to purchase land for its relocation/expansion, not to mention that the venerable Sen Bernie Sanders - or his office - could never ever have pressured People’s United Bank to approve the loan application submitted by the Senator’s wife, Ms. Sanders. [An alternative to NYTimes piece can be had at: http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/06/22/bernie-sanders-jane-sa...].
One could consider it conflation except the latter dates back years ...even the Bank's 2016 calling of the loan due should have been a red flag: "On May 28, 2016, as Bernie and Jane Sanders marked their 28th wedding anniversary with campaign rallies in California, Burlington College closed its doors after 44 years in operation."
Then again, article notes "[the] administration had flouted or directly challenged long-accepted norms in a way that threatened to undermine the United States’ ethical standards, "
kettle and pot?
1
Deflecting doesn't change anything. As he reminds us frequently, he's president and we're not. dt and his crew have no ethics. Period.
Ask this question and do it frequently. Would you tolerate Obama or Clinton doing any of what dt has done?
Never trump.
Ask this question and do it frequently. Would you tolerate Obama or Clinton doing any of what dt has done?
Never trump.
9
No. Misdirection. Even if Bernie did all those things, it doesn't make Trump less unethical. I'm just glad you didn't bring up Hillary's emails. Can we please stop playing "Look over there?"
10
"But what about?" is deflection, just a way of trying to defend the indefensible.
We have no credibility. The electorate that put this in motion could care less how to restore it and like the people they put in positions of influence they function not just politically but daily in their own lives on double standards and preach how this was not their doing.
6
It appears as if the White House's response to anyone who is even remotely critical of its work is defamation. Every single time, it's the only response Trump and his spokespeople seem to know.
22
All the honest ones are fleeing.
33
America has been the laughingstock of the world since Trump's election which we may never recover from. That is THE sad part. Everything our founding presidents have worked for and fighting soldiers have died for have all gone to waste. America's greatness is gradually slipping away that future generations will only realize much, much later. What a shame!
115
The spelling error is 1. so embarrassing; and 2. completely symptomatic of this amateur-hour criminal administration. Americans, we Canadians are here for you whenever you decide to right your electoral wrongs. #AlwaysFriendsAndAllies
27
We love you, Canada. You are our wonderful cousins.
11
The rest of the world is not laughing. It is mired in deep anxiety, sensing a very dangerous moment. When the Leader of the Free World is such an incompetent and immoral clown, whatever laughter his behavior elicits, it is always muffled by the concern about consequences for all of us and above all for our children and grandchildren - worldwide. America has inflicted a catastrophe on itself and the world. I hope it will make it up by evicting this shameful administration in the most unambiguous way and then work extremely hard to fix the untold damage.
36
With all due respect, please dispense with the "Free World" description. With all that is happening, America's democracy is just hanging by a thread.
3
Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Although we’ve had a few, America has not enjoyed long term prosperity because of our great leaders. We’ve remained the shining city on the hill because we’re a society based on rule of law. Whatever you think about President Trump and his administration, Mr. Shaub’s proposal deserves support because it is in the best interests of all Americans to continue to be a nation based on the rule of law, and not become another society subject to the rule of man.
121
"Laughing Stock"
Strong words, indeed.
But the bigger question is -- why did it take Mr. Shaub this long to resign if he found this administration ethically so repugnant ? Which is why I find Mr. Shaub's ethics more questionable.
Strong words, indeed.
But the bigger question is -- why did it take Mr. Shaub this long to resign if he found this administration ethically so repugnant ? Which is why I find Mr. Shaub's ethics more questionable.
2
uh, because his job was to attempt (however unsuccessfully) to moderate exactly those unethical practices. to resign before taking a stand would be indefensible and his public commentary now, when he is no longer in a position to personally benefit from whatever additional powers are granted to the OGE, speaks strongly to the purity of his motivations.
21
He served his full term.
You've obviously NOT read the article. Mr Shaub DID NOT RESIGN - his 5 year term is over. This position is APPOINTED, not ELECTED.
I find your ignorance unfortunately typical, and your lack of comprehension in both reading and ethics immoral and incomprehensible. Please do respond, if and when you are able to remove your foot from your mouth.
I find your ignorance unfortunately typical, and your lack of comprehension in both reading and ethics immoral and incomprehensible. Please do respond, if and when you are able to remove your foot from your mouth.
3
It will be difficult to get anything through Congress but if it got as far as his desk, what's the betting he'd veto it? Then we'd find out if Congress has backbone enough to override the veto.
7
Why strengthen the office if it's going to end up being run by a yet another corrupt appointed traitor?
I'd advocate amending the Constitution to strengthen ethics laws and policing powers, but it would probably end-up being like the tax code endless game of whack-a-mole loop-hole.
The integrity of the president reflects the ethical and civic standards voters are willing to trade-off in order to feel safe, secure and reasonably happy. The GOP has done a masterful job fear-mongering, demonizing, dumbing-down and subverting Americans. That has groomed a larger portion of Americans to feel desperate, afraid, angry, resentful, hateful and untrusting. which in turn, leads to the loss of appreciation for and commitment to ethics. And religion, we are seeing, is not the force for ethics it used to be either.
What is destroying America is the climate of selfishness, immorality, traitorous behavior and dog-eat-dog that has been steadily flowing down the to average Americans. The degeneration is self-reinforcing, like climate change becomes when it passes the tipping point, past a certain point of damage that the negative effects become virtually unstoppable. We may be at the moral equivalent of climate change tipping point.
I don't know how to fix political morality without stopping the infestation of immorality and unpatriotic behavior that flows down hill from the wealthy, and that further benefits the wealthy.
I'd advocate amending the Constitution to strengthen ethics laws and policing powers, but it would probably end-up being like the tax code endless game of whack-a-mole loop-hole.
The integrity of the president reflects the ethical and civic standards voters are willing to trade-off in order to feel safe, secure and reasonably happy. The GOP has done a masterful job fear-mongering, demonizing, dumbing-down and subverting Americans. That has groomed a larger portion of Americans to feel desperate, afraid, angry, resentful, hateful and untrusting. which in turn, leads to the loss of appreciation for and commitment to ethics. And religion, we are seeing, is not the force for ethics it used to be either.
What is destroying America is the climate of selfishness, immorality, traitorous behavior and dog-eat-dog that has been steadily flowing down the to average Americans. The degeneration is self-reinforcing, like climate change becomes when it passes the tipping point, past a certain point of damage that the negative effects become virtually unstoppable. We may be at the moral equivalent of climate change tipping point.
I don't know how to fix political morality without stopping the infestation of immorality and unpatriotic behavior that flows down hill from the wealthy, and that further benefits the wealthy.
7
You can never be too greedy - Donald Trump
That's it in a nutshell.
GOP - Greed Over People (Socrates)
What a wonderful bunch of crooks in Washington.
That's it in a nutshell.
GOP - Greed Over People (Socrates)
What a wonderful bunch of crooks in Washington.
8
How dare "Lindsay E. Walters" impugn the upstanding Walter Shaub. What credence does she have?
8
Credence? She took a loyalty oath to put Trump over the USA. For Conservatives, that makes her word unimpeachable.
1
Remember how Republicans screamed to high heaven about the unethical Clintons and their use of the Lincoln Bedroom and on and on. Not a peep out of them about the brazen kleptocracy of Trump and his minions - and not nearly enough of a peep out of the Democrats. Are we beyond outrage?
22
Typical of this administration, they don't even bother to plead innocence. Instead they attack. Intimidating (or, in this case, attempting to intimidate) public servants is not the act of a democratic leader, it is the act of a proto-tyrant.
This sort ethical decadence is contagious. What remnants of an ethical society we had before his election are now gravely threatened.
We've made a two-bit thug into a mafia don.
This sort ethical decadence is contagious. What remnants of an ethical society we had before his election are now gravely threatened.
We've made a two-bit thug into a mafia don.
20
Close?
2
Good luck, Mr Mr. Shaub, but don't think that your observations and opinions will change anything.
1
In his new job he ultimately may make a difference.
It's important to envision a better future. If we want to get there.
It's important to envision a better future. If we want to get there.
4
Donald Trump's words and actions are laughable. They are ridiculously obviously self centered, egotistical, and bigoted against people who are not financially wealthy. He is defunding agencies and removing regulations enforced by those government agencies that were established for the protection of the people living in the U.S..
Most rational people that are not tied to religious superstitions and other unrealistic ideologies can see the clownish behavior for what it is--lies, lies, and more lies. Lies and exaggerations used as attempts to manipulate, and promote profits for the Trumps.
Most rational people that are not tied to religious superstitions and other unrealistic ideologies can see the clownish behavior for what it is--lies, lies, and more lies. Lies and exaggerations used as attempts to manipulate, and promote profits for the Trumps.
17
CLOSE TO?
3
Another screw up by Trump, he appointed someone with ethics to the ethics office. Apparently the only one around Trump who knew the concept was foreign to Trump. Perhaps Trump learned his ethics at the kitchen table and then from Roy Cohn. Shaub got out before he gagged to death.
Richard Painter, former ethics chief for W also gets the lack of ethics, at a different level. Richard Painter has been vehemently outspoken and has said at every opportunity, there is only one word for this - "Treason."
It's amazing to me how many Americans today do not get the concept of ethics or treason.
Richard Painter, former ethics chief for W also gets the lack of ethics, at a different level. Richard Painter has been vehemently outspoken and has said at every opportunity, there is only one word for this - "Treason."
It's amazing to me how many Americans today do not get the concept of ethics or treason.
12
Lawyers in our country can convince any jury that there is no reasonable proof to indict any big shot any more. All they have to do is create sufficient confusion in their mind.
Problem our High Courts are no better as was proved when Sheldon Shelby's conviction was over thrown on some flimsy grounds
I think we may now be the 4th world country which will lecture others and do exactly the same thing as the third world countries under the disguise of fairness and reasonable doubt
Problem our High Courts are no better as was proved when Sheldon Shelby's conviction was over thrown on some flimsy grounds
I think we may now be the 4th world country which will lecture others and do exactly the same thing as the third world countries under the disguise of fairness and reasonable doubt
1
As usual when critiqued Trump just smears the other idea. He can't and won't deal with the substance of anything. Which has gone from obnoxious to dangerous.
Under the best of circumstances, it is difficult for the US to try to lead by example in a complicated world. This President wouldn't even know how to get started, most of all because he has no moral compass.
Under the best of circumstances, it is difficult for the US to try to lead by example in a complicated world. This President wouldn't even know how to get started, most of all because he has no moral compass.
9
“It creates the appearance of profiting from the presidency,” Mr. Shaub said.
I mean, to say the least.
I mean, to say the least.
9
Close to a laughing stock? It's been beyond a laughing stock since Ronnie Regan.
6
please do not pretend to be Canadians! I can see your point, but don't encourage our friends abroad to think all, most, or even very many Americans are as selfish and ugly as the Trump administration is intent on making us appear.
climb rather to the top of the towers and let them know: Trump is an abomination, Trump is an aberration.
climb rather to the top of the towers and let them know: Trump is an abomination, Trump is an aberration.
9
I think a lot of things will be tightened as a result of this highly unethical administration.
Republicans knew this was likely to happen, and yet since January 20, they have turned a blind eye to Mr. Trump's arrogance. And, arrogance it is: he has showed zero interest in the topic. I had to laugh at the line, "all the time the president spends hosting guests at his golf courses and resorts gives the appearance of profiting from government".
It's more than the appearance!!! It is actually happening, for sure. I applaud Trey Gaudy if he follows through on trying to draft legislation to codify what is proper or improper.
It's sad that Mr. Trump showed so little interest. Every other US president has followed the rules, why shouldn't he?
Republicans knew this was likely to happen, and yet since January 20, they have turned a blind eye to Mr. Trump's arrogance. And, arrogance it is: he has showed zero interest in the topic. I had to laugh at the line, "all the time the president spends hosting guests at his golf courses and resorts gives the appearance of profiting from government".
It's more than the appearance!!! It is actually happening, for sure. I applaud Trey Gaudy if he follows through on trying to draft legislation to codify what is proper or improper.
It's sad that Mr. Trump showed so little interest. Every other US president has followed the rules, why shouldn't he?
13
Thank you mr schaub. You are a hero.
16
The grifter family has taken over the White House so now the World watches and laughs at the US!
8
Who was the White House spokesman characterizing?
This sound more like DT.
"Interested in grandstanding "
This sound more like DT.
"Interested in grandstanding "
6
Again the Trump administration uses a personal attack, this time on Mr. Shaub, part of the pattern of personal vilification (Whitman, Cruz, Clintons, Warren, Comey etc)
I wonder if the country can ever recover from the normalization of nastiness and lying. As this strategy has worked so far, and with gerrymandering, voter suppression, intimidation, and a Supreme Court allowing virtually unlimited corporate money to influence politicians, our current situation may well be permanent. In that case our future is one of nasty discourse, savage income inequality, and growing ugliness, pollution, racial animosities...
I wonder if the country can ever recover from the normalization of nastiness and lying. As this strategy has worked so far, and with gerrymandering, voter suppression, intimidation, and a Supreme Court allowing virtually unlimited corporate money to influence politicians, our current situation may well be permanent. In that case our future is one of nasty discourse, savage income inequality, and growing ugliness, pollution, racial animosities...
10
The problem here is that, once we get an average crook, we'll be acting as if we have a saint. People never learn. If it's Democrat or Republican, run the other way. History has proven it's a waste of time, yet people still won't demand third parties.
2
How would having a third party make any difference? Because a third party would magically be run by angels?
1
Imagine if someone like Mr. Shaub existed in the Putin regime. That would not last, right? If so, shouldn't it be no more likely than what has happened to Shaub in the U.S. and how likely was that?
Ethics is what contains corruption and immorality even when laws are not broken.
Ethics is what contains corruption and immorality even when laws are not broken.
4
Modern day hero.
12
Kudos to Walter Shaub for calling the nincompoop emperor..NAKED!
11
And the income tax returns will be available when?????????
20
"A White House official dismissed the criticism, saying on Sunday that Mr. Shaub was simply promoting himself and had failed to do his job properly."
Doesn't sound familiar at all.
Doesn't sound familiar at all.
9
That's the public abuse this man has had to endure.
Imagine the grief they've given him on the job!
Imagine the grief they've given him on the job!
4
"Mr. Trump's repeated trips to his family's business properties ... have caused discomfort for Mr. Shaub each time. 'It creates the appearance of profiting from the presidency.'"
What a joke. Trump is a billionaire and is more relaxed at nice properties. Simple fact is that Trump doesn't like the White House during the weekends. The White House is no dump, but it certainly can't compare to Trump's Mar A Lago Florida, waterfront estate.
Where would Mr. Shaub have Trump stay then? Would he issue guidance to confine Trump to the White House?
What a joke. Trump is a billionaire and is more relaxed at nice properties. Simple fact is that Trump doesn't like the White House during the weekends. The White House is no dump, but it certainly can't compare to Trump's Mar A Lago Florida, waterfront estate.
Where would Mr. Shaub have Trump stay then? Would he issue guidance to confine Trump to the White House?
2
You miss the point. What have other presidents done?
12
How many vacation days do you have? 54 in 6 months? Give me a break. Remember, this is the guy who criticized Obama for golfing! Trump doesn't even reach the level of laughing stock. He's just a pathetic snowflake.
10
I would be happy if he spent all his waking hours on the course. And took off 50 pounds.
Let's cut to the chase and just admit that the US is now a Fascist country.
Corporations and the 1% rule this nation and each and every politician.
We were bought, years ago. This experiment in Democracy has failed.
Corporations and the 1% rule this nation and each and every politician.
We were bought, years ago. This experiment in Democracy has failed.
13
Fascism is the Marriage of Business and Government for the benefit of both
By its inaction congress is ratifying a new rule: might makes right. These days, that means the Donald & Co. has Carte Blanche to reward its friends and destroy its enemies. Happy trails.
7
President Trumps rules of ethical standards:
1. If it is not strictly illegal, then it's OK to do it, despite the morality or appearance.
2. It's OK to lie, if it doesn't violate rule 1.
3. If there is absolutely no chance of getting caught, then rule 3 supersedes rule 1.
1. If it is not strictly illegal, then it's OK to do it, despite the morality or appearance.
2. It's OK to lie, if it doesn't violate rule 1.
3. If there is absolutely no chance of getting caught, then rule 3 supersedes rule 1.
16
Trey Gowdy may want to investigate what Mr. Shaub's concerns are? It's not Benghazi, Rep. Gowdy. Are you sure you'll be comfortable dealing with the unknowns here, like what the president steals from us taxpayers daily?
15
Bravo, Mr. Shaub. All of us involved in resisting this illegitimate administration should also be thinking "...I have never been one to shy away from bullies."
17
This so called president is in reality, a mobbed-up street thug rip off con artist who the Republican party and a lot of ignorant voters have dropped like a dirty bomb on the well being of our country. Trump's career history has been as a blatant walking infraction of the rule of law, and the longer he occupies the office, the worse the damage. I hope the good that comes from this abomination is that citizens who actually care will rise up in great numbers and demand a major revision of the electoral process in this country which gets the money and influence peddling out of our politics.
16
This is how they all are. The difference here is that Trump doesn't care what we think. The others put on a show.
2
I have enjoyed watching LPGA events but I could not stomach this one. I was disappointed that women would not change the venue in light of this man's history with women. And that some said they were glad to get the attention he would bring seems a slap in the face to women's causes. I doubt if I will ever watch another LPGA event. But all this is just a dot in the horror we are living.
16
Me neither. And god knows we needed a respite from these horrors.
3
Give more power to the administrative state which applies and enforces their version of "ethics" on one side but not the other. No thanks.
1
The most surprising thing in this article is that someone in the Trumped-up White House was able to spell "ethics."
16
Well said
3
What tragedy.
2
Ethics in Washington is non-existent.
5
Keep in mind that Trump will have to sign any ethics legislation passed by the Congress, and the chances of him signing anything like that are slim to none, Slim having just left town.
5
He is being too generous by using the qualifier "close to". The US is a full blown terrifying laughing stock, except we are going to be responsible for the distress and deaths of many due to the reckless policies being rolled out by this incompetence and cruel administration. So, it's not even funny.
11
I am now in Germany and we are the laughing stock!
7
And I am in France, where everyone I meet asks me how we could elect such a vile man!
6
The only government body that appears to be more corrupt than the current White House is the GOP, who are enabling this all to happen. Charlatans.
17
The family will be spending our summer vacation abroad in Europe. Once we clear customs, we are going to tell everyone that we are Canadians. That is how embarrassed I am by what this country has become.
16
Stuck in Madison. But wishing you a happy summer!
Husband is not well enough to travel. But travel I will, when I'm a widow.
Husband is not well enough to travel. But travel I will, when I'm a widow.
1
Ne need. They will not blame you. They will commiserate with you.
The White House says:"“The truth is, Mr. Schaub is not interested in advising the executive branch on ethics. He’s interested in grandstanding..."
If that were true, their statements would include specific examples of how Mr. Schaub himself was acting unethically.
But they can't, because the balance of factual evidence and behavior indicates the the current administration is based on moral and unethical quicksand. May their castle tumble.
If that were true, their statements would include specific examples of how Mr. Schaub himself was acting unethically.
But they can't, because the balance of factual evidence and behavior indicates the the current administration is based on moral and unethical quicksand. May their castle tumble.
