47 Comments
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Carol Gamm's avatar

Thank you. Anyone have questions about why this country is tun by and for the wealthy? America is for sale.

Kodaz's avatar

And trump is at the cash register ringing up the proceeds from the sale of the United States.

Carol Gamm's avatar

Absolutely correct! It’s one big grift.

Eddie's avatar

Pass the collection plate for Seize-US and praise the Sword‼️‼️

Frau Katze's avatar

Good to read that no one put up the half million for a chance to meet 🍊. He’s losing popularity fast. So is JD Vance.

JenneJ's avatar

Didn't put it up, or couldn't....you know the grift is up when no one can any longer afford to see the show.

JenneJ's avatar

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.

JenneJ's avatar

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.

Kodaz's avatar

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.

JenneJ's avatar

The power always rests with the people, they are just very cowed.

Kodaz's avatar

Ultimately that is true. The people can use their power to vote out the corrupt offenders if all of them can even be identified.

On the other hand use their voting records to determine who must go. That would be the majority of the Republican Party. the upcoming midterms will be an opportunity to do some of that. We shall see.....

Suki Herr's avatar

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.

Joseph Mangano's avatar

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.

Sinan Kanatsiz's avatar

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.

Patric Martin's avatar

Despite our differences in beliefs, I do welcome your comments here and hope my fellow Popular Information subscribers will do the same.

Joe Weicher's avatar

“The Oval Office” in gold. So attractive! Signage necessary in case visitors get lost trying to find where the bribes are paid?

Kodaz's avatar

The signs are there. "Drop your pants and bend over right here."

Peter's avatar

Would it be too much to ask that Trump is greeted by a Vance sized crowd?

Kindler's avatar

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.

Tom's avatar

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.

Katy Bolger's avatar

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.

Greg Billings's avatar

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.

Sinan Kanatsiz's avatar

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.

Greg Billings's avatar

Sure. You can go w/ that. Let us know when you run into ND Senator John Kramer.

Sinan Kanatsiz's avatar

The listed people on there are a blend of members and past attendees of our conferences.

Rickey Woody's avatar

Once again, Judd and your team nail it.

A Sarcastic Prophet's avatar

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.

JenneJ's avatar

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.

Allen's avatar

It still amazes me how bold the corruption is. But the fact that an invitee exposed it shows cracks in the support of this regime. Can't wait for 2028.

CONSTITUENT MEANS DONOR

Steve S.'s avatar

The GRIFTERS are going to GRIFT to their last day. The leopard 🐆 doesn’t change it’s spots, and remains ready to eat the faces of the terminally stupid and bigoted.

Michela A. C.'s avatar

Thanks Judd for peeling the onion yet again. Hard to understand pedo protectors. Big difference, as we have seen between republicans and trumplicans.

Donna Marie's avatar

Disgusting, but not at all surprising. This IS who they are.