The 2010 SCOTUS decision in favor of Citizen's United seriously destroyed whatever ethical behavior remained in politics after Burger's 1976 court decided in favor of Valero to allow the formation of super PACs. If you want to get all originalist about it, public office is intended to be a public service. One is "supposed" to want to do it for the love of country, not to make a profit. One is not intended to hold office indefinately. It is expected that after serving for a time (similar to military service) a political representitive would return to their "real job." Even government employees historically made very little money (compared to private sector positions), but were given instead a lifetime of security (through pensions and health care) in exchange for their lifetime of service.
For the sake of the health of our democracy, we MUST find a way to separate monetary gain from public service. It is the only way to restore integrity and eliminate the corruption.
The two cannot play together. I don't know what more evidence you need than that which is on display during this administration. I have to admit, the one good thing about this administration is they have certainly revealed a lot of loopholes, and how so much of what we have believed was a "thing" was really just a loose agreement held in place by personal integrity. It turns out, when we started electing people who lacked internal fortitude and convictions those limitations just plum dissappeared.
Imagine paying $500k to someone you can’t trust, won’t remember, will throw you under the bus at anytime. The $500,000 will disappear into Trump funds never to be seen, nothing of value bought.
It always scares me when you have people like Kanatsiz who, in addition to having business interests aligned with the political right, appear to be engaged with conservative politics on an ideological level. These are the kinds of individuals who don't just want to support Trump and his ilk, but also seek to grow the ranks of the GOP by targeting younger generations. It's a genuinely disquieting fervor.
Nothing should scare you about me. I’m a self made businessman, father, and conservative Christian that is a supporter of our country. We might not agree on political perspectives but I respect everyone.
Here’s why it annoys me when pundits call Trump a “populist.” Behind the scenes, the whole administration is all about being paid off to serve the wealthiest Americans while his lower-class followers get nothing, other than propaganda.
Perhaps the quality of this organization is reflected by the fact the North Dakota Senator is Kevin Cramer, not John Kramer as listed on their website. To think their members are willing to spend $10000 on that level of competence.
The contributions of our members go toward our conferences and events. The venue rentals, food, beverage. We’ve had thousands of attendees over 20+ years.
I guess it’s ok if a PAC wants to sell access to the president at a private fundraising event, right? Nothing corrupt or overtly illegal here, right? I am safe and secure in the knowledge that this president is President of all and, like Jesus, has my best interest at heart. Disclaimer: any comparison to Jesus, living, dead or resurrected, is purely coincidental.
Anything that puts money into the coffers of this "president" or his friends is okay with this administration, and if not legal one huny, will be forgiven, forgotten or pardoned. It's like we are living in Russia.
It looks as though the religious right have moved from getting a meeting to handling affairs for those in power. I believe that there is no more corruptible force in politics than using God as whispering in your ear. We have arrived at the unthinkable. Not only is fear and hatred Cpl. Judy Vance's calling card, by golly, he's riding a horse of the apocalypse. What a man!
Hi I’m Sinan Kanatsiz who sent that email to a few friends of mine. I am a supporter of our President, Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA. There are inaccurate statements in this article and as I told Mr. Judd, nobody committed to this contribution level and I was trying to assist TPUSA as a volunteer and donor myself. Also inaccurate is where it says I “warned business owners to “align” with Trump or suffer the consequences,” that is bullshit and I would never say something like that.
Also my organization the IMA hosts an annual conference, that is where the dues of our members go. We’ve hosted events in Washington D.C., Las Vegas, New York and Park City. All can be found on our website www.imanetwork.org
My role has always been to bring together leaders for meaningful dialogue around innovation and policy.
Mr. Kanatsiz: Are you saying that the Orange County Business Journal misquoted you?
This quote appears in two articles: "Donald Trump is a businessman and any business owner who doesn’t want to align with this administration will be left in the dark."
OK. So the quote is accurate, and it's just a matter of interpretation. I think being "left in the dark" is not a good outcome for a business person.
I'm very clear in the article that you said no one accepted your offer. You said you had no idea whether other people, outside those you contacted, had donated $500,000 and were going to meet with the president tomorrow.
Thank you. Anyone have questions about why this country is tun by and for the wealthy? America is for sale.
And trump is at the cash register ringing up the proceeds from the sale of the United States.
Absolutely correct! It’s one big grift.
Pass the collection plate for Seize-US and praise the Sword‼️‼️
The 2010 SCOTUS decision in favor of Citizen's United seriously destroyed whatever ethical behavior remained in politics after Burger's 1976 court decided in favor of Valero to allow the formation of super PACs. If you want to get all originalist about it, public office is intended to be a public service. One is "supposed" to want to do it for the love of country, not to make a profit. One is not intended to hold office indefinately. It is expected that after serving for a time (similar to military service) a political representitive would return to their "real job." Even government employees historically made very little money (compared to private sector positions), but were given instead a lifetime of security (through pensions and health care) in exchange for their lifetime of service.