18
This guy should show some professional decorum and move on.
Lots of people resign or are fired when leadership changes.
His whining to the press should show any potential employer his lack of mettle.
Lots of people resign or are fired when leadership changes.
His whining to the press should show any potential employer his lack of mettle.
3
No, his remarks show his commitment to the foundational values of his former post. Admittedly, he is saying nothing new, but it needs to be said again and again.
12
This guy is no whiner, as is your Dear Leader.
He is a Patriot of the highest caliber.
He is a Patriot of the highest caliber.
8
when the indictment happens, and it will, he will tell his 2nd amendment supporters to take up arms. it's going to get very bloody.
we will long for the day of a good economy and low gas prices.
the riots of the 60's will look like a parade in comparison of what's to come.
we will long for the day of a good economy and low gas prices.
the riots of the 60's will look like a parade in comparison of what's to come.
7
Government has been in special interests hip pocket for numerous decades, while they play to the emotional public disdain of government , simultaneously robbing the common good.
1
I am hoping that the silver lining of this shockingly unprincipled administration will be a strengthening of the OGE as well as a strict anti-nepotism law.
One side note: I don't understand how Ms. Walters could accuse Mr. Shaub of grandstanding. Prior to trump, I never knew who he was and was only vaguely aware of the OGE. And how telling - and disrespectful - that she got the spelling of his name wrong, along with her version of "the truth."
One side note: I don't understand how Ms. Walters could accuse Mr. Shaub of grandstanding. Prior to trump, I never knew who he was and was only vaguely aware of the OGE. And how telling - and disrespectful - that she got the spelling of his name wrong, along with her version of "the truth."
18
The President has hit the nuclear button on ethics a long time ago. He personally is a laughingstock and will always be. I wonder how he will change America as we need international friends in the future.
If you are a person who understands right and wrong you don't belong in his administration, etc, etc, etc.
If you are a person who understands right and wrong you don't belong in his administration, etc, etc, etc.
11
Definitely hoping to see some of that famous nonpartisan urgency and zeal on the part of Trey Gowdy.
5
The mute, Ryan, says nothing.
10
I worked 24 years for the Department of Treasury in a professional capacity. Every year, my colleagues and I had mandatory ethics training covering conflicts, self-dealing, abuse of position, gifts, etc. It was made very clear that any violations could lead to our immediate termination. We were told to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. We took it all seriously, as every professional should.
When the President himself openly flaunts these very rules, it has an immensely corrosive effect on the entire executive branch. Why should anyone trust the federal government or anybody who works there? When the President openly rips and tears down our independent judiciary, why should anyone trust the courts? Public trust is so hard to build and so easy to destroy. Every time Trump further debases his office, he debases the entire federal government and everyone who works there. Disgusting.
When the President himself openly flaunts these very rules, it has an immensely corrosive effect on the entire executive branch. Why should anyone trust the federal government or anybody who works there? When the President openly rips and tears down our independent judiciary, why should anyone trust the courts? Public trust is so hard to build and so easy to destroy. Every time Trump further debases his office, he debases the entire federal government and everyone who works there. Disgusting.
474
Trump definitely flaunts his disregard for ethics rules. The Secret Service has to rent space in Trump Tower from him for his protection detail. At Mar-a Lago the Secret Service has to even rent golf carts. It is the same at all Trump properties
You would assume the a patriotic American, self-described billionaire, would gladly donate his space and golf carts to save the USA some cash.
Unfortunately, doing anything for people outside the Trump family is not in the Trump genetic make up.
You would assume the a patriotic American, self-described billionaire, would gladly donate his space and golf carts to save the USA some cash.
Unfortunately, doing anything for people outside the Trump family is not in the Trump genetic make up.
2
"Disgusting", yes. And deliberate. The goal being to discredit the government of the United States, making it easier to dismantle it and institute rule by the rich only with sham elections and no oversight. Consider that all these scandals and international insults are purposeful and are the main thrust of this administration.
3
KMJ: Quite so! But "flouts", which is kind of opposite to "flaunts".
The U.S. is close to a laughing stock, but trump is the court jester!
8
Tump, Inc. and his Republican Party. Are you old enough to remember the Mexican bandito character in "Treasure of the Sierra Madre," starring Humphrey Bogart?
"We don't need no stinkin' ethics!"
"We don't need no stinkin' ethics!"
11
Congress has lost sight of ethics and has answered ethics violations with the defense that laws are not broken. This defense should not be allowed. We should require ethical behavior by office holders not merely legal behavior of Congressman and members of the administration who have in many cases written the laws so that they can profit from office.
13
WALTER SCHAUB Has been an honorable, sincere leader of the Government Ethics Office, even during the onslaught of disregard for law, order, ethics and common decency by the repugnant Trump administration. The chutzpah of Trump granting anonymous ethical waivers to family and friends is yet another example of his severely impaired insight and judgment. The fact that Tray Gowdy and Josiah Cummings wish to meet with Schaub prior to his departure is encouraging, since Gowdy, in particular has shown limited interest in bipartisanship. I congratulate Watler Schaub for standing up to the infantile, spoiled brat of a bully who, sickeningly, occupies the highest office of the US, the most powerful nation in the globe. The power of the US domestically and internationally is being weakened measurably by the destructive, regressive actions of Trump and his Thugocracy. I hope that Gowdy and Cummings can persuade Schaub to remain in his job. If not, perhaps they will be able to encourage him to share his visions for a return to ethics in government, which is under attack with the current Thugocracy, headed by the Thug-In-Chief.
22
He only has 6 months left on the term. And he's leaving to head a group that will work toward strengthening ethics in govt. The job was open. And he grabbed it! As he's got the goods on what desperately needs to be changed.
He'll do good in his new position.
He'll do good in his new position.
5
A person deeply steeped in ethics would not be openly criticizing his president. Of course, neither would he defend a Secretary of State whose husband was accepting speaking fees from Russia for their Foundation while the US was negotiating deals on which she was to sign off.
7
Any person steeped in the history of our country would remember we do not elect kings.
3
How wrong you are. Ethics insists that one raise one's voice, when you see wrongdoing and the wrongdoers refuse to comply.
No one is above the law. Or above criticism. Not even a president.
Leaders are there to serve. They must abide by law and ethics.
No one is above the law. Or above criticism. Not even a president.
Leaders are there to serve. They must abide by law and ethics.
4
The Trump administration and ethics, why do those words look so odd in a sentence?
18
I think oxymoron is the word to describe them.
8
Trump is so corrupt and sleazy that he probably regards the 10 Commandments as the the 10 or so Recommendations.
12
there are no laws to follow any longer. everyone speeds, runs red lights, assaults people, no one cares about anyone but themselves.
it will only get worse. riots in the streets before the end of his first term or resignation.
it will only get worse. riots in the streets before the end of his first term or resignation.
5
Trump's boast of "draining the swamp", is more like covering up the Love Canal. He is a world-class liar and con man, and can be counted upon to do the exact OPPOSITE of what he says.
There is a major swath of America that has been conned by this snake oil salesman.
There is a major swath of America that has been conned by this snake oil salesman.
7
A world-class liar and con man would give the appearance of not being such. Trump is blatantly and obviously a liar and con man, which makes it all the more puzzling as to how he ever got to where he now is.
7
Trumps cares nothing about ethics. He is only enthralled with his sick perception of and entitle and priviledge.
8
The abuse of "entrusted power".
Good grief, how anyone trusted this guy with power is beyond me. I understand that some people are resentful & feel misused. (My sister is a fervent Trump supporter.) BUT at some point your self-respect & common-sense need to be bigger than giving your anger & resentment the satisfaction of poking your finger in the eyes of the powers that be.
The eyes you're poking your fingers into are those of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin... The founding fathers of the Constitution.
And your own eyes. And the eyes of your children. And grandchild.
Would you take your child or yourself to a physician or dentist who just talked big, bragged, but showed no skill? Well, no, not intentionally. But it happens!
ln this case NO ethics or governance skills.
Congresspersons & Senators know what Trump's made of, but they're waiting for his supporters to start seeing the reality. Stop reading tweets and look what he's doing. (Those regulations that he's canceling out are your protections- that your grandparents sometimes died for.)
It's not a good feeling to acknowledge that you fell for a con. But just find comfort in the fact that he's the king of con men & get on with it. Donald J Trump is a WELL-KNOWN dishonorable schemer. The sooner we face the fact that we've been manipulated by a pro, suck it up and accept our mistake, the sooner our country, Constitution and self-respect (never mind respect of the world) will rebound. Lesson learned. "USA!!"
Good grief, how anyone trusted this guy with power is beyond me. I understand that some people are resentful & feel misused. (My sister is a fervent Trump supporter.) BUT at some point your self-respect & common-sense need to be bigger than giving your anger & resentment the satisfaction of poking your finger in the eyes of the powers that be.
The eyes you're poking your fingers into are those of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin... The founding fathers of the Constitution.
And your own eyes. And the eyes of your children. And grandchild.
Would you take your child or yourself to a physician or dentist who just talked big, bragged, but showed no skill? Well, no, not intentionally. But it happens!
ln this case NO ethics or governance skills.
Congresspersons & Senators know what Trump's made of, but they're waiting for his supporters to start seeing the reality. Stop reading tweets and look what he's doing. (Those regulations that he's canceling out are your protections- that your grandparents sometimes died for.)
It's not a good feeling to acknowledge that you fell for a con. But just find comfort in the fact that he's the king of con men & get on with it. Donald J Trump is a WELL-KNOWN dishonorable schemer. The sooner we face the fact that we've been manipulated by a pro, suck it up and accept our mistake, the sooner our country, Constitution and self-respect (never mind respect of the world) will rebound. Lesson learned. "USA!!"
17
Let's hope Rep Gowdy hears from his constituents that ethics mattered. Are people who criticized HRC and her foundation all good with Don turning the presidency into a meal ticket of this scale? Can the general public fathom the billings Trump generates for his family on each of the junkets? I'm really anxious to openly consider the defense of Trump's visits to the family business by Trump supporters - without using HRC as a justification. Can you really provide the public a justification for DJT to funnel so much tax dollars into the businesses his kids run and he owns?
13
Too bad Mr Shaub is leaving the office of government ethics, so to at least allow some decency to descent on the White House's mafia, given he knows best where the loose screws are, and where the shoe hurts the most, and how to make public the ongoing in-house shenanigans. It is clear to all of us that, when incompetence enters the door, corruption follows soon after through the window. Given Trump's glaring conflicts of interest, his dishonest withholding of tax returns suspicious of foreign allegiance (attested by his love affair with Putin), and his continued thrashing of the press...so he can get away with 'murder', a strong and courageous new 'chief' in Ethics needs to be appointed (an iffy proposition at best) soon after the current one leaves. So, even before Trump is sent packing, we need to establish strict rules for any candidate wanting to become president. Perhaps the first article may say 'no swines allowed', nor those with a history of cheating others, nor declared racists, xenophobes or sexual predators; nor individuals who continue to lie in spite of the evidence to the contrary, nor functional illiterates. And on and on, with the current experience of having a vulgar bully at the top. For that to occur, we need a congress with an open mind (good luck with that one), willing to put country ahead of party, and maintaining the constructive criticism so essential for a functioning democracy.
4
Trump will do whatever he wants within the law and in violation of the law. There's nothing anybody can do or will do. We know live in a dictatorship because the system of checks and balances is permanently corrupted because the goal of the Government is pursuit of profits for themselves and their connected friends.
12
These overreactions are not helpful, and just giving up because trying is hard is the only thing you are promoting.
We are not in a dictatorship, the votes, if not the majority chose the president and all other offices. The law has been stopping Trump from doing most of what he wants. Whether or not Trump succeeds depends on US, writing in to our representatives and choosing carefully who to vote for - without buying into the nonsense of "we live in a dictatorship" or "both parties are the same".
We are not in a dictatorship, the votes, if not the majority chose the president and all other offices. The law has been stopping Trump from doing most of what he wants. Whether or not Trump succeeds depends on US, writing in to our representatives and choosing carefully who to vote for - without buying into the nonsense of "we live in a dictatorship" or "both parties are the same".
4
All obstacles to Trumps agenda will be overturned by the Supreme Court. There is not a politician in either party which any power willing to take Trump on.
All my personal financial information, including family finances have to be reported/submitted through a Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 450) to the Office Government Ethics (OGE) on an annual basis. I have no issues with submitting my finances for OGE review AS LONG AS THE RULES APPLY TO EVERYONE...President continues to set horrible precedence!
15
thank you mr. Schaub you are a shining example of the rare person with any ethics remaining in this Administration and you have the courage to resign so that you can talk in a franc manner two the American people
7
Wrong Mr Shaub our govt lost any form of ethical standards a long time ago, this class of clowns running the country are so greedy for a buck they will do anything for a campaign contributions.
it time to ban all PAC, Dark money and start recording who donate a single dollar to any candidate on any level.
it time to ban all PAC, Dark money and start recording who donate a single dollar to any candidate on any level.
13
I keep wondering when any of this will start mattering to the Republicans. Not just the unwashed massess who are still under the thrall of the reality show clown, mind you. I'm talking about the supposedly educated ones who still can't admit what a mistake they made, or who are able to rationalize support for 45 and his cronies on the basis that at least Congress can pass legislation to their liking. It is true "end justifies the means" amoral politics based on immoral actions.
8
"pretty close to a laughingstock" is an understatement. I can assure you in Europe he's considered a clown that lost any credibility whatsoever.
12
Anyone who thinks that we are only "close" to being a laughing stock isn't paying attention to what leaders of allied nations are saying.
9
A Trump spokeswoman criticizes an individual for "grandstanding." There apparently are no mirrors in the White House.
15
Let's be honest here, Trump is running this country like a dictator would, attack those that oppose him, attack the Free Press, attack the courts when they don't bow down to his whims, attack the intelligence community because he doesn't like the truth they tell him, attack the FBI as if they were a bunch of Keystone Kops, attack our allies while praising our adversaries, and blame every failure on Obama and Clinton. This man has no sense of responsibility for his own actions, has not an ounce of honesty, ethics, or integrity, and is the worst danger to the American way of life we have seen, bar none. He is in fact even more dangerous than Kim Jong Un. While we implode from within, Putin smiles and is pleased to see how stupid Americans can be to vote their own destruction into office. Yes, we are the laughing stock of the world, and we are not far from being a banana republic and in being irrelevant We went from being the leader of the world to being that child left behind intentionally. All because we elected the most unfit man ever to be the President. He has nothing for America, but he has much for himself and family. All while we pay the bills for him on his way to more riches.
18
Should be a NYT pick.
8
Close to a laughingstock? We are a laughingstock.
7
Who needs ethics when you have won the election by a "landslide" of negative 3 million votes!
10
Trump believes that he is the Czar of the United States. He doesn't need no stinkin' ethics! What Czar ever did? He is so in love with Russia and its neo-czarist ruler he doesn't even have a clue as to how our democracy has hitherto operated.
14
We passed close on Jan 20th.....I can hear the laughing from the world everyday that man is in office. Putin is laughing the hardest of all.
9
"U.S. Is ‘Close to a Laughingstock’"
He's being charitable! The US has ALREADY become a laughingstock... in terms of ethics, rule-of-law, our election system, foreign policy, the unqualified and buffoonish officials in the administration, etc, etc, etc.
The only real question is whether any of these can be reversed?
He's being charitable! The US has ALREADY become a laughingstock... in terms of ethics, rule-of-law, our election system, foreign policy, the unqualified and buffoonish officials in the administration, etc, etc, etc.
The only real question is whether any of these can be reversed?
11
Trump has stayed at his own hotel. Federal money goes to the hotel. Bush stayed at his own ranch. Federal money went to the ranch. Kennedy stay at his family compound. Federal money went to the compound. Ethically, they're all the same. Shaub doesn't seem to understand.
3
Sorry, it's not Shaub who doesn't understand.
4
Bush was not running a personal business at his ranch at the same time he was serving as president. Using the office of the presidency to promote the president's personal businesses is against the law.
11
Ethically, I think you don't have a clue about the substance of the issue. Did Bush rent the ranch to himself? You're not comparing apples to oranges, it's more like apples to nuclear submarines. But, as long as you find this sort of behavior fine, why should anyone else be concerned? After all, this article describes the opinions of someone who cannot possibly know anything about ethics in government, right?
6
I am a bit stunned by the title,"...Close to a Laughingstock..." I mean even if most Americans rarely, if ever visit other countries, they do own televisions and computers. They do see how other leaders act on the world stage. There is a level of intelligence and dignity and of grace in times of stress, that leaders of major countries possess and that Trump definitely does not. America has lost her reputation with the election of this incompetent and morally reprehensible man and for the first time in anyone’s lifetime the position of Leader of the Free World is vacant. This is said often and frequently in Canada and other countries around the world and we have announced that we will forge our own path on climate change and trade for example apart from you. Although I did not vote for Justin Trudeau, I am nonetheless proud of the way he represents the people of Canada to the rest of the world. He is a reflection of us; intelligent, caring, diplomatic. We would expect no less from our Prime Minister. If Trump is a reflection of the American people, you have a very, very serious problem.
346
Sadly, DT is indeed a reflection of a large, though not a majority, of the American people. His supporters are steadfast in their faith and belief in him, just as members of a cult believe in their leader. No matter what he does, no matter how much he lies, no matter his use of his position to enrich himself, no matter that members of his staff have lied repeatedly on documents requesting security clearance, no matter that there is now proof of collusion with a sworn enemy of the USA, his followers love him and are willing for America to go down the drain to support him. His cult takes immense pleasure in each instance of his thumbing his nose at allies and every vulgar, imbecilic tweet.
Also, Justin Trudeau has a sense of humor, which is a sign that he possesses intelligence, humanity, and a sense of self-aware proportion. Trump has none of these qualities; he doesn't laugh, but he's obsessed with being laughed at, and his "humor" is limited to mocking and making fun of others.
Why yes we do have a very very serious problem. What in part has upset so many people in the U.S. is not Trump's lack of intelligence and his character unfit for the office of the presidency but that our fellow citizens elected him. Granted Trump lost the popular vote, but enough people in enough states voted for him to give him the majority of Electoral College votes. Moreover, his campaign and rhetoric (if we can call his speech rhetoric . . . ) made it OK for people to voice bigoted opinions in the public sphere, creating environments conducive to violence.
1
I am not sure if legislation is the answer, but the lack of ethics in this Administration is taking a toll in so many ways.
The loss of our reputation, respect, and standing in the world is apparently not to high a price for the GOP leadership to pay for a Supreme Court seat and some great big tax cuts. When will a genuine patriotic concern for the future of the United States finally cause enough Republican members of the House and Senate to wake up and put an end to this?
The GOP majorities could pressure Trump and his family and friends for compliance with basic principles of ethics if they had the political will, even under current law. They seem too afraid of a primary challenge to do what is right.
So Trump flaunts ethics and makes a mockery of our democracy and the office of the President on a daily basis as he spends every weekend at one of his properties and populates his administration with unqualified family members and cronies.
Trump has already achieved one milestone. He has assembled the most corrupt administration in American history, and all in only 6 months!
What a bigly huge accomplishment!
The loss of our reputation, respect, and standing in the world is apparently not to high a price for the GOP leadership to pay for a Supreme Court seat and some great big tax cuts. When will a genuine patriotic concern for the future of the United States finally cause enough Republican members of the House and Senate to wake up and put an end to this?
