OptimisticOwl
Legend
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Joined: Apr 2005
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I Root For: Rice
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RE: Crooked Donald and Company
(01-04-2017 05:38 PM)RiceLad15 Wrote: (01-04-2017 05:27 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote: (01-04-2017 04:59 PM)RiceLad15 Wrote: (01-04-2017 01:15 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote: (01-04-2017 12:46 PM)JustAnotherAustinOwl Wrote: Ha, I almost preemptively mentioned the Kennedy's hypocrisy on wind farms. Misses the point though - he's using the presidency to enrich his businesses. That's the reason ethics experts from across the spectrum are telling him to divest. Guiding foreign governments to use his hotels is a direct violation of the emolument clause of the constitution.
Calling the Argentine leader and trying to get his building permit? Complete violation of ethics standards.
Regarding the Clinton Foundation: First, the election's over. Clinton is not going to be president. She does not hold any public office. Trump will be president. It's what he does now that matters, not what you think Clinton may have done.
Second, because it's a pet peeve of mine, the Clinton Foundation was a genuine charity, getting an A from Charity Watch. Literally millions of people around the world get HIV meds because of it who wouldn't otherwise. And without those meds, many would die. Conservatives get mad when they are seen as not caring about non-whites, but their complete disregard for the work of the Clinton Foundation, which has literally saved the lives of millions of black and brown people across the world, is a prime example of why people think that. Anyway, there is still no evidence that people received favors for Clinton Foundation donations, though their refusal to be more meticulous about drawing clear lines is a big part of why she isn't president. Meanwhile, Trump's "charitable" foundation was used to make illegal political donations to politicians who were investigating his scam "University" and to buy giant portraits of himself. But I'm sure this brand new foundation his sons have started is totally legit.
I will grant that Ivanka's hawking her bracelet seems penny-ante. Which begs the question of why? For a family of billionaires they sure seem desperate to make a buck.
people renting space in Trump's hotel seems to me to be akin to getting a haircut at Trump's barbershop before an interview. I would certainly do both, but with no expectation of a quid pro quo. If renting a suite guarantees whatever the seeker is seeking, that is corruption. otherwise might as well be wearing his school colors.
Ivanka selling stuff seems pretty penny ante, and not at all what I would expect from her, but then so is flying coach on Jet Blue. Maybe she could not afford better? Maybe Daddy's money is not her money...yet.
All the stuff you mention might increase his wealth .0001%, hardly the sort of thing that corruption is made of. A better way is book sales - how much did Obama make in royalties for being elected?
The similarity there is NO quid pro quo. Windfall gains.
There is a certain amount of financial gain associated with being in a position of power, and no position has more power than POTUS. But you have failed to establish a quid pro quo - what was sold for what price? A Cabinet post for a three night stay?
Selling access for charity might seem more virtuous to you, possibly on the lines on stealing emails to expose the truth. Both are a bad means to a good end, eh?
Be that as it may, it will all come out in the wash. If he is corrupt, it will be known. If not, it will still be rumored. A bit soon for either.
So a foreign leader rolls into town to negotiate a very important trade deal/treaty/etc. Does the president asking him what hotel he stayed at matter? Because come January 20, I bet you that very few leaders visiting the White House choose somewhere outside of the Trump hotel, unless they want to make a point.
has he been asking this? is it a condition fo be met before negotiating? nes to me. oes he make them fill out a questionaire detailing where they re staying, whose clothing they are wearing, etc?
yeah, if I wanted to build a chicken coop and needed Trump's approval, i would probably stay at his hotel, but unlike you, I would not expect that to get me the approval. No quid pro quo.
you have yet to show evidence of Trump selling favor for money.
I didn't bring up a quid pro quo, nor accuse Trump of bullying people into staying at his hotels. I pointed out the stickiness of the situation. Do you not think there exists a great potential for financial conflicts of interest?
Quote:In interviews with a dozen diplomats, many of whom declined to be named because they were not authorized to speak about anything related to the next U.S. president, some said spending money at Trump’s hotel is an easy, friendly gesture to the new president.
“Why wouldn’t I stay at his hotel blocks from the White House, so I can tell the new president, ‘I love your new hotel!’ Isn’t it rude to come to his city and say, ‘I am staying at your competitor?’” one Asian diplomat tells the Washington Post.
Source
Heck, Jimmy Carter thought there might exist one for his peanut farm, so he sold it. As I quote Mr. Trump:
Quote:But for now, the D.C. business is good, something Trump told the New York Times last month, saying the hotel “will be probably a more valuable asset now than it was before, okay? The brand is certainly a hotter brand than it was before.”
Source
To me, those two quotes exemplify the sticky situation Trump is in, due to his massive business dealings and holdings. As such, I think he needs to be very careful and open about his financial and managerial situation in the Trump organization. Do you disagree?
He also needs to stop talking about real estate deals with foreign leaders.
He does need to do what he can to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest. Every person in high office should. And i agree, he needs to stop talking real estate with foreign leaders.
But as for corruption, there needs to be a quid pro quo. You do this for me, and I will do that for you. Nothing yet appears to be in that category. Harding was mentioned, so check out Teapot Dome.
If Trump starts granting favors in return for personal gain, I would think all of us would rise up. But let's wait until it happens, OK?
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