For the sake of the health of our democracy, we MUST find a way to separate monetary gain from public service. It is the only way to restore integrity and eliminate the corruption.
The two cannot play together. I don't know what more evidence you need than that which is on display during this administration. I have to admit, the one good thing about this administration is they have certainly revealed a lot of loopholes, and how so much of what we have believed was a "thing" was really just a loose agreement held in place by personal integrity. It turns out, when we started electing people who lacked internal fortitude and convictions those limitations just plum dissappeared.
I agree with you that elected representatives should not use our government as a personal ATM.
Next to impossible to change that because the people who have the power to change it are the benefactors of the corruption.
Imagine paying $500k to someone you can’t trust, won’t remember, will throw you under the bus at anytime. The $500,000 will disappear into Trump funds never to be seen, nothing of value bought.
“The Oval Office” in gold. So attractive! Signage necessary in case visitors get lost trying to find where the bribes are paid?
The signs are there. "Drop your pants and bend over right here."
Would it be too much to ask that Trump is greeted by a Vance sized crowd?
It always scares me when you have people like Kanatsiz who, in addition to having business interests aligned with the political right, appear to be engaged with conservative politics on an ideological level. These are the kinds of individuals who don't just want to support Trump and his ilk, but also seek to grow the ranks of the GOP by targeting younger generations. It's a genuinely disquieting fervor.
Nothing should scare you about me. I’m a self made businessman, father, and conservative Christian that is a supporter of our country. We might not agree on political perspectives but I respect everyone.
Despite our differences in beliefs, I do welcome your comments here and hope my fellow Popular Information subscribers will do the same.
Biden and his administration did many great things, but one fatal mistake was underestimating the corruption and existential battle with MAGA.
They were far too slow to investigate/prosecute Trump, largely ignored his enablers and left the dirty money funding systems in place.
America will never be safe until thiscorruptionn, disinformation and propaganda machine is shut down.
Until then, thank goodness we have Judd to uncover/report on this.
Here’s why it annoys me when pundits call Trump a “populist.” Behind the scenes, the whole administration is all about being paid off to serve the wealthiest Americans while his lower-class followers get nothing, other than propaganda.
Perhaps the quality of this organization is reflected by the fact the North Dakota Senator is Kevin Cramer, not John Kramer as listed on their website. To think their members are willing to spend $10000 on that level of competence.
The contributions of our members go toward our conferences and events. The venue rentals, food, beverage. We’ve had thousands of attendees over 20+ years.
I guess it’s ok if a PAC wants to sell access to the president at a private fundraising event, right? Nothing corrupt or overtly illegal here, right? I am safe and secure in the knowledge that this president is President of all and, like Jesus, has my best interest at heart. Disclaimer: any comparison to Jesus, living, dead or resurrected, is purely coincidental.
Anything that puts money into the coffers of this "president" or his friends is okay with this administration, and if not legal one huny, will be forgiven, forgotten or pardoned. It's like we are living in Russia.
Once again, Judd and your team nail it.
It looks as though the religious right have moved from getting a meeting to handling affairs for those in power. I believe that there is no more corruptible force in politics than using God as whispering in your ear. We have arrived at the unthinkable. Not only is fear and hatred Cpl. Judy Vance's calling card, by golly, he's riding a horse of the apocalypse. What a man!
This downfall is one I am going to relish.
Thick as thieves.
U.S. has been for Sale for a while now but not by FASCISTS!
Hi I’m Sinan Kanatsiz who sent that email to a few friends of mine. I am a supporter of our President, Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA. There are inaccurate statements in this article and as I told Mr. Judd, nobody committed to this contribution level and I was trying to assist TPUSA as a volunteer and donor myself. Also inaccurate is where it says I “warned business owners to “align” with Trump or suffer the consequences,” that is bullshit and I would never say something like that.
Also my organization the IMA hosts an annual conference, that is where the dues of our members go. We’ve hosted events in Washington D.C., Las Vegas, New York and Park City. All can be found on our website www.imanetwork.org
My role has always been to bring together leaders for meaningful dialogue around innovation and policy.
Mr. Kanatsiz: Are you saying that the Orange County Business Journal misquoted you?
This quote appears in two articles: "Donald Trump is a businessman and any business owner who doesn’t want to align with this administration will be left in the dark."
https://www.ocbj.com/oc-500/2025/oc500-2025-sinan-kanatsiz/
https://www.ocbj.com/government/oc-executives-travel-to-mar-a-lago-for-edge/
Judd I said that the president is a businessman and to not be left in the dark. Not “suffer consequences”.
I also told you on the phone yesterday that nobody committed to the donation request and you said in your article “I had no idea”.
As a PR professional, I respect you Judd and your newsletter.
OK. So the quote is accurate, and it's just a matter of interpretation. I think being "left in the dark" is not a good outcome for a business person.
I'm very clear in the article that you said no one accepted your offer. You said you had no idea whether other people, outside those you contacted, had donated $500,000 and were going to meet with the president tomorrow.