The GOP majorities could pressure Trump and his family and friends for compliance with basic principles of ethics if they had the political will, even under current law. They seem too afraid of a primary challenge to do what is right.
So Trump flaunts ethics and makes a mockery of our democracy and the office of the President on a daily basis as he spends every weekend at one of his properties and populates his administration with unqualified family members and cronies.
Trump has already achieved one milestone. He has assembled the most corrupt administration in American history, and all in only 6 months!
What a bigly huge accomplishment!
156
"When will a genuine patriotic concern for the future of the United States finally cause enough Republican members of the House and Senate to wake up and put an end to this?"
The answer here is "Never". The Republican members of the House and Senate have no patriotic concern. Their concern is for their donors and their own pocket-books, now and after they leave office. Their actions demonstrate conclusively that their priorities are not with the people of the United States of America.
The answer here is "Never". The Republican members of the House and Senate have no patriotic concern. Their concern is for their donors and their own pocket-books, now and after they leave office. Their actions demonstrate conclusively that their priorities are not with the people of the United States of America.
1
Legislation is the answer.
Ethics violations and in your face evidence of collusion with foreign nationals have to add up to some chargeable offenses. I should be bigger than this but I'm not: Can't wait to see some Trump family members and other administration officials doing the perp walk.
12
Ethics, what ethics?
8
It seems that Republicans were very concerned about the ethics of Obama and (especially) Clinton. Now they just shrug. I can guarantee that they will be concerned again when they lose the White House. They are hypocrites through and through.
45
I believe we long ago past the point where the U.S. is considered a genuine. full-blown laughing stock. The U.S. is now heading into new unchartered waters.
19
When I was appointed to serve in NYS government, I had to file a 45-page ethics report prior to actually assuming that job. I had to file an annual financial update. I had to demonstrate that I had no conflicts of interest, either in paid or volunteer outside activities. Why should the president of the United States be exempt from having to adhere to ethics--or even the APPEARANCE of ethics--if low-level people like me must do so? Why should he and his appointees be granted waivers from filing ethics reports? Mr. Shaub was doing his job. Trump and his supporters wouldn't know how to adhere to ethics if it jumped up and bit them in the face. It's shameful. This is not the way our country is supposed to be, if we wish to be a role model for the rest of the world. We're falling on our face. And guess what? It's neither President Obama's nor Hillary Clinton's fault.
31
Trump and family simply operate as if they are above the law...and apparently despite all the right wing "law and order" rage their supporters and enablers don't care either. Which leads us to conclude that they don't care that ethics and laws are violated...they just care WHO violates them. Pure hypocritical partisan tribalism. Where are the REAL patriots?
15
Frankly, I do not really care if the U.S. is close to a Laughingstock. I care that the OGE director was constructively dismissed from his position. It was as if the Trump administration put Director Shaub’s desk in the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue at rush hour and then told him he was not doing his job. Also I care that the Constitution is not being followed by the current administration and there does not appear to be anyone willing and able to hold it accountable with Shaub’s departure.
11
Walter Shaub is my hero.
12
Being head of the OGE during the Trump dystopia is like being in charge of cleaning out the Aeolian Stables, every minute and hour of every day! That Walter Shaub, whose name the White House statement on him couldn't even be bothered to spell correctly, is to be cheered for his nonpartisan backbone, to wit, refusal to be bullied by the ethics-free presidency and its minions. His proposed new laws or powers for the OGE based on Trumpworld should be seriously considered by both parties in the name of the greater good and public interest. I'm not holding my breath.
8
Donald Trump is living proof that the powers of the presidency need to be better regulated.
10
USA is not close to being a laughing stock. It is a laughing stock, and we laugh between our tears.
12
I have complete confidence that Gowdy's meeting with Shaub will lead to... nothing. Nada. Zip. Bupkus. Well, maybe another Benghazi investigation. Just mentioning Gowdy in the same sentence with the word "ethics" makes me cringe.
10
"Every other president since the 1970s, Republican or Democrat, worked closely with the ethics office, he said."
Truth is, the ethics office worked closely with every other president.
The office was created to assist the chief executive delta with ethics issues. It was not and has not been an "oversight" office, it is not a regulatory agency and has no under law.
This is a power grab by a bureaucrat. NYT please stop the war on President Trump.
Truth is, the ethics office worked closely with every other president.
The office was created to assist the chief executive delta with ethics issues. It was not and has not been an "oversight" office, it is not a regulatory agency and has no under law.
This is a power grab by a bureaucrat. NYT please stop the war on President Trump.
12
Until this president that was the function, not it needs power to control the crime family in the W.H.
4
It has not been an oversight office before, because every President between Nixon and Trump acknowledged the value of maintaining ethical standards in government, or at least a decorous appearance of such. We have not developed the structures to deal with an openly contemptuous outlaw executive in the modern era.
6
Wage full scale Armageddon on the "Fake President" and drive him from office.
2
Lets see, we just celebrated Bastille Day. Perhaps it's time to revisit another great old French custom, the guillotine. You know, for the royals?
14
One look at his DESK confirms it all!!
2
If the people who voted for Trump and the Republican Congress don't care that Trump is looking unethical by not selling his properties, not releasing his tax returns and not making public the ethics waivers he's issued for his top level appointees, then too bad for the country. They made their choice. Trump's reputation for scams was well known during the campaign, his casino bankruptcies, his stiffing of contractors, his phony Trump University, his phony charity foundation, etc.
12
This administration's ethics is as sloppy as its spelling.
7
Doug,
Just a wild guess, you voted for Trump?
Just a wild guess, you voted for Trump?
4
I have been traveling through the Middle East. Based upon numerous conversations with locals, a review of local newspapers and my general observation, I can say with a good deal of confidence that the US is held in extremely high regard, and is not the "laughingstock" portrayed by this article.
I was in Israel at the time of the recent terrorist attack in Jerusalem. The Old City was surrounded by heavily armed police iand military. We asked if we could take their pictures. At first they hesitated. Then, when they realized we're Americans, they smiled and asked if they could take their picture with us. I almost cried. These people loved the US more than most Americans do.
The laughingstock is not the US. It is the completely dis functional, immature and self absorbed politicians of both parties who play childish games. They are the ones being laughed at.
I was in Israel at the time of the recent terrorist attack in Jerusalem. The Old City was surrounded by heavily armed police iand military. We asked if we could take their pictures. At first they hesitated. Then, when they realized we're Americans, they smiled and asked if they could take their picture with us. I almost cried. These people loved the US more than most Americans do.
The laughingstock is not the US. It is the completely dis functional, immature and self absorbed politicians of both parties who play childish games. They are the ones being laughed at.
30
Yes, and who elected them?
9
You only mention Israel as an example...um
3
Israel and dictatorships around the world are now our "friends" for good reason. Israel is because now they have an ally that will not question anything they do including unlimited settlement building on occupied lands and how they treat the Palastenians. The Israelis now have "Carte Blanche" from the US, so were "friends." We're also "respected" by other dictators including the people who run Egypt, Russia and Saudi Arabia. With "friends" like this who "respect" us, count me as unimpressed.
2
Republicans: Totally devoid in ethics and morality. Willing to lie, cheat, steal, distort no matter how absurd, not matter how ludicrous.
11
It appears the problem with some government appointees is the result of their insistence on following the law.
13
"Close to a laughingstock" I am afraid and saddened to say America is already there with this bully with the ridiculous bouffant installed in the White House.Trump epitomises the "Playground Bully" in all its forms with his blowhard outbursts but also the typical bully's cowardice and pathetic thin skinned little boy "Who ME" snivelling and whining when confronted and held to account.As for his statement telling Theresa May to "Fix it for him" so that the people in the UK. cheer him on his visit shows how deluded this clown really is! God help America with this "Manchurian Candidate"installed in the White House,yours in sadness for democracy,John Mooney,Scotland.
14
Frightening and hilarious to read about the White House's protest about grandstanding and overreach of authority. Trump et al's side of the dirty street is armpit deep in hypocrisy, arrogance, deceit, deception, and incompetence. Truly, Trump is profoundly unfit for office. The world is laughing at the presidential clown car, running the other way, running for their lives. Please heed Mr Schaub's advice, elected officials, and enact protective laws and contain the wreckage.
13
Trump's supporters don't care about ethics or the law just like Nixon's supporters during the Watergate investigations.
9
The voters have spoken through the electoral college process
They knowingly voted for a kleptocracy, governed by a family run by someone with a long history of ethical challenges
As a nation apparently this is exactly what we wanted.
We who did not vote Trump can be outraged. But no one should act surprised.
They knowingly voted for a kleptocracy, governed by a family run by someone with a long history of ethical challenges
As a nation apparently this is exactly what we wanted.
We who did not vote Trump can be outraged. But no one should act surprised.
7
I wish Trump would stop with the thumbs up. There is NOTHING thumbs up about this president. The thumbs up gesture should be never seen again while Trump in office. I've lived 84 years now and never seen anything in government as bad, disgraceful, stupid and inept as this administration is. It is a joke but absolutely NOT funny.
30
The White House is a disgrace. Get these miscreants out - now!
12
Elect a clown; expect a circus.
To those progressives who wanted to remain pure--are you happy now?
To those progressives who wanted to remain pure--are you happy now?
15
Unfortunately "close to being" is an understatement. Anyone
from anywhere in the civilized parts of the world, where
democratic institutions still function with reasonable consent
of the governed, and who follow the transition, indeed, collapse
of the federal government in this former republic, may
have laughed at one point since our clown in chief took his
biggly oath, but the joke is now getting very tiresome.
There is an enormous need to recreate our civic society
through locally organized civic society renewal groups, much
along the lines of what happened in Poland and Czechoslovakia
in 1989. The profound distortions produced by decades of corrupt
self serving Communist Party control meant that one form of civic
consciousness, that is, deep alienation and cynicism about the relations
between the governed and governors had to change into something that would help promote the emergence of a democratic self governing society.
This society is in a comparable state. A large group is completely cynical. It neither expects nor wants anything to do with civic society. In
addition, there are two warring subgroups that cannot talk to
each other and have completely different belief structures and
world views that self justify the shutting out of all competing opinions
and arguments. This makes rational civic discourse impossible.
Something essential about what it means to be in a civic mutually tolerant society has been lost and needs to be relearned.
from anywhere in the civilized parts of the world, where
democratic institutions still function with reasonable consent
of the governed, and who follow the transition, indeed, collapse
of the federal government in this former republic, may
have laughed at one point since our clown in chief took his
biggly oath, but the joke is now getting very tiresome.
There is an enormous need to recreate our civic society
through locally organized civic society renewal groups, much
along the lines of what happened in Poland and Czechoslovakia
in 1989. The profound distortions produced by decades of corrupt
self serving Communist Party control meant that one form of civic
consciousness, that is, deep alienation and cynicism about the relations
between the governed and governors had to change into something that would help promote the emergence of a democratic self governing society.
This society is in a comparable state. A large group is completely cynical. It neither expects nor wants anything to do with civic society. In
addition, there are two warring subgroups that cannot talk to
each other and have completely different belief structures and
world views that self justify the shutting out of all competing opinions
and arguments. This makes rational civic discourse impossible.
Something essential about what it means to be in a civic mutually tolerant society has been lost and needs to be relearned.
4
I wish Walter Shaub had stayed in his job instead of leaving to work at a non-profit, or I wished that he had resigned due to specific objections clearly stated in his resignation letter.
Unfortunately, the time has come for people to sometimes sacrifice their professional lives, for the sale of principles. Until we start doing that, nothing will change.
Unfortunately, the time has come for people to sometimes sacrifice their professional lives, for the sale of principles. Until we start doing that, nothing will change.
4
Thanks for nothing, Mr. Schaub. He made a good faith effort to do a difficult job under impossible conditions, then he voluntarily QUITS! While walking out the door, he advises us about changes needed in the law that would enable his successors to do the job. Pointless, useless suggestions at a time when the entire government--including the judiciary--is in the hands of crooks with no interest whatsoever in ethics. That may make Mr. Schaub feel better. It makes the rest of us feel hopeless.
4
Don't be hopeless. We will survive this. The press and judiciary are doing what our Founding Fathers intended.
1
Mr Shaub I am very sorry to see you go and even sorrier that your recommendations were not implemented. I can not blame you for leaving as the lack of enforcement tools is shameful - of course we could not forsee a completely amoral administration that can not tell the truth, lies and cheats just like they ran their businesses. Good luck in your future endeavors and Thanks for your service.
5
To many other nations we are the newest Banana Republic.
7
Thank you for your integrity, Mr. Shaub.
5
Of course this public servant has been quickly slammed by our highly ethical, above reproach administration. Hit back many times harder. Keep it up you clowns, perhaps your approval rating can dip into the 20 % range. Sad.
5
He was attacked for "grandstandling?" -that would be a hoot if it were not for the implications: this is the most compromised unethical group ever to grab that valuable piece of real estate. One that will fight to the death ( or resignation) using every possible legal technicality ( loosely all based now on the notion that "if the President does it, it's legal).
Walter Schaub is - face it, sort of dull. Walter Mitty as Walter Mitty. He has no "sense of humor" about his responsibilities to the people's government. Apolitical and obsessed with promoting and monitoring ethics in government. Dumbfounded that this group snubs its collective nose at any discussion of right and wrong, as they push the limits of public tolerance.
The Trumpians are also, like that proverbial traveler who asked a wise man on the road what the people in the next village were like, prone to seeing everyone else as a reflection of themselves: grasping, venial, lying and self serving.
Ethical governance is not a goal that the Trumpians can pretend to understand. And one the Republicans are taking care to step around, as if there was a dead body in the room and it wasn't starting to stink in the DC summer heat.
Walter Schaub is - face it, sort of dull. Walter Mitty as Walter Mitty. He has no "sense of humor" about his responsibilities to the people's government. Apolitical and obsessed with promoting and monitoring ethics in government. Dumbfounded that this group snubs its collective nose at any discussion of right and wrong, as they push the limits of public tolerance.
The Trumpians are also, like that proverbial traveler who asked a wise man on the road what the people in the next village were like, prone to seeing everyone else as a reflection of themselves: grasping, venial, lying and self serving.
Ethical governance is not a goal that the Trumpians can pretend to understand. And one the Republicans are taking care to step around, as if there was a dead body in the room and it wasn't starting to stink in the DC summer heat.
10
This is the fundamental problem for democracy. The voters-- in many cases, elected people whose character cannot even passed as a security guard. The U.S. had a very good run. But now it is over.
17
Choose one: Laughingstock for ethics, roll back of protections for citizens, more expensive health insurance, inadequate state department, plan for the Middle East, ignorant cabinet appointees, etc. The tragedy is that though the world is laughing at our new administration and their peccadilloes, our country is not great again, it is treading water in all of these areas while Trump and the GOP fight over the spoils.
15
When will the GOP have the guts to get the orange tweeter out of the White House along with the rest of the family. To paraphrase Trump's refrain from the campaign, "Lock them up!"
12
This article gives me a glimmer of hope. The best thing that could happen to the country would be for Trump to overreach in his quest for personal enrichment in manners so glaring as to be indisputable to even his blindest followers.
Our salvation can best be achieved if Trump goes too far, even for Fox news, for example.
Our salvation can best be achieved if Trump goes too far, even for Fox news, for example.
5
"But I have never been one to shy away from bullies.”
Then why is he leaving?
Then why is he leaving?
4
Well, I guess you reach a point where you are under constant barrage from a corrupt government that is not listening anyway.
6
The Trump Administration obviously places great importance on ethics and tapped a well-informed, experienced voice to address Mr. Shaub's concerns.
Lindsey E. Walters graduated from college just a few years ago, with a degree in business. She worked in marketing for a company that sells wine paraphernalia; then had a low level position with a large marketing concern; and thence went into Republican politics. She no doubt has a deep concern for and understanding of the legal issues.
That being the case, perhaps she can explain the grounds for White House refusal to respond to Mr. Shaub's request for documents concerning the many 'ethics waivers' issued to permit lobbyists and corporate chieftains with obvious conflicts of interest to 'advise' the 'President.'
And then she no doubt can explain how the President of the United States can collect six figure rents at his properties to house federal employees, including security, who must accompany him on his frequent forays away from Washington to play golf and hobnob with other Trump resort and hotel clientele (some of whom have paid $200,000 per head to attend).
We've got time, Ms. Walters. Give it your best shot. But here's a hint: the answer is not 'fake news.' Nor is it to accuse those who have the temerity to inquire of 'grandstanding.'
Finally, the answer is not, as Mr. Trump and his minions have stated in the past, 'the laws do not apply to the President.' If that IS the answer, then the laws must change - soon.
Lindsey E. Walters graduated from college just a few years ago, with a degree in business. She worked in marketing for a company that sells wine paraphernalia; then had a low level position with a large marketing concern; and thence went into Republican politics. She no doubt has a deep concern for and understanding of the legal issues.
That being the case, perhaps she can explain the grounds for White House refusal to respond to Mr. Shaub's request for documents concerning the many 'ethics waivers' issued to permit lobbyists and corporate chieftains with obvious conflicts of interest to 'advise' the 'President.'
And then she no doubt can explain how the President of the United States can collect six figure rents at his properties to house federal employees, including security, who must accompany him on his frequent forays away from Washington to play golf and hobnob with other Trump resort and hotel clientele (some of whom have paid $200,000 per head to attend).
We've got time, Ms. Walters. Give it your best shot. But here's a hint: the answer is not 'fake news.' Nor is it to accuse those who have the temerity to inquire of 'grandstanding.'
Finally, the answer is not, as Mr. Trump and his minions have stated in the past, 'the laws do not apply to the President.' If that IS the answer, then the laws must change - soon.
666
Where does Trump find these unqualified people?
Like his wives, he picks them out of a catalogue.
“But I have never been one to shy away from bullies.”
And yet he's quitting at a time when the greatest presidential bully in our history is making the US look like a banana republic. It sounds to me like he's quitting when he's needed most.
And yet he's quitting at a time when the greatest presidential bully in our history is making the US look like a banana republic. It sounds to me like he's quitting when he's needed most.
153
He's done his job by alerting US citizens to the implications of DJT's actions.
DJT will not change his behavior, unless forced to, and that force is either Congress or the electorate.
This gentleman can now be more effective elsewhere.
DJT will not change his behavior, unless forced to, and that force is either Congress or the electorate.
This gentleman can now be more effective elsewhere.
2
I feel inclined to agree with you, except for the fact that there comes a point when you realize that you are spitting into the wind and wasting your time accomplishing nothing. Probably better the man put himself in a position where he can make his influence felt.
1
Possibly he will be more effective out of the administration trying to effect change rather than in it where Trump is going to do whatever he wants despite the ethical implications.
1
I wish Mr. Shaub well, agree with his recommendations and support efforts to improve ethical standards, but I had to laugh when I read ". . . the United States’ ethical standards, which have been admired around the world".
I guess it is all relative. When I moved to the US from Canada mid-career, one of the surprises was the higher level of corruption. I can't speak from personal experience in government, and my view may be skewed by heavy exposure to Executive Incentive programs, but in the US corporate world corruption is significant, lawfare is pervasive, and money politics has been a problem for decades and is getting worse.
