In a recent comment, Rummuser wrote:
One way or the other money must get spent and when someone spends he treats it like an investment for future returns. One needs to find out what those returns are and for whom? If that transparency can come in into our political lives, we can become idealistic again. Otherwise, I maintain that all democracies in the world are nothing but plutocracies veiled.
Rat has an easier solution.
September 17, 2018
I always remember when Satchmo said to Bing Crosby in the movie ‘High Society’ upon seeing the Newport RI mansion in which Crosby lived and they were going to play jazz…
Satchmo: “Wow brother! this is some digs you got here!”
Crosby: “this is what happens when your grandfather was a robber baron!”
I know money and it’s power have always been with us… but it’s so flagrant now. everyone knows how tainted it’s all become. but nothing is done about it!
they all know about it but they’re all in it up to their necks!
And Leland Stanford, cofounder of my alma mater, was a robber baron/captain of industry, depending on whose view you believe.
Yes, it’s not new. 🙁
Being a billionaire does not solve the problems of probity in public life. The POTUS had made more than 3000 false claims so far in office and he does not seem to care. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2018/05/01/president-trump-has-made-3001-false-or-misleading-claims-so-far/?utm_term=.8de0bfed14ea
There is a difference between being moneyed and being wealthy. Money talks whereas wealth whispers.
I’m well aware of all the lies, and it’s up to the voters to care and vote against him. Apparently some of his supporters are noticing: Trump didn’t drain the swamp. Supporters are starting to notice.
And here’s an article about the push for more transparency: Political nonprofits must now name many of their donors under federal court ruling after Supreme Court declines to intervene.
Yes, it’s crass when people brag about having money—and living ostentatiously is a sort of bragging—but having wealth is okay, as long as people are gracious about it? Just sayin’. Sorry to sound bitter about it (I’m not), but, as a socialist, I have trouble with 1% of the worlds’ population having so much, and the rest having so little!
Can you think of any governments that you admire? Are they socialist or are they like the Scandinavians countries, having a good social net?
The swamp isn’t being drained in D.C., it’s being turned into a cesspool.