Saturday, November 19, 2016

Corruption and Treason

Trump won’t be the first crooked President in my lifetime. Niixon was so crooked he had to be pardoned by Ford to stay out of prison. But Nixon’s crimes were committed to gain power, not wealth. We understand that. Politicians cross that line from time to time, Trump is different. He’s a grifter. He’s spent his life cheating people for money, and the Trump administration is going to enrich his family and accomplices in ways new to American Presidential history. That history has seen administration scandal before—Teapot Dome, for example—but this time, for the first time, the head grifter will be seated at Lincoln’s desk in the White House. 


Trump has already brought in a lobbyist for foreign governments to serve as his chief defense advisor. The probability of corruption there is built in. His daughter and son-in-law, the Ivanka Kushners, are going to get security clearances. They will also be in charge of Trump’s many foreign investments--with Trump whispering in their ears. Ivanka is already peddling hideous jewelry on television. That’s just a sideline, but why miss an opportunity? 

Access to national intelligence can mean billions, depending on your business model. Influence peddling in the oval office can generate more billions. With our elected President as grifter-in-charge, we are in for some fascinating tales of treason and corruption. (But I'm the guy who thought most white women would defend their dignity by voting against Trump, and I could not have been more mistaken.) 

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