Scandinavian ethical standards are widely admired, but I think most non-Americans view the US a tier (or 2?) below in ethical standards. The US is better than most, but is not the benchmark.
I guess it is all relative. When I moved to the US from Canada mid-career, one of the surprises was the higher level of corruption. I can't speak from personal experience in government, and my view may be skewed by heavy exposure to Executive Incentive programs, but in the US corporate world corruption is significant, lawfare is pervasive, and money politics has been a problem for decades and is getting worse.
Scandinavian ethical standards are widely admired, but I think most non-Americans view the US a tier (or 2?) below in ethical standards. The US is better than most, but is not the benchmark.
12
"Better than most"? I would like to see that assessment of corruption in today's America especially after the acceptance of Citizens United. It really should not be that difficult now especially with a President and his buddies whom are flaunting it right out in the open.
1
I'd like to see this office oversee Congress as well.
7
Yes, Ken, and we must demand a change so that if/when the FBI or other public government investigation agencies find Americans working with foreign entities to try to destroy democracy in America it immediately be made public.
It is unforgivably that Comey could put a black cloud on the most qualified candidate to ever run to be President of the United States - Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton - and allow a traitor like The Con Don to get elected. It's clearly sexist and un-American.
It is unforgivably that Comey could put a black cloud on the most qualified candidate to ever run to be President of the United States - Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton - and allow a traitor like The Con Don to get elected. It's clearly sexist and un-American.
3
Mr. Shaub recommended giving the ethics office limited power to subpoena records, as well as authority to negotiate prohibitions on presidential conflicts of interest; mandating that presidential candidates release tax returns; and revising financial disclosure rules.
We need to get behind that legislation immediately! Let the "Government is the enemy" Republicans put their money, literally, where their mouths are- at the government trough.
We need to get behind that legislation immediately! Let the "Government is the enemy" Republicans put their money, literally, where their mouths are- at the government trough.
9
At what point do the republicans let go? trump is not getting better and will not. If any other government employee did half of what and his family have done they would be out of a job.
4
Ethics and DC = that is the punch line for the joke. What an unethical and immoral bunch they be-- in for the $$$ and the power and the $$$. Unfortunately last Nov. it was unclear as to which candidate was the least ethical.
How come we're not hearing more about the unreleased tax forms? Not sure whether that is a matter of ethical or customary?
It's obvious the DJT perhaps does not want to be president.. OTOH what is the president supposed to do. We really need to take on the dysfunctional Congress that does not seem able to get anything right.. (and frankly at the moment not passing bills seems like a good thing. Meantime, how do we make sure that presidents can not issue endless executive orders. (I am thinking about how to protect our National Forests-- which the greedy amongst us are thinking about invading for the benefit of their pockets. I cringe every time I read (it's a good thing implied) the price of oil is going up.
All topsy-turvsey. Thank you Pres. Reagan!
How come we're not hearing more about the unreleased tax forms? Not sure whether that is a matter of ethical or customary?
It's obvious the DJT perhaps does not want to be president.. OTOH what is the president supposed to do. We really need to take on the dysfunctional Congress that does not seem able to get anything right.. (and frankly at the moment not passing bills seems like a good thing. Meantime, how do we make sure that presidents can not issue endless executive orders. (I am thinking about how to protect our National Forests-- which the greedy amongst us are thinking about invading for the benefit of their pockets. I cringe every time I read (it's a good thing implied) the price of oil is going up.
All topsy-turvsey. Thank you Pres. Reagan!
2
Mr Shaub must not resign. We need him more than ever. We need a guy to help keep things right, not a lackey.
Let him fire you and that would be another nail on his coffin if he does so.
Let him fire you and that would be another nail on his coffin if he does so.
7
Obviously Mr Shaub DID raise these issues with the President. Trump just doesn't care.
He knows he should divest his businesss interests, as other Presidents have in the past. But, he crows, although other members of the Administration have to do this by laws the President doesn't. So, ha, ha, wink, wink he's going to put it all in his sons' hands and he won't be involved - wink,wink.
The reason why it's not a law is people expected folks running for President to have some respect for the Office, to be people of conscience and to care about ethics. Trump doesn't care about anything but himself and grabbing as much as he can. There is MUCH MORE small about Trump than his tiny hands.
He knows he should divest his businesss interests, as other Presidents have in the past. But, he crows, although other members of the Administration have to do this by laws the President doesn't. So, ha, ha, wink, wink he's going to put it all in his sons' hands and he won't be involved - wink,wink.
The reason why it's not a law is people expected folks running for President to have some respect for the Office, to be people of conscience and to care about ethics. Trump doesn't care about anything but himself and grabbing as much as he can. There is MUCH MORE small about Trump than his tiny hands.
12
it is sad that shaub is leaving for then trump will pick a mini-trump to fill his post. this is not an administration. it is a regime. trump, the egocentric flimflam man has brought america to its lowest point ever. these four despicable years will go down as the worst four years for a 'presidency' in american history.
6
"“Mr. Schaub’s penchant for raising concerns on matters well outside his scope with the media before ever raising them with the White House"
No, he DID raise them with the White House, you just didn't want to hear it, because the REASON Trump wants to be President is to stuff his pockets with the contents of the public treasury. Just like his hero, Vladimir Putin.
No, he DID raise them with the White House, you just didn't want to hear it, because the REASON Trump wants to be President is to stuff his pockets with the contents of the public treasury. Just like his hero, Vladimir Putin.
10
Ethics is a moving target and always in the eye of the beholder. The world is never entirely fair, but what is important is that what applies to one person has to apply to all. That was Obama's problem, he wanted to tell us what to do, because he was convinced only he knew what was right and he rigged his 'ethics' (or should we just call it 'regulations') the ways they suited him. Now Trump is reshaping 'ethics' in his own image. Trump also think only he knows what is right and the rest of us have to follow suit. Obama was just a little dictator, Trump wants to be a bigger one.
We can't continue to flip between radical positions. No society can maintain stability under these conditions. This is why politics should always proceed in small steps, not radical ones. If in doubt, err for more freedom of the people, not for more regulations. This is what we are now getting in return for ruinous fines for gay wedding cakes that went unbaked and for ridiculous bathroom policies.
There were just too many voters who were screaming 'ENOUGH' to bring Trump to power. And until those excesses are undone, they won't stop supporting Trump. Only afterwards he will have to start to deliver and that's when he is going to fail.
By then, though, the country will have failed a long time ago.
I know, liberals don't like to hear this, but it was Obama who brought us Trump.
We can't continue to flip between radical positions. No society can maintain stability under these conditions. This is why politics should always proceed in small steps, not radical ones. If in doubt, err for more freedom of the people, not for more regulations. This is what we are now getting in return for ruinous fines for gay wedding cakes that went unbaked and for ridiculous bathroom policies.
There were just too many voters who were screaming 'ENOUGH' to bring Trump to power. And until those excesses are undone, they won't stop supporting Trump. Only afterwards he will have to start to deliver and that's when he is going to fail.
By then, though, the country will have failed a long time ago.
I know, liberals don't like to hear this, but it was Obama who brought us Trump.
2
Kara Ben Nemsi, I don't agree.
It was not Obama who brought us Trump.
It was Americans that (1) won't vote, (2) won't educate themselves on the issues, (3) thought Trump would keep his promises of better health care and jobs and (4) who liked his sexist, racist, jingoist rantings.
It was not Obama who brought us Trump.
It was Americans that (1) won't vote, (2) won't educate themselves on the issues, (3) thought Trump would keep his promises of better health care and jobs and (4) who liked his sexist, racist, jingoist rantings.
12
No, Panthiest, you are trying to apply rational logic to an outcome of an election that was decided solely on emotions, not logic. In fact, it was (1) those Americans who were most emotionally touched by Trump's attack on political correctness who voted. Too many others were too disgusted to go to the polls. (2) When emotions are flying, facts don't count. Almost everyone has had a heated argument at one time or another with their spouse. Facts don't count there. It's called a 'lover's spat'. On second thought, applying that term to Trump makes me feel sick. (3) None of Trump's voters thought that far, and if so, only the most delusional among them would have believed those hare-brained promises. (4) THAT may have been the biggest factor. It was all about the exaggerated political correctness the Obama years brought us. It was simply too much. Which is exactly the point I was making.
Ignore it at your own peril. The Democrats will not win the midterms, unless they are prepared to look truth into the eye.
I wish we had a rational independent third party.
Ignore it at your own peril. The Democrats will not win the midterms, unless they are prepared to look truth into the eye.
I wish we had a rational independent third party.
2
"Mr. Cummings is already drafting (ethics) legislation with the hope of gaining Mr. Gowdy’s support..."
It would be nice if Republicans could support legislation to address all the 'norms' that Trump and his administration have broken. I live in a Red state and sometimes some of them surprise us, although I have serious doubts about fellow South Carolinian Trey Gowdy.
But, it matters almost as much that Democrats get the needed legislation drafted and publicized so people will know where they stand and whether Republicans will stand for or against ethics in government.
Wringing hands and whining like many in the MSM gets us nowhere.
Actions speak louder than words.
It would be nice if Republicans could support legislation to address all the 'norms' that Trump and his administration have broken. I live in a Red state and sometimes some of them surprise us, although I have serious doubts about fellow South Carolinian Trey Gowdy.
But, it matters almost as much that Democrats get the needed legislation drafted and publicized so people will know where they stand and whether Republicans will stand for or against ethics in government.
Wringing hands and whining like many in the MSM gets us nowhere.
Actions speak louder than words.
2
Those of us who travel for business internationally know that we passed the point of "laughingstock" many months back. We are now entering the phase most appropriately called tragedy.
1125
It was at the point of laughingstock last June, when I spoke to a British gentleman in Italy. He was embarrassed about Brexit, and I about Trump.
2
Unfortunately, the ignorant, the greedy and the power-hungry are blind to this tragedy.
It's akin to watching the fall of Rome.
Apparently it's good enough that the US steer clear of laughing stock status by being dangerous and lawless on the international stage. The US carries a pretty big stick with an unaudited $700B military, compare to Russia's $86B. The public is not batting an eye as bridges fall and skilled labor shortages come from abroad. Pride will spring from anyplace.
5
'close' to a laughingstock We pass that milestone the day he was sworn in.
11
This administration is a bunch of amateurs and they have all lowered their standards to the deplorable Trump family standards. March on America, we will be so great again!!
We are the laughing stock of the world with this clownish administration and there are no longer any standards they will sink to. Just as we think it could not be more preposterous, we learn we do not have enough imagination. We are in an alternate world - hopefully, we will find or way out of it!!
We are the laughing stock of the world with this clownish administration and there are no longer any standards they will sink to. Just as we think it could not be more preposterous, we learn we do not have enough imagination. We are in an alternate world - hopefully, we will find or way out of it!!
4
Indeed, the world is laughing at America for electing an unhinged conman, but it's a laughter tinged with sadness for a country that's badly lost its way. It's a dark humour to help us cope with how Trump isn't having a profoundly destructive global impact.
6
I think you see quite clearly now how other countries are quietly making adjustments to compensate for the unpredictability and total inability of this WH to deal with the rest of the world. Outside its massive dollar committment to the military, as time goes on, America will find economically, it is still important in the world but, gradually less and less important then it was in the past.
1
Close to being a laughing stock? These days the US is a laughing stock!
7
Since when do ethics and politicians go hand in hand? Look to Albany and Chicago they don't know the meaning of the word.
"A White House official dismissed the criticism, saying on Sunday that Mr. Shaub was simply promoting himself and had failed to do his job properly." Typical cynical political move, accuse the "other side" of doing what your man is doing. "Trump is not only a disgrace but also an assault on the culture and the country." (Charles M. Blow, NYTimes) Indeed.
10
Speaking of "family business" issues, this is the same Ethics Chief who defended Hillary's not divulging Bill's paid speeches to the Clinton Foundation while she was Secretary of State. In particular:
"The speeches included $500,000 Bill Clinton received for remarks before a Kremlin-tied investment bank in Moscow in 2010, while the Russians were negotiating to acquire a uranium company full of Clinton Foundation donors. The Uranium One deal was signed off by Hillary Clinton's State Department, giving Russia control of 20 percent of uranium production capacity in the United States"*.
This is why partisanship lowers the bar for everyone's ethics, not just Trump's.
*******
* "Head of Ethics Office Is Obama Donor, Now Concerned About Trump Nominees",
http://freebeacon.com/issues/head-ethics-office-obama-donor-concerned-tr...
"The speeches included $500,000 Bill Clinton received for remarks before a Kremlin-tied investment bank in Moscow in 2010, while the Russians were negotiating to acquire a uranium company full of Clinton Foundation donors. The Uranium One deal was signed off by Hillary Clinton's State Department, giving Russia control of 20 percent of uranium production capacity in the United States"*.
This is why partisanship lowers the bar for everyone's ethics, not just Trump's.
*******
* "Head of Ethics Office Is Obama Donor, Now Concerned About Trump Nominees",
http://freebeacon.com/issues/head-ethics-office-obama-donor-concerned-tr...
2
Thank you for taking a stand and not bowing to a bully and crook.
8
The BIG ethics questions about Presidents concern the Clintons, Gores, and
probably soon the Obamas.
The Clintons became very very rich from "talk fees" that are quite obviously
paybacks for some sort of favors done when in office.
Note that the Bushes didn't do that.
As usual ... its one ethics for Republicans, a different one for Democrats,
when the NYT considers the subject.
probably soon the Obamas.
The Clintons became very very rich from "talk fees" that are quite obviously
paybacks for some sort of favors done when in office.
Note that the Bushes didn't do that.
As usual ... its one ethics for Republicans, a different one for Democrats,
when the NYT considers the subject.
1
So, please refresh my memory on the ethics of the Trumps.
Google GW Bush & talk circuit. Republicans and Democrats, that ALL do it!
https://www.thoughtco.com/former-presidents-speaking-fees-3368127
https://www.thoughtco.com/former-presidents-speaking-fees-3368127
2
They gave speeches after their terms of service and got paid? Is that really an ethics problem for you? I don't even see a connective relevance.
4
It seems to me that there's usually more commentary by Trump supporters in these comment sections than there is in this one. Is ethics the topic about which even THEY won't defend the Trump administration?
12
A serious question is beginning to rise to the fore: do the president's ethics ( or lack thereof ) reflect his supporter's ethical standards?
Can they be said to reflect America's values?
Like it or not his ethics are perceived as America's.
Can they be said to reflect America's values?
Like it or not his ethics are perceived as America's.
10
The idea of strengthening the power of the ethics office is a good one, if for no other reason than the fact that, Mr. Trump and Donald Jr. represent four generations of Trump family dedication to personal wealth at the expense of contractors, renters, lenders, the IRS (remember, he owes nearly $1B in back taxes) and, now, the largest group he is dissing, the American People. Along with paternal training to win at all costs, going back to DJT's grandfather in the late 1880s, it was the diabolical mind of Roy Cohn that flushed away any semblance of ethical behavior in the Trump who won the White House last November.
The Trump administration, and the latest version of the Republican Party, is on the verge of dismantling the most respected democracy in world history. Despite vocalized loyalty to Jesus Christ throughout much of the GOP, the teachings of Jesus for empathy, ethics, and compassion for the poor, the sick, and the elderly apparently have little meaning when shareholder value and political power are at stake.
Mr. Shaub's warning shots should resonate in the hearts and minds of all Americans yet, 60 million voters pushed the Electoral College count over the top for Mr. Trump. Those of us who call ourselves progressives (and my family's progressive roots date to the early 1800s) understand Mr. Shaub's calculus for upholding the role of ethics in American democracy.
But the most powerful will do whatever it takes to dim the light of ethical behavior for power.
The Trump administration, and the latest version of the Republican Party, is on the verge of dismantling the most respected democracy in world history. Despite vocalized loyalty to Jesus Christ throughout much of the GOP, the teachings of Jesus for empathy, ethics, and compassion for the poor, the sick, and the elderly apparently have little meaning when shareholder value and political power are at stake.
Mr. Shaub's warning shots should resonate in the hearts and minds of all Americans yet, 60 million voters pushed the Electoral College count over the top for Mr. Trump. Those of us who call ourselves progressives (and my family's progressive roots date to the early 1800s) understand Mr. Shaub's calculus for upholding the role of ethics in American democracy.
But the most powerful will do whatever it takes to dim the light of ethical behavior for power.
17
the work of Ethics Officials around violations, as Shaub said in an interview, should be rendered unnecessary by requirements met before officials take their oaths. This is as it should be--the country does not need more battling between oversight agencies and attempts to stack them with partisan supporters as we have currently on the congressional committees.
Running for and then holding the office of President should have requirements to which all candidates of all parties and independents agree before appearing on ballots. The requirements should be these and more like them:
Candidate agrees that if elected into office will share tax returns of the previous 10 years (15, 20... whatever)
Candidate agrees to withdraw from ownership, management, board membership, etc.. of all corporations and non-profits, domestic or foreign.
Candidate agrees to divest investments,
Candidate agrees that conflicts of interest laws as they apply to all White House staff and cabinet members WILL BE APPLIED to the Commander in Chief.
Candidate agrees to an understanding of the Emoluments Clause of our Constitution which s/he will not breach...
Really--these are just the actions that every president prior to the current criminal-in-chief has taken with barely a discussion, let alone a tug of war with the less fortunate, far less greedy, far less bullying American public.
Running for and then holding the office of President should have requirements to which all candidates of all parties and independents agree before appearing on ballots. The requirements should be these and more like them:
Candidate agrees that if elected into office will share tax returns of the previous 10 years (15, 20... whatever)
Candidate agrees to withdraw from ownership, management, board membership, etc.. of all corporations and non-profits, domestic or foreign.
Candidate agrees to divest investments,
Candidate agrees that conflicts of interest laws as they apply to all White House staff and cabinet members WILL BE APPLIED to the Commander in Chief.
Candidate agrees to an understanding of the Emoluments Clause of our Constitution which s/he will not breach...
Really--these are just the actions that every president prior to the current criminal-in-chief has taken with barely a discussion, let alone a tug of war with the less fortunate, far less greedy, far less bullying American public.
10
“The truth is, Mr. Schaub is not interested in advising the executive branch on ethics. He’s interested in grandstanding and lobbying for more expansive powers in the office he holds.”
Translation: There is no such thing as ethics -- only power -- and being ethical is a expression of weakness.
Translation: There is no such thing as ethics -- only power -- and being ethical is a expression of weakness.
9
This is a real scary thought.
Yikes ... you really think that ethics is not important .... that makes two that thinks this way ... you and trump.
1
I was translating from a Trump point of view -- not my own.
The Swiss practice of regular referenda would be welcome here in Canada. Probably would be good in the USA especially if it is one person one vote and if the monster of mega money running the show could be ended. USA PLUTOCRATS SHOULD NOT BE RUNNING THE SHOW.
2
Unfortunately, Citizens United put that idea out to pasture years ago and legalized bribery in America is now the norm. The plutocrats have the ability to buy politicians whom, in turn, create the agenda that strictly serves the interests of their donors. All other citizens are inconsequential.
1
I don't think referenda would be welcome in Canada, we have a democracy based upon representation by elected officials.
We select them to represent our interests, when they don't we vote them out.
There's no need to constantly base decisions upon the whims of the electorate at any single instant.
We select them to represent our interests, when they don't we vote them out.
There's no need to constantly base decisions upon the whims of the electorate at any single instant.
