Did you know?

[Bruce Tuncks]

How about this for an idea?   We look up the best system in the world ( longest lifespan etc etc) and contract that lot to run our system? We would probably see the super-rich come out fighting, but they should lose the fight. I hope.

[facthunter]

The Super rich live in an entirely different world to Us ordinary Mortals. When have they ever lost the fight over a time frame that's short enough to affect us in our lifetimes? . Another truism. He who Pays the Piper, CALLS the tune.   Trump reminds US that the LAW doesn't apply to HIM. Is he showing ALL the signs of a Dictator and Bully?  Someone to be afraid of IF you don't CONTRIBUTE to his Fortune?    MAFIA  Boss. Pay Da Money and things go better for you Eh!.  Great Business Plan. Nev

[nomadpete]

Except a real mafia has strict rules that don't change on the whim of the boss.

 

In short, mafia (although ruthless and self serving) are more consistent than dictators.

[onetrack]

Trump has simply monetised the Presidency, and stands to financially benefit even more in his 2nd term, than he did in his 1st term - where it has been calculated, he enriched himself and his company businesses, by at least US$160M, by utilising the Presidency to direct funds towards himself and his businesses.

 

It's standard practice for Trump to ensure that visiting foreign dignitaries and leaders are accommodated in his companies accommodation, and he rakes in the proceeds accordingly. According to Trump, he sees nothing wrong with that setup.

 

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-business-empire-expanded-profit-second-term-rcna182613

 

Edited December 29, 2024 by onetrack

[onetrack]

South Korea is an interesting parallel to the U.S. in showing how fragile democracy is. Yoon Suk Yeol, the SK President just impeached, built a reputation as an aggressive State Prosecutor, rooting out corruption, and having great success in convicting the former female President, Park Geun-hye over corruption, whereby she allowed some of SK's top corporations to gain unfair financial advantages.

 

But Yoon Suk Yeol, once elected President, went rabid right-wing, and started making a massive power grab and acting like a dictator. It's been revealed he told the Capital Defence Command chief to order his troops into Parliament, and to shoot anyone who opposed the troop entry to Parliament, after he declared Martial Law.

 

It seems as if Yoon's moves were now all about protecting his wife from corruption charges. What is interesting is the arguments Yoon uses against his "enemies" - left wingers - saying elections were fraudulent, the Left is pandering to NK, and other classic MAGA/Trump conspiracy claims.

 

However the SK politicians seemed to have regained control, and democracy has survived in SK. It looks like a close go, however - and this SK power grab is a pointer as to how Trump would act when threatened, or couldn't get his own way as regards continually using the U.S. Presidency to enrich himself and his mates.

 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-15/south-korea-president-yoon-suk-yeol-impeached-rise-and-fall/104726734