Alexandra Hamilton writes "So how do we reach and educate the core of Trump and GOP voters?"
The answer is, obviously, we don't. There is no reaching them. There is no educating them. Trump's rabid base knows he lies. They know he's colluded with the Russians in the run up to the election. They know he's committing acts of clear obstruction of justice regarding Mr. Mueller's investigation. They know the measures taken by this Republican Congress will hurt them the most. They know all of this. And they simply don't care what damage they cause this nation.
But there is no enlightening those who want to be deceived. Trump voters are entirely happy and willing to be brainwashed. They believe that our colleges and universities are harmful to our country. They know this nation is now a laughing stock. They know we've lost our status as an international leader in just a few short months -- a position that this country took many decades to achieve. They know all of this. And they will never change their minds.
There is no reaching out to any of them. This segment of white America cannot stand the thought of treating others as equals. Their hatred of ethnic and religious minorities knows no bounds. Their sexism knows no bounds. Their homophobia knows no bounds. And they cannot stand the idea that they will be a minority in America, an America they believe as solely their own. And they will never change.
The answer is, obviously, we don't. There is no reaching them. There is no educating them. Trump's rabid base knows he lies. They know he's colluded with the Russians in the run up to the election. They know he's committing acts of clear obstruction of justice regarding Mr. Mueller's investigation. They know the measures taken by this Republican Congress will hurt them the most. They know all of this. And they simply don't care what damage they cause this nation.
But there is no enlightening those who want to be deceived. Trump voters are entirely happy and willing to be brainwashed. They believe that our colleges and universities are harmful to our country. They know this nation is now a laughing stock. They know we've lost our status as an international leader in just a few short months -- a position that this country took many decades to achieve. They know all of this. And they will never change their minds.
There is no reaching out to any of them. This segment of white America cannot stand the thought of treating others as equals. Their hatred of ethnic and religious minorities knows no bounds. Their sexism knows no bounds. Their homophobia knows no bounds. And they cannot stand the idea that they will be a minority in America, an America they believe as solely their own. And they will never change.
14
"Traitorous", collaborationist". These are words applied to those who willfully assisted the Vichy Regime in France. I would go so far as to apply them to those in the White House and members of Congress who now support the Trump Regime. Signing off on the Republican healthcare bills is almost the same as signing a death warrant for the many who will lose their access to healthcare and nursing homes. In making it a personal attack on former President Obama--the ACA was written and passed by the U.S. House and Senate--they have clearly shown that their main purpose is an attack on non-whites, who will be heavily affected along with all low income Americans. The Republican Congress now, as in the past, has also consistently advanced policies that would keep all these Americans as low income.
The Trump family has made it clear that they are in this to promote the profits of their real estate business, and that they plan to use the savings from gutting healthcare coverage for their own tax breaks. Congress could do us all a favor here--show that they are not collaborationist traitors--by specifically passing a law that there will be no changes, other than to collect more taxes, in the real estate and inheritance tax laws as long as Trump is President. With nothing to personally gain, they might all resign.
Further, today in Congress, Bob Dole was honored for his Service. Given the situation with N. Korea, do you really want a former draft dodger as Commander in Chief?
The Trump family has made it clear that they are in this to promote the profits of their real estate business, and that they plan to use the savings from gutting healthcare coverage for their own tax breaks. Congress could do us all a favor here--show that they are not collaborationist traitors--by specifically passing a law that there will be no changes, other than to collect more taxes, in the real estate and inheritance tax laws as long as Trump is President. With nothing to personally gain, they might all resign.
Further, today in Congress, Bob Dole was honored for his Service. Given the situation with N. Korea, do you really want a former draft dodger as Commander in Chief?
2
Americans don't need Mr. Shaub to tell us the obvious.
Trump has pretty much torn up the constitution in at least two major ways.
1-Breaking the emolument clause. The examples are endless.
2-Dereliction of duty re defending the constitution re foreign threats. He has de facto become a foreign plant/agent for Putin and Russia.
The Congress has taken a baby step by imposing sanctions on Russia for cyber spying in our election. Now it is time to read Trump the riot act in general re the taking the emolument clause seriously and protecting us against direct russian threats. A veto proof bill should be put on Trump's desk re these issues and if he doesn't listen, censure him and if need be impeach him.
Trump has pretty much torn up the constitution in at least two major ways.
1-Breaking the emolument clause. The examples are endless.
2-Dereliction of duty re defending the constitution re foreign threats. He has de facto become a foreign plant/agent for Putin and Russia.
The Congress has taken a baby step by imposing sanctions on Russia for cyber spying in our election. Now it is time to read Trump the riot act in general re the taking the emolument clause seriously and protecting us against direct russian threats. A veto proof bill should be put on Trump's desk re these issues and if he doesn't listen, censure him and if need be impeach him.
7
"Close to a laughing stock". I think we have exceeded those expectations.
The problem is that it is no laughing matter.
The problem is that it is no laughing matter.
3
'Close to a laughingstock'? More like gone through laughing stock come out the other side and well down the road to being a basket case.
6
Too bad a dedicated, intelligent, and professional civil servant is leaving. His comments are so apropos.
6
"Close to a Laughing Stock"? No. America is there. People around the world who understand what is happening can't understand how we could elect such a blowhard buffoon. Simple. WE didn't elect him. The 40+ year plan by the International Mafia Top 1% Global Financial Elite Robber Baron/Radical religion Good Old Boys Cabal culminated when they put him as place as their spouting head. Meantime, their operatives have taken over every federal cabinet and are trying to destroy democracy every minute of every day. It is no laughing matter.
WE THE PEOPLE must stop them at every turn and thrown them out of office completely in the next elections. Here are two ways to show our disgust and fight them: Sign the petition below to Impeach Trump Now and sign your support for United To Protect Democracy. This must not stand in America. Not now. Not ever.
https://impeachdonaldtrumpnow.org/
https://unitedtoprotectdemocracy.org/
WE THE PEOPLE must stop them at every turn and thrown them out of office completely in the next elections. Here are two ways to show our disgust and fight them: Sign the petition below to Impeach Trump Now and sign your support for United To Protect Democracy. This must not stand in America. Not now. Not ever.
https://impeachdonaldtrumpnow.org/
https://unitedtoprotectdemocracy.org/
5
Since Trump has lowered the bar on ethics, the genie is out and may be impossible to put back into the jar. Any politician from now on will be free to say, if Trump did it, I can do it. That shining city on the hill is no longer shiny thanks to Trump and the people that voted for him.
12
Oh, it's still shiny . . . but then, so is Las Vegas.
3
The worst part it is that it's no laughing matter. We should be more serious about Trump's flaws rather than parodying or laughing them off. Silly Trump!
I don't not think his campaign or administration is as amusing as SNL does.
Nor should we laugh along at Trump's ignorance. He is a VERY dangerous man.
I don't not think his campaign or administration is as amusing as SNL does.
Nor should we laugh along at Trump's ignorance. He is a VERY dangerous man.
13
Constitution? Ethics? Laughingstock? Our election was hacked, so... why are we are embroiled in bickering about ethics? Read on... and weep. "A National Security Agency Report suggested Russian hackers attacked a U.S. voting software supplier before last year's presidential election." From March 9, Times-Standard. The leak came from (now arrested), Ms. Winner, a gov. contractor.
7
The White House is literally scolding this guy for doing his job.
25
Sort of like the Times firing of its Public Editor when she became too critical of the bias in what purported to be news articles, and then to top things off eliminating the position....
3
But it's worse than scolding. The commentary from the White House about this man with a highly creditable and honorable record of service behind him, sought to sting him, accuse him of base motives and dismiss his concerns out of hand. They even disrespected him by spelling his name incorrectly. The tawdry language directed at Mr Shaub was sickening and so unprofessional. The people in the White House act like large fanged uncouth animals with not a shred of moral decency among them.
Trump seems to have a penchant for labeling anyone who questions his dictates, attitude, or actions a "grandstander".
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
Trump is the epitome of a grandstander, and a lying, devious one at that.
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
Trump is the epitome of a grandstander, and a lying, devious one at that.
23
It is more a matter of the pot calling the crystal black.
1
I wrote this man a letter some months ago, asking if there was anything a citizen could do to help him deal with the current impossible scenario of holding Trump & Co to account for ethics violations.
I never heard back. Now I know why.
I never heard back. Now I know why.
5
Think back to the early days of the Obama administration. If Obama or Biden were owners of various golf courses, hotels, etc. and still profited from them while in office the Republicans, and most likely Mr. Trump, would've fought this tooth and nail. But now we're all just supposed to look away because the rules don't apply to the ultra rich.
19
54 excursions at TAXPAYER expense in 170+ days in office, plus his family excursions to various other sites and other countries--is anyone totalling up the cost? I would REALLY like to see that figure.
35
The secret service ask for an additional 60 million dollars because of trump and the family. They were told to get the money out of the home land security pot. The cost has to be well over 70 million dollars and rising.
2
In his entire 8 yr. term, Obama spent a grand total of $94 million dollars on travel and security. Trump will surpass that figure easily before his first year in office ends. Where is the outrage from taxpayers about this including his loyal supporters?
Wow, talk about "the kid in the candy store"!
Wow, talk about "the kid in the candy store"!
2
Once again, some White House shill says there are no ethics problems and voila! There are no ethics problems.
Amazing how that works!
Amazing how that works!
11
I would say that anyone with the word, "ethics", in his title who sat by while Hillary Clinton destroyed evidence, lied about Benghazi and engaged in some questionable behavior with her Foundation, is hardly one to be lecturing anyone.
4
I'd say anyone who still believes all that concocted hokum deserves a padded cell.
3
First he had no position with regard to anyone not on government and she was not.
After months of hearings research and effort, none of the investigations turned up anything that in any was showed Clinton acted improperly or negligent with regard to the attack in Benghazi.
Anyone who considers a poorly conceived e mail set up on a par with meeting with enemy foreign officials with the goal of letting them influence our election needs to read the constitution.
After months of hearings research and effort, none of the investigations turned up anything that in any was showed Clinton acted improperly or negligent with regard to the attack in Benghazi.
Anyone who considers a poorly conceived e mail set up on a par with meeting with enemy foreign officials with the goal of letting them influence our election needs to read the constitution.
4
Another grandstander, says the Grandstander-in-Chief. Sad!
And since we're on the subject of ethics, would it be ethical of a company or organization to hire a person like the Trump minion Lindsay E. Walters, who seems so at ease lying, engaging in ad hominem attacks, and spreading Orwellian propaganda?
And since we're on the subject of ethics, would it be ethical of a company or organization to hire a person like the Trump minion Lindsay E. Walters, who seems so at ease lying, engaging in ad hominem attacks, and spreading Orwellian propaganda?
21
The entire Trump family should be thrown in jail. Can husband and wife teams share a suite in jail? Jared and Ivanka would look great in jailhouse stripes.
12
Maybe we could have a special suit made for her with the stripes vertical. So slimming, you know . . .
1
Just about everything Trump has said or done squeaks of unethical. That is because he is an unethical person and became rich through unethical business practices. To him politics is an unethical game that he loves to play. He was the laughing stalk of during the primaries and pundits said he didn't have a chance of winning the nomination, so we relaxed; he was the laughing stalk during campaign and when pundits said he couldn't win against Hillary, and we relaxed and laughed with the rest; and now that he is President and we are the laughing stalks cause we elected him, we seem to wonder why.
5
Since when is ethics partisan? Trumps lack of ethical behavior without being checked will negatively impact Republicans similar to Clinton's impact in 2000 which helped elect W. Supporting strong ethics is great cover for Republicans to separate themselves from Trump while supporting much of their agenda.
Just spent a wee with Europeans of different countries and indeed we are a joke.
Sad
Just spent a wee with Europeans of different countries and indeed we are a joke.
Sad
13
It's occurred to me that what makes Mr. Trump fundamentally different from any other president, at least in my lifetime, is that as much as we've questioned their judgment and even their ethics, the other presidents have viewed themselves as serving the public and the nation. Pretty clearly, Mr. Trump views the public and the nation as serving him. If you think that Mr. Trump will ever choose a course that would benefit the country's interests while harming his own, you're sadly mistaken.
23
Who possibly could want to own the resume that says: "Director of Department of Ethics in the administration of Donald Trump"?!
10
The Trump administration lacks any sense of ethics, morality, or civil behavior. It makes one wonder about the Republicans in the House and Senate that continue to support him. Are they really that desperate to have someone throw them a bone?
29
Nothing about what Walter Shaub is or has done says "grandstander" - on the contrary. Remember that James Comey was also a "grandstander". It would appear that quiet strength is Mr. Trump's kryptonite.
74
Calling our great nation a laughingstock is hardly what i would call ETHICAL TREATMENT!!!
2
You have obviously not been in recent communication with people from other countries. Trump and the U.S. are widely regarded as a joke.
53
Here on the farm, we call a spade a spade.
When your nation becomes a laughingstock, which is what the Trump administration has wrought, it is entirely appropriate, and entirely ethical, to call it a laughingstock.
To think otherwise is somewhat delusional.
When your nation becomes a laughingstock, which is what the Trump administration has wrought, it is entirely appropriate, and entirely ethical, to call it a laughingstock.
To think otherwise is somewhat delusional.
36
Correction: 'once-great nation'.
2
"Mr. Schaub’s penchant for raising concerns on matters well outside his scope with the media before ever raising them with the White House — which happens to be his actual day job — is rather telling,” Lindsay E. Walters, a White House spokeswoman, said. Actually, Lindsay E. Walters, what is rather telling is your sloppy sentence construction. It reflects sloppy thinking. You need an editor. Misspelled names are one thing, misplaced clauses another. Does Mr. Shaub's "scope" limit the concerns he should be addressing, or the media he should be communicating with? Certainly your statement does not make that clear. Good thing you're not attempting a career as a scientist, mathematician or logician. Stick to public relations, but get an editor.
16
Doesn't this kind of behavior actually weaken Trump's presidency? Sooner or later the GOP is surely to wise up and realize the president is actually beholden to them--not to jump on the impeachment bandwagon. Seriously, you'd think they'd rather work with Pence anyway.
4
Just because something squeaks by as " legal" doesn't mean it is "ethical".
Alas, it seems that the current administration challenges both that which is legal and ethical.
Alas, it seems that the current administration challenges both that which is legal and ethical.
24
Trump has always had a problem with "legal", as in not paying contractors. He has always had a problem with ethical: Trump U scam
Trump doesn't see himself as serving the people that elected him so much as he sees the office he holds as a vehicle for increasing his wealth, no matter the perceived ethics violations. Until he is dealt a significant legal / financial blow, whether through lawsuits or boycotts, he has the keys to the kingdom so to speak and as disgusting as it is, he plans on taking advantage of it, all while the leaders of the GOP look the other way. He thinks he can be President and run his businesses at the same time; the quicker he goes back to being a businessman, the better all of us will be, except of course those who choose to do business with him.
14
If you want a round picture of the ethical nature of the people in the Trump Admin take a look at Will Bunch's article from yesterday. It points out somethings about our AG and the now infamous Russian lawyer DT Jr. met with and ends up almost by accident providing a rational behind firing Preet Bhararra among other things.
I wish you weren't going Mr Shaub, even if you are ignored by the Administration we need you there to point out what is going on. There is a dead certainty that whomever is appointed to fill your post will be just as corrupt as the rest of the Trump Admin.
I wish you weren't going Mr Shaub, even if you are ignored by the Administration we need you there to point out what is going on. There is a dead certainty that whomever is appointed to fill your post will be just as corrupt as the rest of the Trump Admin.
21
IO forgot to provide a link http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/presidential/ag-sessions-the-...
1
I consider Shaub's remarks an * unspeakable * slandering... of laughingstocks.
I have known quite a few laughingstocks in my time -- but cannot summon to mind a single one so utterly lacking in dignity and rigor as Trump and his (unintentionally -- and depressingly) daffy minions.
I have known quite a few laughingstocks in my time -- but cannot summon to mind a single one so utterly lacking in dignity and rigor as Trump and his (unintentionally -- and depressingly) daffy minions.
24
The ethics situation of this white house (as well, let's admit, others) is horrendous.
But laughingstock? Really, which ethically superior country out there is the one whose opinion we should care about? Really, the very least of our concerns...
But laughingstock? Really, which ethically superior country out there is the one whose opinion we should care about? Really, the very least of our concerns...
3
Forget the "... the appearance of profiting from the presidency...", he and his family are profiting from his presidency. But, karama being what it is, their day will come .... I just hope we're all here to enjoy it.
11
In my experience, Karma always comes late to the party and she's kinda shy.
1
Close? It started in November. No better said..."The Emperor Has No Clothes" as his court of "Senate Jesters" entertain us all!!!
6
"Profiting from the Presidency" is going to be the title of a book someday...
If that book is written by Trump, it will also say "and Proud of It".
If that book is written by Trump, it will also say "and Proud of It".
12
How about: "The Profligate Profiteering Profane President: From White House to Jailhouse." We can hope, can't we?
1
Mr. Shaub say it "creates the appearance of profiting from the presidency." That statement is hilarious, since the truth is that Mr. Trump and his family are concerned with nothing but.
38
Did I actually here the word "ethics" being used in conjunction with the White House branch of the Trump Organization?
And the in-house White House response to Mr. Shaub—berating his "penchant for raising concerns on matters well outside his scope"—is breathtaking.
Outside his scope? The violations and questionable practices are so profuse it almost requires a new branch of government.
And the in-house White House response to Mr. Shaub—berating his "penchant for raising concerns on matters well outside his scope"—is breathtaking.
Outside his scope? The violations and questionable practices are so profuse it almost requires a new branch of government.
29
My favorite thing about this story is that the White House spokeswoman can't even spell Mr. Shaub's name correctly! You think maybe she has no idea what she is talking about?
This confederacy of dunces is not even trying to satisfy the barest threshold of credibility.
This confederacy of dunces is not even trying to satisfy the barest threshold of credibility.
54
Yes, Ann from Dallas, the White House spokeswoman -- in addition to misspelling Mr. Shaub's name -- does not know what she's talking about. Look at her relatively brief background and you'll see she was hired for her loyalty to, and lobbying for, the GOP and not for any meaningful professional expertise. Her career is a fly speck compared to the distinguished work of Mr. Shaub, yet she feels she has the chops to speak out against him. Disgusting.
51
It all started with Reagan.
8
Well really when Nixon was the wormtongue behind Sen McCarthy, but reagan did get to do most of the work of destroying our system which Bill Clinton finished for him.
3
Corruption that neither feels nor fears any need to hide itself is a new thing. This is CRONY FASCISM. It's like a Master's in Remedial Reading. By its nature it ought not to exist; but Behold!! It can because it does!
17
Who can call down a president? It is like being king for four years. The two primary sources of repudiation, as the Republicans sit drawing their salaries on Capitol Hill dumbstruck by their own ambitions, would be the news media (fake news!) and citizen voters. For very obvious reasons, Trump goes after news organizations day by day, hoping to weaken them and giving his group of totally in love supporters resistance to any developing facts or scandals.
Our Declaration of Independence states that government here operates with the consent of the governed. There is a problem, a missing link. Thomas Jefferson and other founders left out this: how is "consent" shown and how can it be withdrawn? Elections are a weak, delayed tool when one is faced with an unabashed bully who thinks nothing, indeed enjoys, flouting normal procedures and mere ethics.
We have to invent our own ways of withdrawing consent. Opinion polls are useful, but, then again, also ignored. We need NATIONAL DAYS OF NO CONFIDENCE whereby citizens show in massive numbers that they have no trust that this president is operating in good faith. These days can be staged in every town and city across America, including in the so called red states. Previous Trump supporters should be invited to join in.
We must not stop. We must not rest. Opposing unbalanced actions is a patriotic duty. Trump using the presidency to promote his business interests is not likely fatal to democracy, but it is a clear insult to us all.
Our Declaration of Independence states that government here operates with the consent of the governed. There is a problem, a missing link. Thomas Jefferson and other founders left out this: how is "consent" shown and how can it be withdrawn? Elections are a weak, delayed tool when one is faced with an unabashed bully who thinks nothing, indeed enjoys, flouting normal procedures and mere ethics.
We have to invent our own ways of withdrawing consent. Opinion polls are useful, but, then again, also ignored. We need NATIONAL DAYS OF NO CONFIDENCE whereby citizens show in massive numbers that they have no trust that this president is operating in good faith. These days can be staged in every town and city across America, including in the so called red states. Previous Trump supporters should be invited to join in.
We must not stop. We must not rest. Opposing unbalanced actions is a patriotic duty. Trump using the presidency to promote his business interests is not likely fatal to democracy, but it is a clear insult to us all.
41
May I ask two question?
1. Has Mr. Trump broken any law by ignoring the outgoing Ethics Chief's pronouncements about what the President needs to do to be seen as "ethical"?
2. Will the outgoing Ethics Chief be starting a bidding war for his memoirs just as Mr. Comey has started a bidding war?
Just curious.
1. Has Mr. Trump broken any law by ignoring the outgoing Ethics Chief's pronouncements about what the President needs to do to be seen as "ethical"?
2. Will the outgoing Ethics Chief be starting a bidding war for his memoirs just as Mr. Comey has started a bidding war?
Just curious.
6
he has violated the Constitution by personally profiting from the Presidency. How much, it is hard to define, as he refused to show his tax returns, even confidentially to a Vongesssional committee or to the ethics office.
12
We have a president who violates norms that previously did not need to be codified into law. Decent people naturally abided by them. Now that we've put an obstreperous group of indecent folk in the White House, laws will be written to prevent their like from getting way away with it in he future. Provided we have one.
5
This response infuriates me. First, there may be illegalities here, but even if there aren't, THAT'S NOT THE POINT!! In order to be sure that the President is acting solely in the interests of the country--you know, putting the country's interest first and foremost--he needed to do everything possible to make sure that his loyalties are not divided. Do you understand this?? This is so very basic to good governance. Do you understand this?? If the President's interest in maximizing his profits are in conflict with his avowed interest in "making America great again", then he HAD to divest himself of all of his profit-making assets. Yes, that means selling them. He chose to run for President; this meant that he was under an ethical and moral, if not legal, obligation to eliminate any and all conflicts of interest. He has not done so, and is profiting off the Presidency, demeaning himself, the office, and the country. Let me ask you a question, Mr. Kramer. If Hillary Clinton were profiting off the Presidency, would you be so cavalier?
6
Ethics are a laudable goal, but cannot -- and should not -- be legislated.
Candidly, it can be argued that the Constitution was actually engineered specifically for this purpose -- Madison and his peers wrote it presuming the worst case scenario, from day one:
"In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself." --James Madison
The issue here is not adding more 'ethical guidelines' that will only be ignored or stretched to fit a certain view -- the real issue is whether American's have the political will as a people to choose its representatives and its President in accordance with their values and preferences. This is the purpose of the vote, and it is the very essence of Democracy.
Though well intentioned, Mr. Shaub's recommendations would likely be dismissed by the framers of the Constitution, because they do not honor the spirit and intent at the heart of Democratic ideals: free will, and the right to make up one's own mind about what is right, and what is wrong.
The Framer's knew that you could not legislate ethical behavior from the outset -- and expected the worst, not the best. There is only one way to guard against it: education of the citizenry.
"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." -James Madison
Candidly, it can be argued that the Constitution was actually engineered specifically for this purpose -- Madison and his peers wrote it presuming the worst case scenario, from day one:
"In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself." --James Madison
The issue here is not adding more 'ethical guidelines' that will only be ignored or stretched to fit a certain view -- the real issue is whether American's have the political will as a people to choose its representatives and its President in accordance with their values and preferences. This is the purpose of the vote, and it is the very essence of Democracy.
Though well intentioned, Mr. Shaub's recommendations would likely be dismissed by the framers of the Constitution, because they do not honor the spirit and intent at the heart of Democratic ideals: free will, and the right to make up one's own mind about what is right, and what is wrong.
The Framer's knew that you could not legislate ethical behavior from the outset -- and expected the worst, not the best. There is only one way to guard against it: education of the citizenry.
"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." -James Madison
78
I believe you are in error. Legislation by its very nature is an attempt to impose morality and ethics. While it's true that you cannot force someone to act in an ethical manner, you certainly can impose penalties for failure to do so. Besides which, ethics should never be a matter of popular will. It simply does not matter whether or not 65 million Americans voted for this man. The will of the majority (here, the minority!!) is not absolute. Donald Trump owes it to all Americans to adhere to ethical rules; it is simply part of what it means to be a leader. Yes, an educated citizenry is the best guard against the election of unscrupulous leaders. But what happens when the citizenry is routinely deceived and lied to, as is clear in the case of the Trump campaign and now the Trump presidency? Nope--for my money, legislate ethics to the very limits of possibility.
8
Times change. Experience makes each of us more pragmatic. One can say that the Founding Fathers realized this. Their constitution includes the possibility for amendments to permit us to correct or change their grand design. So why not ethics? Our Founders had no vision of the speed of communication (and communication of disinformation) that we must contend with, and how this expands the facility of ethics violations.
4
So, when the unthinkable and unimaginable happens (the citizenry, with the help of a foreign power, elects someone intellectually and morally unfit for high office of a great nation), we should...um...do nothing? I agree that you can't legislate ethical behavior. But, you can set high expectations and create a clear road map of what it looks like. I'm a compliance officer. And compliance officers create things called Codes of Conduct. It helps everyone understand what is expected in terms of conduct. One would hope that someone elected president of the United States would sort of know that already. Most of the ones historically have - even ones who's positions I very much disagreed with. Clearly we live in a different reality. We need the Mr. Shaub's of the world - people of integrity who know the "right thing" when they see it, and who won't stand by and do nothing when met with hostile resistance. I applaud his refusal to stand by and accept a complete and utter disregard for ethical behavior by a president who thinks he's really king and can do whatever he wants. Those of us who choose to work in the world of ethics understand that, sometimes, doing the right thing can be career limiting.
6
It's as painful to hear the smears from trump sychofants as it is to learn that the ethics chief is leaving. Maybe Mueller will serve as the gatekeeper.
13
Mueller IS the critical gatekeeper!
Walter Shaub is an American hero.
He should sue the White House for defamation of character and the suggestion that he was a failure at his job
He should sue the White House for defamation of character and the suggestion that he was a failure at his job
55
If the damage his negligence and ineptitude were causing was not so severe and did not effect so many people, it would be laughable. Sometimes, I wonder if Mel Brooks is behind a curtain making a parody of our presidency.
13
I'm completely in support of ethical behavior by our elected officials.
So far, I find this administration certainly no more unethical than the last administration. In fact, there are more examples of unethical behavior to cite from the last administration (albeit we have 8 years to mine).
For starters: Obama's decision in State of the Union #2 to use executive authority to bypass Congress to implement initiatives that did not have the support of US citizens. We know what they are, beginning with his approach to immigration. That was certainly not ethical, and it been the 1960s, the President would have been impeached, convicted, and sent back to peddle his poison in Chicago.
So far, I find this administration certainly no more unethical than the last administration. In fact, there are more examples of unethical behavior to cite from the last administration (albeit we have 8 years to mine).
For starters: Obama's decision in State of the Union #2 to use executive authority to bypass Congress to implement initiatives that did not have the support of US citizens. We know what they are, beginning with his approach to immigration. That was certainly not ethical, and it been the 1960s, the President would have been impeached, convicted, and sent back to peddle his poison in Chicago.
5
Yes, ignore the article and go with the "everybody does it" tactic. Excellent work.
4
You are not understanding the purpose of the ethics office. It is concerned with corruption--using the powers of the office to personally profit.
8
Why would you think that issuing an unpopular executive order is "unethical"
And more importantly, why would you make that claim as a Trump supporter? Are you under the impression that Trump's executive orders (or his election, or his presidency, for that matter) enjoy the support of a majority of Americans?
At least Trump's orders can be challenged in court. They might be the least unethical part of his otherwise thoroughly corrupt administration.
And more importantly, why would you make that claim as a Trump supporter? Are you under the impression that Trump's executive orders (or his election, or his presidency, for that matter) enjoy the support of a majority of Americans?
At least Trump's orders can be challenged in court. They might be the least unethical part of his otherwise thoroughly corrupt administration.
6
Trump can now add another Win to his long list of (negative) accomplishments to date. Making US the laughingstock for government ethics standards - a position held until now by many third world corrupt dictators and the like.
14
America is a full-blown laughing stock in the eyes of the world. I am writing this from the U.K. and am seeing it and hearing it firsthand.
40
Looking back I recall how the Brits ridiculed the US for its reaction to terrorism. They believed since they had experienced some IRA bombs, which in their minds was comparable to 9/11, they were seasoned, while those silly Americans were just overreacting.
And then 7/11 occurred. They soon became too busy addressing terrorism themselves to spend time diminishing others for their anti-terrorism efforts.
The one good thing about the Brits is that although they're always a couple of years behind fighting terrorism, they eventually catch up.
And then 7/11 occurred. They soon became too busy addressing terrorism themselves to spend time diminishing others for their anti-terrorism efforts.
The one good thing about the Brits is that although they're always a couple of years behind fighting terrorism, they eventually catch up.
One thing this experience has taught us is that POTUS has too much power. One unethical person can do too much harm. It is time to limit the powers of the Presidency.
7
Lock him up!
30
After White House Counsel Don McGahn was told by Sally Yates that Flynn was compromised, that he was lying, McGhnn wanted to know: "What does it matter to the Justice Department if one White House member lies to another?" (lying to the Vice President of the US, no less).
That aptly sums up this White House's approach to ethics, the standard they set for themselves.
That aptly sums up this White House's approach to ethics, the standard they set for themselves.
31
Trump's timid, passive, subservient handshake with Putin as opposed to his 25 mauling handshakes with other world leaders, let us all know, who's running this show.
23
Trump's visits to his golf courses are a racist dog whistle. He criticized President Obama for golfing, and claimed he (Trump) would have no time for that because he would be hard at work. Lo and behold, he's using taxpayer financing to travel to his personal golf resorts as much as he can.
The message to Trump's base is that blacks can't golf, but white boys can.
The message to Trump's base is that blacks can't golf, but white boys can.
56
Shaub is talking about the future. The ethics violations of Trump are flagrant. However, there is plenty of blame to go around on both sides of the isle. Now that Trump has set a precedent for lies,corruption and nepotism we need Shaub's suggestions to be made real. If you follow the money for candidates then you can see how wide spread this problem has become. So now we need written rules about ethics.
https://www.opensecrets.org/
https://www.opensecrets.org/
14
Ethics measures are about appearances, perceptions. "If it walks like a duck..." The concern is more about damaged trust and confidence than it is the specific actions which may or may not be ethical. So the Congress is left with this consideration..."What is the impact on US interests if the world views the President to be unethical? Does this breed a fundamentally harmful distrust that seriously harms the US?" And Congress has to make the same assessment about lack of confidence impact on domestic interests like business planning and investment."
7
For example, "Can Congress tolerate a foreign power granting a Trump property building permission in what appears to be in exchange for a diplomatic agreement harmful to US interests?"
Ethics for trump (and apparently the leaders of the Republican Party) are like a snow shoes for Amazon natives...clumsy and of no value. Winning, power,redistributing wealth from the poor and the middle class to the piratical one percent are the dominant motives for political action. Trump is the open ulcer ,foul and odiferous,reflecting the decline of the American electorate.He is the mirror of current American values..and the likes of McConnell and Ryan are his enablers.
Impeach him and vote out the republicans
Impeach him and vote out the republicans
16
I recently returned from two weeks in Canada, and the people I know there, whether they like or hate Trudeau, are united in their befuddlement as to how we elected Trump and their dislike of him. In fact, in attitudes and demeanor, he is the anti-Canadian. It seems we were more like that once, when civility, bipartisanship and moderation ruled the day. This was before the profit making machine that is rightwing radio, television and web discovered how easy it is to whip up fear and loathing in a large segment of our population.
28
I have to believe that if enough people join the chorus of the concerned that some change will be possible. I believe that Mr. Schaub will have a bigger impact with the kind of unfettered commentary that will be possible as he leaves official duties. And I hope the media will be there to listen and share what he has to say.
9
America is not a laughingstock, but the majority of Americans, Europeans (less Russia) and Asians certainly believe the current administration and Donald J Trump, in particular, and family are. As for Republicans in Congress, they've been a laughingstock for years.
13
Donald Trump Jr's meeting with Russians for assistance in the US presidential election was no different from what Benedict Arnold did when he decided to go over to the British side during the American Revolution.
Trump Jr. decided to make common cause with people who would then be able to blackmail him with what he had done (assuming he would need coercing to comply with their wishes). In any prior year he would be banished from the White House, but instead, the President defends his action as business-as-usual, and everyone in the administration is sorry that the cover-up lies told by Trump Jr. did not succeed.
Trump Jr. decided to make common cause with people who would then be able to blackmail him with what he had done (assuming he would need coercing to comply with their wishes). In any prior year he would be banished from the White House, but instead, the President defends his action as business-as-usual, and everyone in the administration is sorry that the cover-up lies told by Trump Jr. did not succeed.
13
It is astonishing how quickly our country is losing its leadership position with the rest of the world. Mr. Trump and his Republican party are quickly squandering our `greatness' about which they so love to preen, with their visible self serving actions and lack of ethics.
11
Let us not forget that the first order of business for the republicans this year was to vote to gut the Office of Congressional Ethics by taking away its authority and independence. Considering how silent the republicans have been on trump's actions and behavior, I just sincerely doubt any true interest "to improve the ethics process".
23
Adios, Mr. Shaub. Thank you for calling 'em as you see 'em. You were more than kind when you said that Trump's continued visits to his private, for-profit properties "creates the appearance of profiting from the presidency". Trump IS profiting from the presidency, and I believe it is 100% illegal.
Of course, our Attorney General, Mr. Sessions, won't complain. He "doesn't recall", anyway. Our nation's G.A.O. has been d.o.a. for some time now. And, even though this REALLY stinks, I don't think Pruitt will care, or offer any clean-up help or advice, from the E.P.A.
Trump has turned our Nation's White House into a franchise to sell all-things-Trump. As an American, I am sick of this Bozo. There is not one Cabinet Position in his Administration that does not exist purely to make the rich richer, while the rest of us pick up the tab.
If America, and this Planet, make it through four years of this crud, it will be nothing short of a miracle.
Of course, our Attorney General, Mr. Sessions, won't complain. He "doesn't recall", anyway. Our nation's G.A.O. has been d.o.a. for some time now. And, even though this REALLY stinks, I don't think Pruitt will care, or offer any clean-up help or advice, from the E.P.A.
Trump has turned our Nation's White House into a franchise to sell all-things-Trump. As an American, I am sick of this Bozo. There is not one Cabinet Position in his Administration that does not exist purely to make the rich richer, while the rest of us pick up the tab.
If America, and this Planet, make it through four years of this crud, it will be nothing short of a miracle.
16
This situation is the voters' fault. It is not enough to simply vote in general elections. To get decent candidates more people need to get involved in the primaries. Maybe go register as Republicans to try to vote the crazies out. That is what I have done.
6
If the nation is a laughingstock and government ethics are at an all-time low, why is he resigning? Is this a voluntary resignation or was he told to resign or be fired? If he feels so strongly about these issues, resigning makes him look as though he's speaking from both sides of his mouth. Congress appears to be open to some of his proposals so why not stick it out? The nation needs a strong ethics leader now more than ever and we know his replacement will be a yes-man or yes-woman. Maybe there's another party planner out there for Trump to hire.
1
The President and his family were rich when he entered into his office, and they will be rich when he leaves. Who cares if he get a little bit richer because he was President? Mr. Shaub has some interesting ideas, although I would be very cautious about granting subpoena authority to the ethics office because of its potential use as a political weapon. But in his direct criticism of the Trump administration, he speaks with a partisan voice as the appointee of President Obama that he is, and not as the neutral watchdog looking for meaningful corruption that he is supposed to be.
17
What nonsense. Of course we care whether he is profiting from the presidency! The man has devoted all his life to enriching himself. We need to know whether he is acting for himself or for the country. His holdings should be public and he should be prohibited from profiting from the presidency.
55
Who cares if he gets richer while in office? I think about 60% of the population--those who have expressed dissatisfaction with the way trump is conducting his presidency. You may be happy to live in a banana republic, but many of us want to move forward towards realizing the promise of "liberty and justice for all."
39
"Who cares if he gets a little bit richer?" That's not the salient point. The point is abuse of power and ways that individuals, companies, and even nations can curry favor and exact influence by holding out the lure of ever more money (because there is no such thing as enough).
34
The ability to feel shame is a necessary motivation to ethical behavior. Anyone who would put their own name on shoddy products like Trump Steaks, Trump Vodka, and Trump University has no shame. Anyone who would defiantly violate the specific terms of the government lease on the Old Post Office building and then profit from it has no shame. Anyone who would promise the American people to release his tax returns and then ignore that promise has no shame. It is the American people who must bear the shame for Donald Trump's failing presidency.
14
A very good point. Trump's strange shamelessness has always seemed like some kind of deep psychological deficiency, an stunting of the normal human capacity for embarrassment.
2
Mr. Schaub deserves our heartfelt thanks for his strong stand on ethics after essentially being forced out of his job. The quoted White House spokeswoman deserves to lose her job, which will happen when her boss is impeached.
17
If Trey "I love Bengazi" Gowdy was at all serious about his Congressional duties, he would have already held robust House hearings into the plethora of conflicts and other ethical lapses endemic to this Administration. He, like other Republicans, are terrified that the facts revealed would lay the groundwork for Articles of Impeachment. These disingenuous, unprincipled hacks continue to severely harm our nation and its core institutions.
13
One of the latest ethical lapses, as I see it, is the payment of $50,000 from Trump's Campaign to a criminal defense lawyer of mafia types.
Think about it. Supposedly the sons were to be looking after Trump's business. But NOW, Trumps campaign is paying to defend Junior! In Trumplandia no ethical lines are drawn.
This is a definite conflict of interest. On top of the many others.
Lying, larceny, self-dealing and possibly treason, now showing on your nearest electronic device. What a great example for the children!
Think about it. Supposedly the sons were to be looking after Trump's business. But NOW, Trumps campaign is paying to defend Junior! In Trumplandia no ethical lines are drawn.
This is a definite conflict of interest. On top of the many others.
Lying, larceny, self-dealing and possibly treason, now showing on your nearest electronic device. What a great example for the children!
13
Another Obama lackee critical of trump. this is news?
3
The word is spelled "lackey", and if you could put your prejudices on hold for a minute, you'd see that what he's talking about is that until Trump, we didn't need more specific ethics laws. Previous presidents understood the need to avoid even the appearance of conflicts of interest and worked with the O.G.E. to resolve any concerns. The president revels in them and continues to profit from them.
12
This is not about Obama. It's not about HRC. It's not about "liberal" vs "conservative", "left" vs "right", GOP vs Democratic Party. It's about our nation. It's about the abandonment of principles of decency in government that have always been honored and treasured by both sides - if not in always in practice, always held as an aspiration and ideal standard by which to be measured.
Sure. When the nation's traditions are desecrated every day this is, and *should* be, news. On the front page.
Sure. When the nation's traditions are desecrated every day this is, and *should* be, news. On the front page.
16
Okay, you've dealt with Shaub -- now how do you address all of the other critics, liberal and conservative, of Trump's corruption?
1
Walter Shaub for President!!!!!
1
What clause of the Constitution gives this guy control over the executive branch? The mire of political money that professional politicians swim in for their entire careers doesn't bother this guy one bit, but he has discomfort when Trump stays at a hotel he owns? Other presidents as "guests" of billionaires on the weekend is preferable? What hypocrisy.
3
Thanks for admitting that Trump is also corrupt.
1
Good point, albeit Trump is pretty egregious in his self dealing. Trump or no Trump, we have needed campaign finance reform for a long time & it should be a bipartisan issue. We don't negotiate drug prices for Medicare due to industry influence, one example way before Obama or Trump. Lobbyists are the people to whom our elected officials owe their allegiance. Senators and Congresspersons terms, in addition to the president, are one long campaign finance push, all during office, to raise the money for re-election, thus the cozying with billionaires you mention. Big money needed = big donors. Meanwhile the ordinary person is way down the line of actual concern.
1
And Trump's base, including the Christian right, are still on board the GOP train from world leader to world loser. We all know life can be tough, and sometimes we need to believe that knight in shining armor story. But Trump is not a knight. He is a liar. He says what people want to hear and then NEVER delivers. He breaks every promise and will throw anyone under the bus to save himself. He uses his base like pawns in a chess game, sacrificing their well being to feed his ego.
7
I totally agree that ethics and Trump should not even be mentioned in the same sentence. However, the media should also zoom out and realize that they have greatly contributed to the moral decay of society. When what is right and wrong become subjective to personal choices, opinions, social innuendos et al, then on what basis can we judge others?
2
Thanks for a thoughtful piece on someone standing up for the values that helped shape our nation.
We should also ask what Trump's ethical lapses mean for civil servants. Are the rules for those in the trenches no longer applicable if those holding the top posts find ethics passé?
And, what about paying taxes? If the president doesn't hold himself to the highest standards, and then refuses to release his returns and also doesn't effectively remove himself from ethical dilemmas, what are regular citizens to think?
What lessons are we teaching the next generations who are watching and learning how to conduct themselves? Is it now anything goes as long as you 'win'?
We can do better than this, and we must.
We should also ask what Trump's ethical lapses mean for civil servants. Are the rules for those in the trenches no longer applicable if those holding the top posts find ethics passé?
And, what about paying taxes? If the president doesn't hold himself to the highest standards, and then refuses to release his returns and also doesn't effectively remove himself from ethical dilemmas, what are regular citizens to think?
What lessons are we teaching the next generations who are watching and learning how to conduct themselves? Is it now anything goes as long as you 'win'?
We can do better than this, and we must.
4
Trump continues to undermine our democratic institutions and the traditions they depend on. No wonder Putin wanted him in his pocket. Osama Bin Laden would have worked on his campaign too.
2
Likely because most of us (or at least those of us who vote) are beyond a certain point (of anger, despair, hopelessness, defeat), we have willfully elected people who promise to destroy the very fabric of the society, and its pillars (law and order, social justice, education, science, infrastructure). To us, this seems perfectly rational (or have not not been paying attention). The rest of the world is laughing at us; but then they were always laughing with envy. Now it is laughing with glee.
Kalidan
Kalidan
2
The country allowed millions of fellow citizens to fall by the wayside as the economy globalized and as AI made many jobs redundant, never demanded of our leaders that these folks should, at minimum, have been offered tax-funded retraining, tax-funded educational opportunities, and tax-funded health services to see them through any mental and physical illnesses that have befallen them over the past decades. We simply discarded these folks .... Is it any wonder that they fell into despair? And thus were willing to elect anybody but one who represented continuation of the same and, in this case, the best fit was Trump, who could at least promise one thing: He wouldn't be like anything else they'd seen in the Presidency?
We are all responsible for the disastrous situation that we're now in. If we learn anything from this, it surely must be that we must stand together as one and start looking out for each other in a way that America may not have done for decades.
We are all responsible for the disastrous situation that we're now in. If we learn anything from this, it surely must be that we must stand together as one and start looking out for each other in a way that America may not have done for decades.
1
" It wasn't illegal" is the standard by which this White House operates along with its GOP enablers in Congress. One can take come comfort in the most recent approval ratings - a stunning 36% - to know that a vast majority of the electorate aspires to a higher one.
7
So how do we reach and educate the core of Trump and GOP voters? These folks believe themselves to be ethical, how can we enlighten them in a way that does not demean them or push them to the extent they are wholly on the defensive and refuse to listen?
342
How can we be certain that desire and opportunity have not replaced ethics? It might be that ethics no longer has so much saliency in the increasingly partisan political domain.
Unfortunately, they will be as hard to convince as the Germans were. It took a devastating defeat and a country in ruins and occupation. Maybe the way to these people's hearts and minds will be easier: losing their real healthcare opportunities and choices under a "beautiful healthcare" plan that is neither, but really genocidal shortening of the lives of many of the "base" for no reason at all other than a crackpot ideology.
2
Too late. They do not and will not listen and rarely even hear. Far from defensive, I would say they are offensive. Spend some time with such people,as I have, and the truth of what I have written will become clear. In a South Dakota museum two weeks ago I overheard a mother telling her children Lincoln was corrupt and got rich being bribed by the railroads while in office. In the same museum an old man sneered at the idea that the earth might be aged as much six million years (it was an old museum) declaring people who believed such things had warped imaginations. That is the level of belief and education such people have; both wore clothing proclaiming themselves supporters of this odious administration.
2
I suppose it's just too much to expect people to tell the truth.
18
Yes, experience shows it is too much to expect from many people in politics and in other occupations so we have to check on them or accept the consequences.
2
We are not "close to it" -- we have been there publicly in the last seven months. Sadly, corruption including the Russian ties in the Republican campaign are now shrugged off by the Republicans and barely warrant any concern among those who whipped up Russian threats no so long ago. I guess we know what counts in our country -- money and power -- we have no ethical standing anymore.
28
The United States passed "laughingstock" a long time ago and is rapidly accelerating towards "Banana Republic" status.
86
Although this may be a nation of laws, the grease that smooths day-to-day interactions between disparate parties, that avoids continuing conflicts as each person strives to achieve their goals, is ethics.
Those that that shun ethics are sociopaths, and society is worse off to have them looking to win success not by superior ideas and effort, but by engaging in unethical behavior.
White House response: "Ethics is for sissies."
Those that that shun ethics are sociopaths, and society is worse off to have them looking to win success not by superior ideas and effort, but by engaging in unethical behavior.
White House response: "Ethics is for sissies."
14
The moral high ground upon which we based our actual exceptionalism has eroded beyond recognition. We are mired now in Trump's bog of polluted big money.
30
After Mr. Shaub leaves his post, the position will either be filled by a Trump toadie or left vacant. More violations and flaunting of ethics expectations will occur.
It is a real indictment of our government that we even need the changes recommended by Mr. Shaub.
It is a real indictment of our government that we even need the changes recommended by Mr. Shaub.
14
What a great idea! I'm sending a series of separate letters to my R-Representative requesting that she support each one, but especially the last one. Trump has demonstrated we can not rely on "norms" or normal behavior.
15
From the article: “'I look forward to having a productive conversation with Mr. Shaub and Elijah Cummings before the outgoing director leaves office,' Mr. Gowdy said in a statement in response to questions from The New York Times about possible changes in the authority granted to the office, known as O.G.E. 'The discussion will include ways to improve the ethics process and instill confidence in O.G.E.'”
So who's working to instill widespread confidence in the President's ethics? Is it the ethics process or certain people as well who need improving?
"Do as I say and not as I do." John Selden, c. 1654
If the shoe fits...
www.thewaryouknow.com
So who's working to instill widespread confidence in the President's ethics? Is it the ethics process or certain people as well who need improving?
"Do as I say and not as I do." John Selden, c. 1654
If the shoe fits...
www.thewaryouknow.com
5
The Apprentice has just moved his penchant for unethical from his business life to the Presidency without a faltering step.
The fact that the GOP accepts this is a serious indictment of their ethics also.
Where is the desire to maintain our standards of government? Ironically, the GOP cannot accomplish anything legislatively due to their split personalities without even considering the crooked Presidential administration in addition.
These Republicans are despicable, the worst I have ever seen. I am a moderate (1 in a million) Republican and I am ashamed to be part their politics.
The fact that the GOP accepts this is a serious indictment of their ethics also.
Where is the desire to maintain our standards of government? Ironically, the GOP cannot accomplish anything legislatively due to their split personalities without even considering the crooked Presidential administration in addition.
These Republicans are despicable, the worst I have ever seen. I am a moderate (1 in a million) Republican and I am ashamed to be part their politics.
18
Until lthe American people show more concern about ethics nothing will change. Trump leads a pack of ravenous jackals that only care about the next pack kill so they can gorge themselves on any convenient carcass including American democracy..
33
And the jackals have the gall to call themselves Christians, tout family values, and blame poverty on a lack of moral fiber...
7
Good for Mr. Shaub. He has principles and courage.
33
'Close to a Laughing-stock' ? Actually, No. The US is Already a Laughing-stock all over the World. The American people, in Free & Fair Elections, have chosen as their President a person who is a Shameless Brazen Public LIAR, a CHEAT Businessman who Stiffed his helpless Suppliers, a THIEF who took the heard-earned Savings of Naive Students of his Trump Institute, a CRIMINAL who took nauseating pride in Assaulting Women. There is No President/Head of Govt in the whole world with such Black Credentials.
62
It's not just trump. it's all republicans
14
The Trumplings could not spell, let alone define, ethical standards. If it's not illegal, it's O.K.. If it IS illegal, just don't get caught. IF caught, just lie, deny, then lie some more. See- no problem.
85
"...failed to do his job properly." The go-to script from this administration when anyone dares to question their actions and words. How many reputations of truly good people have been impugned by Mr. Trump and his sycophants to date? I have lost count starting with our dignified former president Obama to Comey to now Mr. Shaub. Well, let it be known to this man acting as a president, badly I may add, that we are watching and taking notes. We are not stupid. And we certainly know the difference between ethical and non-ethical behavior. You, Mr. Trump, have no moral compass.
20
Trump has no redeeming features whatsoever. He will be an asterisk in history.
17
If Republicans in congress balk at increasing ethical oversight of the president, one can rightfully ask, why? Isn't it in the country's best interest to make sure that this president and all future presidents operate ethically? The answer is, of course it is. So, let's hold Republicans in congress accountable if they fail to cooperate on bolstering ethics oversight. At a bare minimum, all presidential candidates must release tax returns and, in the present case, retroactively.
789
I expect your answer is not that of the Congress where calculations of interest may be made by different rules and enforcing ethics is not a high priority.
The very first thing on this republican agenda if you recall was to close this office down completely.
“It’s hard for the United States to pursue international anti-corruption and ethics initiatives when we’re not even keeping our own side of the street clean. It affects our credibility,”
“I think we are pretty close to a laughingstock at this point.”
Couldn't be more accurate. The problem is we used to rely of the good faith efforts of our elected officials to police this. Now profiting from your elected office and conflicts of interest have been accepted and institutionalized.
I hope I am not alone in my disgust of our elected officials, democrat (ineffectual) and republican (corrupt) and sadness for our once great democracy. I think a revolution is necessary. We need a independent candidate that gets an overwhelming mandate from the citizens. This needs to be the case in local elections all the way up to the sullied chief executive office. No more private money in the election process as well. A public pool of money and very limited private (non-corporate) donations.
The only group that can get this done are the courts.
“I think we are pretty close to a laughingstock at this point.”
Couldn't be more accurate. The problem is we used to rely of the good faith efforts of our elected officials to police this. Now profiting from your elected office and conflicts of interest have been accepted and institutionalized.
I hope I am not alone in my disgust of our elected officials, democrat (ineffectual) and republican (corrupt) and sadness for our once great democracy. I think a revolution is necessary. We need a independent candidate that gets an overwhelming mandate from the citizens. This needs to be the case in local elections all the way up to the sullied chief executive office. No more private money in the election process as well. A public pool of money and very limited private (non-corporate) donations.
The only group that can get this done are the courts.
12
You need to put the blame where it belongs. On those who voted for him and those who did NOT vote. One must arise from one's duff and get going.
Apart from the apparent cash grab (using 2020 re-election funds to pay lawyers to protect the sitting president from his travails and those of his family and friends), there is the extremely well documented pattern of the current Administration's lying and deceit, so well documented by this paper. Melania lied on her FB posting and cribbed Michelle's speech. Don Jr. is daily adding to the prevarications, much to the enjoyment of those who watch comedians and humorists asking how many people could have been at that meeting about "adoptions." DJT Trump thinks that he has supporters on Twitter, but more than half of those may be bots. Enough.
Really. Whomever takes over for Mr. Shaub will certainly have a stressful and wickedly complex task. Wish him or her the very best.
Really. Whomever takes over for Mr. Shaub will certainly have a stressful and wickedly complex task. Wish him or her the very best.
16
The United States' fall from grace was evident during the late G20 summit as world leaders kept this president arm's length and now is a pariah on the global stage. Contrary to the White House's response to Mr. Shaub's criticism, it is this president who is "simply promoting himself and" has "failed to do his job properly". "Grandstanding and lobbying for more expansive powers in the office he holds" is why this presidency is such a train wreck. The 45th is taking a page out of the Putin playbook...and it's working.
13
Laughingstock? Why am I not laughing? Maybe because it hurts too much. Doom and despair in all around I see, Oh Thou who laughest most don't laugh at me!
12
From the beginning Trump flouted his disdain for appearances, the rule of law and the integrity of the office he now holds. He does not know the meaning of the word "ethical" as his limited and tortured use of the English language exhibits on a daily basis. His flat earth attitude toward science and know- nothing knowledge of history proves his expertise in those subjects. But he's president and you aren't, Mr. Shaub. May God have mercy on our souls.!
22
Trump is protected by an invincible shield. The equivalent would be a nuclear shield possessed by a rogue government. Behind its invincible shield, the rogue can get away with anything.
The shield that makes Trump fearless and invincible is the GOP Congress.
Trump would not be so bold in the Russia scandal, including his recent charm offensive with Putin, if he were not counting on Congressional Republicans to violate their oaths of office. If GOP leaders were likely to call him out for lying, practicing nepotism, collecting emoluments, conspiring with the enemy, breaking campaign laws or committing other high crimes and misdemeanors, Trump would not contemplate such deeds.
Trump has taken their measure. He is counting on Mitch being Mitch, Paul being Paul, and the rest being frightened and corrupt.
The shield that makes Trump fearless and invincible is the GOP Congress.
Trump would not be so bold in the Russia scandal, including his recent charm offensive with Putin, if he were not counting on Congressional Republicans to violate their oaths of office. If GOP leaders were likely to call him out for lying, practicing nepotism, collecting emoluments, conspiring with the enemy, breaking campaign laws or committing other high crimes and misdemeanors, Trump would not contemplate such deeds.
Trump has taken their measure. He is counting on Mitch being Mitch, Paul being Paul, and the rest being frightened and corrupt.
1580
Unless and until there is a credible threat of impeachment, Trump, like any fundamentally insecure bully, will not stop trying to enrich his "brand" by using the Office of the President. For Trump and all of his minions and supporters, it is "all about the money" for themselves. Anything they propose that might look like it is for the greater good of the country is only a pretext to line their pockets. Just another step in the march to fascism.
2
I wonder if the President wouldn't just throw his support to the new candidates in primary and general elections who would run against those Republicans who might turn on Trump.
Well put!!
1
OMG !!! the White House 'spin' in Shaub's comments tell us all that we have know and all we need to know....
Filthy, Vile, Corrupt.... without a moral basis, no society has any validity whatsoever.
Filthy, Vile, Corrupt.... without a moral basis, no society has any validity whatsoever.
12
Ethics matters. And Mr. Shaub is to be highly commended. Not only for his dogged efforts to bring sociopaths around to even minimal levels of compliance, but now for his willingness to go public, to stand against the mighty, the rich, the powerful.
This is guy who's risen to the occasion. Who, to the best of his ability, served our nation. Standing tall when others might have bent. He did this unsung. Till now.
I've had a lifelong interest in ethics. From a philosophy course on Ethics in College to an interest in moral reasoning, including using moral dilemmas with Third Graders, to my 7 years on the Ethics Committee of our State Psychological Association.
Third Graders have a more nuanced and compassionate sense of Ethics and Morality than Trump and his adult children. I'm not kidding.
It is an abysmal, abominable shame that from the highrpest levels of government now come the lowest levels of moral reasoning and a complete flouting of ethics.
I wish Mr. Staub all the best in his campaign to restore ethics to government.
Where is the GOP Congress? AWOL, it would seem. With regard to this disreputable, newly tarnished White House.
This is guy who's risen to the occasion. Who, to the best of his ability, served our nation. Standing tall when others might have bent. He did this unsung. Till now.
I've had a lifelong interest in ethics. From a philosophy course on Ethics in College to an interest in moral reasoning, including using moral dilemmas with Third Graders, to my 7 years on the Ethics Committee of our State Psychological Association.
Third Graders have a more nuanced and compassionate sense of Ethics and Morality than Trump and his adult children. I'm not kidding.
It is an abysmal, abominable shame that from the highrpest levels of government now come the lowest levels of moral reasoning and a complete flouting of ethics.
I wish Mr. Staub all the best in his campaign to restore ethics to government.
Where is the GOP Congress? AWOL, it would seem. With regard to this disreputable, newly tarnished White House.
109
Doubtless, we are not 'close' to an ethical laughingstock; we have become one. Most blatantly, President Trump regularly tends to official business at his privately owned golf club, Mar-A-Lago, where he is surrounded by friends and those rich enough to pay for court-side seats to the American presidency. It is as if he fashions himself the modern Louis XIV entertaining courtiers at Versailles--save Louis neither itemized his guests' dinners nor took the epithet le Roi Soleil to refer to one's skin complexion. In effect, President Trump reaps profits both from government officials--American and foreign--traveling there on official business AND from private citizens seeking to rub elbows with the President at-work.
The admission fees to our 'Winter White House' withstanding, Trump repeats this process as he uses the awe of the Presidency to advertise for Trump hotels, Ivanka Trump fashion lines; and if it still existed, surely Trump University would be included next on the list. In reality, we don't know how much money Trump makes from simply being President and from the foreign deals he is empowered to make as President due to the fact that Trump's tax return is secret...
Hillary Clinton was lambasted for making a few hundred grand on speeches; Trump is using the presidency as advertising material for his gaudy hotels and menswear. As long as Republicans in Congress keep giving silent assent, American ethics are non-existent and American hypocrisy enters its Golden Age.
The admission fees to our 'Winter White House' withstanding, Trump repeats this process as he uses the awe of the Presidency to advertise for Trump hotels, Ivanka Trump fashion lines; and if it still existed, surely Trump University would be included next on the list. In reality, we don't know how much money Trump makes from simply being President and from the foreign deals he is empowered to make as President due to the fact that Trump's tax return is secret...
Hillary Clinton was lambasted for making a few hundred grand on speeches; Trump is using the presidency as advertising material for his gaudy hotels and menswear. As long as Republicans in Congress keep giving silent assent, American ethics are non-existent and American hypocrisy enters its Golden Age.
113
The Clintons made millions of dollars not a few hundred thousand!
Where was all the ethics outrage when Loretta Lynch met with Bill Clinton in Phoenix on the tarmac last summer ?
Any person who believes a man with previous heart condition just happen to be in Phoenix to play in 100 degree weather, than they will believe anything they read or hear in the news.
What is illegal about President Trump going to his own properties or not releasing his tax returns?
Nothing....
The more such "so called issues" are pursued, the more things look like it is payback for making people look like the fools they are. At least Mr Shuber suggested that if any new ethical processes ever go into effect, 2021 should be the date of implementation so partisanship doesn't appear an issue.
Where was all the ethics outrage when Loretta Lynch met with Bill Clinton in Phoenix on the tarmac last summer ?
Any person who believes a man with previous heart condition just happen to be in Phoenix to play in 100 degree weather, than they will believe anything they read or hear in the news.
What is illegal about President Trump going to his own properties or not releasing his tax returns?
Nothing....
The more such "so called issues" are pursued, the more things look like it is payback for making people look like the fools they are. At least Mr Shuber suggested that if any new ethical processes ever go into effect, 2021 should be the date of implementation so partisanship doesn't appear an issue.
No sir, you are very wrong. We have been the laughingstock of the world since the megalomaniac psycho entered the race, and made the whole political affair look like a cheap circus. It has been getting worse by the day, now that his own offspring are at the center of the puppet show where their Russian master is pulling the strings ever so non-subtlety.
47
In my dreams I see someone who is ethnical pushing down on a lever and flush these folks out of a White House that has become a toilet bowl.
15
Mr. Trump has assembled the most unethical and corrupt group of individuals in our history to comprise his administration. I don't even think men like Trump, Manafort, Page, etc. can even comprehend the concept of ethical behavior. it iscevrn more disturbing that Congressional Republicans consider this acceptable behavior and the new norm.
13
Is it any wonder why America is a "laughing stock". Well, America must wonder what the President sees when he looks in the mirror - two faces? One for the Trump family and one for American voters? Trump is just at the beginning of "Made in America" week and he is touting American made products. Now, America, where do you suppose Ivanka Trump's clothing lines are made? In America? Ha Ha Ha.......they are all made overseas, mostly in Asia! Should we not consider that a prime example of being "two-faced"? Our very own Presidential family - espousing one thing while doing the very opposite! And remember how often he criticized HRC for being dishonest?
20
Trump was "made in America."
He's a very poor example of what he's celebrating.
We need an Ethics Education Week.
He's a very poor example of what he's celebrating.
We need an Ethics Education Week.
2
Obviously one of those demonic "deep state" government employees. [sic]
DJT has always been a bully to get his way. It is time that all of our government employees stand up to Trumpism.
Good luck Mr. Shaub and God speed.
DJT has always been a bully to get his way. It is time that all of our government employees stand up to Trumpism.
Good luck Mr. Shaub and God speed.
9
Trump is the bad guy from Billy Madison that starts shooting when confronted with the question of Business Ethics. The President, and the US, is a testosterone filled joke that acts like it is 1900. Some nations will wait for US leadership to change in three years, but some (Russia and China) will take advantage of our reduced standing, and torture the world.
6
Close?
8
Few things worry me more about the survival of our democracy than hearing why the government's top ethics officer was forced to leave his post for, well, ethical reasons.
36
Our society has become way too focused on law, at the expense of ethics. Not every issue or behavior can, nor should, be law. Law is often inefficient in an economic sense, not to mention its oft ineffectiveness as a deterrent. Let's make ethics important again!
483
And how then are ethics enforced and how are ethics defined for public elected offices?
If this were the case, there would be very few government officials, which may be the way to limit government as many on the right believe.
If this were the case, there would be very few government officials, which may be the way to limit government as many on the right believe.
Do you have any suggestions for whose ethics we should adopt or is it to be an individual choice or is there only one ethics?
True. Check out the theory of "self licensing" wherein people who do something bad justify it because they did something good.
Mr. Shaub is arguing that we need to strengthen our democracy. I especially like that he would be willing to delay enactment till after 2021. This is apolitical and necessary to protect our democracy. We don't know to whom Trump is beholden (if anyone) and this sort of uncertainty should never occur again.
17
There are three words that once belonged as part of the make-up in the Executive Branch: ethics, integrity, and dignity. These no longer apply.
135
Democrats, take note. This will be one of my top considerations in evaluating preferred policies and candidates. Add in campaign finance reform. There is corruption on both sides of the aisle, and it's high time to return Congressional offices to the role of serving the citizens. As a matter of fact, how about term limits and a pay scale that reflects the median income of all Americans? Serving should be an act of public service- not a path to personal wealth. I am disgusted by this country and the two-party system that we're stuck with. Everyone talks 'ethics' and 'service' and 'finance reform'... until they get in office. If Dems want a platform that most Americans will likely rally around, now's the time to make this a plank.
36
Isn't what Shaub calling for merely extending the "broken windows" policy to the area of ethics? The policy that's been favored and championed by Republicans for a long time now? Seems like it.
So why the big push back by the Trump administration? Is this possibly just a case of not wanting to play by the same rules and standards as others are?
So why the big push back by the Trump administration? Is this possibly just a case of not wanting to play by the same rules and standards as others are?
5
These are exceedingly reasonable recommendations. Every politician in either party should ask herself/himself the question: "Would these recommendations be acceptable to me if the President were a member of the opposite party?"
If the answer is "Yes", then the recommendations should be implemented. Because we don't want the rules to be easier on "my team" than on "their team". We want the RIGHT rules in place that we can be confident of ethical behavior, even if "the other guys" are in office.
If the answer is "Yes", then the recommendations should be implemented. Because we don't want the rules to be easier on "my team" than on "their team". We want the RIGHT rules in place that we can be confident of ethical behavior, even if "the other guys" are in office.
21
" He’s interested in grandstanding and lobbying for more expansive powers in the office he holds."
If that were, true, he wouldn't be resigning, Walters. Instead, he'd be doing what your "boss" does: tweeting inflammatory insults and demanding more changes to the office "in case there are tapes".
If that were, true, he wouldn't be resigning, Walters. Instead, he'd be doing what your "boss" does: tweeting inflammatory insults and demanding more changes to the office "in case there are tapes".
22
Ethics and fraud in government and the corporate world were central to my preparation to successful completion of becoming a Certified Fraud Examiner. I commend Mr. Shaub for calling out Mr. Trump on his unethical behavior. Let's hope Congress will listen an implement important changes to protect the country from this administration.
20
"Mr. Shaub called for nearly a dozen legal changes to strengthen the federal ethics system: changes that, in many cases, he had not considered necessary before Mr. Trump’s election. Every other president since the 1970s, Republican or Democrat, worked closely with the ethics office, he said."
I'm just thinking what damage this presidency will have on the next administration?
I'm just thinking what damage this presidency will have on the next administration?
11
BEWARE THE CLOWN. That's the message I got reading David Frum (from the Right) and Timothy Synder (most probably form the Left). A tyrant acting like a fool is just still a tyrant. Trump is breaking down the very institutions that maintain our democracy.
To this, I must add Trump is just the worst of our money currying politicians from the President who nominated John Roberts to the Supreme Court, to the local Dem Parties that put their money on establishment candidates.
We've been heading towards corruptible leaders for decades; Trump just doesn't know how to do corruption with finesse.
To this, I must add Trump is just the worst of our money currying politicians from the President who nominated John Roberts to the Supreme Court, to the local Dem Parties that put their money on establishment candidates.
We've been heading towards corruptible leaders for decades; Trump just doesn't know how to do corruption with finesse.
7
In some ways a visibly corrupt and incompetent leader may be better than an apparently upright politician who has the skill to hide.
1
I used to think that...after all, who wants Pense and then Ryan?
But if Frum and Snyder are even remotely right, we can't count on fools to be ineffective. Please give them a read; I think their ideas are well founded; that a neocon and probable liberal see the same red flags is significant.
And NYT, why not a serious piece on how far Trump is taking us towards autocracy? I am a bit tired of this drip business while there's a much bigger picture to be acknowledged.
But if Frum and Snyder are even remotely right, we can't count on fools to be ineffective. Please give them a read; I think their ideas are well founded; that a neocon and probable liberal see the same red flags is significant.
And NYT, why not a serious piece on how far Trump is taking us towards autocracy? I am a bit tired of this drip business while there's a much bigger picture to be acknowledged.
1
Not when, like Trump, he has the support of the Republican party and its wealthiest donors.
1
Ethics has nothing to do with politics, certainly not in the USA, and probably not anywhere. Anyone, like Shaub, with a shred of integrity and honesty is quickly kicked out by those in charge, especially when the government is a fascist organization.
6
When, inevitably, we find the Trump Administration unduly profited from his high office, will Donald be required to disgorge all the money he is making? For that, we'd need to know a great deal more than his tax records. That should be an interesting process and a complex calculation.
8
He's going out with the swamp water
1
And this Administration's official response is an ad hominem attack that doesn't even bother to spell his name right. Shameful.
486
And I wouldn't be shocked if "Schaub" was the target of a "tapp", for good measure. That wouldn't even be unpresidented anymore.
1
more like pathetic
2
Close? How about full on?
485
Mary Ann, You beat me to the punch.
We reached the point of being a laughingstock shortly after was "elected" as POTUS.
New hat slogan: Make America Great Again-DUMP TRUMP and all of his sycophants.
We reached the point of being a laughingstock shortly after was "elected" as POTUS.
New hat slogan: Make America Great Again-DUMP TRUMP and all of his sycophants.
1
Does it matter?
Exactly the comment I was about to make.
We don't need nearly a dozen changes.
We really need only one.
We really need only one.
21
America needs more Walter Shaubs, those with the fortitude to speak truth to power; we certainly don't find that with our Republican Congress. And wouldn't one want to take Ms. Lindsay E. Walters behind the barn for a lengthy lesson in laughingstocks. How do these people sleep at night?
172
Ms. Lindsay E. Walters, like other members of the Trump administration, lacks basic literacy in manners and social grace, and being as boorish as the president she likely sleeps the sleep of the ethically clueless.
3
Isn't he backing down by quitting his job? Or was he forced out? That should be made clear.
1
He left because he felt he had no power to effect change in his current role since the admin took none of his recommendations. So he thought being part of an outside watchdog lobbying for change would accomplish more.
33
Ann, you're correct, and furthermore: He left because continuing to serve this administration signals acceptance of the policies and behaviors of this administration, which he could not in good conscience do.
20
He quit his job to seize the opportunity to head a citizen group focused on ethics in government.
This man is no coward. Likely they would have forced him out soon. But he left on his own terms.
God bless him!
This man is no coward. Likely they would have forced him out soon. But he left on his own terms.
God bless him!
14
Americans owe Walter Shaub a big debt of gratitude!
192
Our country was founded on the premise of "We the People".
The thought that a country of intelligent, diligent, thoughtful, democracy loving citizens would ever nominate, let alone allow near the President's House, a President that believed in "Me the President", or "Me and My Family" first was incomprehensible.
Obviously the Constitution couldn't foretell that emoluments would mean billions of dollars in self serving while in office.
The thought that a country of intelligent, diligent, thoughtful, democracy loving citizens would ever nominate, let alone allow near the President's House, a President that believed in "Me the President", or "Me and My Family" first was incomprehensible.
Obviously the Constitution couldn't foretell that emoluments would mean billions of dollars in self serving while in office.
47
If someone won’t meet your demands
Then simply just say they “grandstand”
It shuts down discussion
With no repercussion!
Temp solution 'til dissent is banned.
Then simply just say they “grandstand”
It shuts down discussion
With no repercussion!
Temp solution 'til dissent is banned.
62
We elect a self-promoting, blowhard president who is inarticulate, lacks administrative abilities, and steeped in corruption and become a laughingstock as a result.
Who could have seen that coming?
Who could have seen that coming?
170
Did you ever meet a bureaucrat who did not want more power? Of course he’s grandstanding. He just wants to endear himself to the Trump haters. This is another editorial/hit piece masquerading as news. Thanks for nothing.
4
Buddy, I really resent your attack on the integrity of all government. At the very least, since you don't have much respect for government "bureaucrats," I'd hope we could all agree that the "bureaucrats" we elect to join the government are held to a high ethical standard. Also, read the last two paragraphs of the article.
25
Pope Francis!
You criticize Shaub for "grandstanding" and yet you (presumably) admire the grandstanding charlatan Trump?!
7
Americans owe Walter Shaun a big debt of gratitude!
18
Why can't Congress get a grip on this?
Trump has known all along that his past and current sleaziness would catch up with him while he's in the White House, and that if he wasn't removed from office he'd never get re-elected, so he's going to grab every penny he can while he's in there.
We are, indeed, close to becoming a laughingstock.
Trump has known all along that his past and current sleaziness would catch up with him while he's in the White House, and that if he wasn't removed from office he'd never get re-elected, so he's going to grab every penny he can while he's in there.
We are, indeed, close to becoming a laughingstock.
20
Class, our words for today are amoral and contemptible.
69
Laughing stock yes but it's not very funny.
The response by the White House spokesperson is so ugly and personal a hallmark of this wretched administration.
The response by the White House spokesperson is so ugly and personal a hallmark of this wretched administration.
632
Trump's response to anyone criticizing him falls into one of these three categories: "Grandstanding" (or "showboating, in the case of Director Comey); "fake", referring to ALL media accounts of his many missteps, lies, and outrageous behavior; or the schoolyard taunt, "I know you are, but what am I"?
I believe that Mr. Shaub has done the right thing in resigning from the Office of Government Ethics. The Trump administration has made that particular office redundant, as shameful and embarrassing as that is.
I believe that Mr. Shaub has done the right thing in resigning from the Office of Government Ethics. The Trump administration has made that particular office redundant, as shameful and embarrassing as that is.
356
Trump and his supporters regard ethics as just more oppressive regulation to be discarded. Anyone willing to play by the rules is weak in their view. Anyone who complains about Trump's breaking the rules should just suck it up and stop whining.
73
Trump's sole means of existence is unethical.
In his life of marriage and divorce, business and bankruptcy, deal and lawsuit, promise and lie, announcement and retraction, acting ethically would have been his foil.
In his life of marriage and divorce, business and bankruptcy, deal and lawsuit, promise and lie, announcement and retraction, acting ethically would have been his foil.
143
The U.S. "is close to laughingstock". I appreciate your generous understatement!
Thank you, Mr. Schaub, for your service and seemingly rare but valued ethics. There are many who appreciate and applaud you.
Thank you, Mr. Schaub, for your service and seemingly rare but valued ethics. There are many who appreciate and applaud you.
756
Amen
4
I ask this of the leaders of the party of "family values":
Who sets a better example for children, Walter Shaub or Donald Trump?
It's way past time for the McConnell-Ryan gang to stop the enabling.
Who sets a better example for children, Walter Shaub or Donald Trump?
It's way past time for the McConnell-Ryan gang to stop the enabling.
251
We're talking about an administration that is strictly a family affair.
4
Mitch McConnell & Paul Ryan are big parts of our big problem, they represent sinister forces and need to be removed from public office without further delay....these guys are even worse then Trump. Why are we waiting? Precious time is passing.
1
"Trump administration had flouted or directly challenged long-accepted norms in a way that threatened to undermine the United States’ ethical standards"
This is delusional. The US is one of the most brutally unethical societies ever. It has done unimaginable damage on a global scale with its 'ethical behaviour', from habitat destruction to exploitative economic practices and government policies.
Internally it also appears to be a mess. The country's healthcare system is absurdly broken, your congress is structurally corrupted, and your society is excessively wasteful of the world's resources - for what? Greed and profound ignorance.
The country appears to be run by extremism, nihilism and stupidity - long before Trump was ever on the scene.
If you want to run an ethical society, clean up how lobbying is permitted, improve your education system to create critical thinkers, and reduce the wasteful utilisation of finite resources.
And for the love of GOD, stop thinking you're 'the greatest country on earth', it is sad, and pathetic.
This is delusional. The US is one of the most brutally unethical societies ever. It has done unimaginable damage on a global scale with its 'ethical behaviour', from habitat destruction to exploitative economic practices and government policies.
Internally it also appears to be a mess. The country's healthcare system is absurdly broken, your congress is structurally corrupted, and your society is excessively wasteful of the world's resources - for what? Greed and profound ignorance.
The country appears to be run by extremism, nihilism and stupidity - long before Trump was ever on the scene.
If you want to run an ethical society, clean up how lobbying is permitted, improve your education system to create critical thinkers, and reduce the wasteful utilisation of finite resources.
And for the love of GOD, stop thinking you're 'the greatest country on earth', it is sad, and pathetic.
392
Thank you Eric, for that bracing appraisal of how far the US has fallen short of the promise of its Declaration of Independence and Constitution. You left out starting wars on false pretexts, insufficiently addressing the systemic racism that has been a hallmark of American culture from its inception, and incarcerating more of its own citizens than any other country. Adding insult to injury, we then lecture others on human rights.
13
No argument from me. This horror isn't sudden. A long march from the Reagan era. Everything has a price including religion.
9
Erik, Thank you. But most Americans will be offended by your comments. I lived in Europe in 1974. I was at university. One day my best (French) friend sat me down for a chat. He told me, the American liberal, that I was just another chauvinistic American. My friends were upset with me and my American attitude. I was gobsmacked. This conversation remains one my life's greatest moments.
2
Congress should take Schaub's recommendations seriously and Enact legislation to close up all the ethical loopholes Trump has taken advantage of in the Oval Office. Trump has exposed the flaws in the system which thus far had been concealed because we had honorable men as President. A dishonorable man has done us the service of showing us what needs to be fixed. Start making the fixes, legislators. Schaub's call for mandatory release of a President's tax returns should be law along with his other recommendations.
219
Deep-down fear and even disgust throughout the nation are in part due to the sense that this administration is peopled by shady opportunists who seek self-interest ahead of all else. Let this well-respected ethics expert, Mr. Shaub, outline his recommendations to the wide general public, not only to Congress. We as a republic need to be made aware of problems present today in order to inoculate the body politic moving forward to our (democratic, solvent, lawful) tomorrows.
29
Walter Shaub is an ordinary American refusing to compromise his integrity in an extraordinary time. We need more people like him in public service.
1103
Unfortunately to many in the Trump administration are willing to compromise their integrity and our Democracy.
Yes, I wish he waited for trump to fire him, instead of resigning...
How much longer?
30
Ethics laws don't just protect the public, but also protect the public servants and government officials from outside influences and in the case of the Trumps, themselves.
24