Presidential Decision

[avoiding injuries 1,514]

It’s obvious in his mind that the rules only apply to Trump. It’s fair game for every other politician. He can’t lay it out any more clearly. Let’s move on. 

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

Just now, TheNewGirl said:

He's a businessman. 

If it's constitutional and within his right as POTUS, then more power to him. 

Just like the tax thing. If he used the loopholes from the tax code that the country said was okay, he'd be a dumbass NOT to get through the loopholes. He's a businessman. 

The problem people have is that he's bringing a lot of crap to light that politicians have tried to hide for years. He does it and it's wrong! OMB!!!!! Another politician has done it for years and years and it's okay, people shrug it off. 

Look up Feinstein's dealings and how she and her husband made money. Look up Gavin Newsom's house that was "gifted" to him that he failed to pay millions of taxes on. No one cares about them...because they are Dems and care about the people. 

You're absolutely right.  If what he's doing is constitutionally legal then he has every right to do it and he's smart to do it.  I never once complained about the tax loopholes because every business tries to take advantage of them when they can, financial advisors are even there to help.  My issue is that I think his businesses present a conflict of interest and if he's not violating any laws then he's very close to doing it.

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

1 minute ago, avoiding injuries said:

It’s obvious in his mind that the rules only apply to Trump. It’s fair game for every other politician. He can’t lay it out any more clearly. Let’s move on. 

Why is this everyone's defense?  I'm not promoting any other person.  I'm not defending any other person.  Why is it that you and others here feel the need to use a "what about" in defense of Trump so often?

[FlyinHeadlock 459]

5 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said:

I didn't say anything about writing a book.  How is that a conflict of interest?  Unless he's doing something he shouldn't do in office just so he can put it in his book then I see no conflict.  A conflict of interest does not mean you can't make money while in office, it just means that the decisions you are making in office shouldn't be for your own financial gains.

It's obvious that no one here is ever going to agree with me on this but it's something I believe.

Probably not because ethically he's not doing anything unethical. WH and security staff have to stay somewhere. So he can't visit his golf course or, if he does, he has to give them all free room and board where anyplace else they would have to pay. Willing to bet it's cheaper than Obama's trips to Hawaii playing golf. I bet they are paying fair market value government rates and the money is not enough to make a serious profit worth mentioning.

I'll tell you what is unethical. Hillary's staff at the SD working there but also working on her foundation stuff on the clock. That is actually an ethics violation. She should have two separate staffs which she did not.

 

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

https://law.emory.edu/ecgar/content/volume-4/issue-special/essays-interviews/conflicts-president-law-trump-presidency.html

 

"Mr. Trump’s potential conflicts extend much farther than a simple concern that he might stand to financially benefit from some executive decisions. In addition to the obvious concern that Mr. Trump may be subconsciously, if not consciously, motivated to make decisions based upon the effect they would have on his personal finances, equally, if not more concerning are the overall perception of the American citizenry in the transparency of their government and confidence in the rule of law, as well as the maintenance of America’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations with foreign governments."

[Reality 3,104]

1 minute ago, Hawkeye21 said:

Why is this everyone's defense?  I'm not promoting any other person.  I'm not defending any other person.  Why is it that you and others here feel the need to use a "what about" in defense of Trump so often?

There's no real defense needed, what you have a problem with isn't illegal and really isn't a problem at all. This is pushed by the media to get a rise out of simple minded folks who can't come up with an actual issue with Trump. Smart move by the media because it obviously works. 

It's a non story. Next.

[Gladiators 1,964]

5 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said:

Why is this everyone's defense?  I'm not promoting any other person.  I'm not defending any other person.  Why is it that you and others here feel the need to use a "what about" in defense of Trump so often?

I think people are trying to understand where you're coming from.  What is okay and what isn't okay in your opinion?  Should the President's sole source of income while POTUS be from his salary?  Can he earn interest income?  Can he do book deals on the side?  Can he make cameos in movies?  Where do we draw lines?

If it isn't illegal, then what are we talking about?

[TheNewGirl 1,357]

2 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said:

https://law.emory.edu/ecgar/content/volume-4/issue-special/essays-interviews/conflicts-president-law-trump-presidency.html

 

"Mr. Trump’s potential conflicts extend much farther than a simple concern that he might stand to financially benefit from some executive decisions. In addition to the obvious concern that Mr. Trump may be subconsciously, if not consciously, motivated to make decisions based upon the effect they would have on his personal finances, equally, if not more concerning are the overall perception of the American citizenry in the transparency of their government and confidence in the rule of law, as well as the maintenance of America’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations with foreign governments."

I know you don't like the "what about" isms....but seriously. 

Every President is concerned with how their decisions line their pockets. EVERY one of them. IDGAF what kind of business they had prior. 

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

1 minute ago, FlyinHeadlock said:

Probably not because ethically he's not doing anything unethical. WH and security staff have to stay somewhere. So he can't visit his golf course or, if he does, he has to give them all free room and board where anyplace else they would have to pay. Willing to bet it's cheaper than Obama's trips to Hawaii playing golf. I bet they are paying fair market value government rates and the money is not enough to make a serious profit worth mentioning.

I'll tell you what is unethical. Hillary's staff at the SD working there but also working on her foundation stuff on the clock. That is actually an ethics violation. She should have two separate staffs which she did not.

 

Awesome, another response with Obama and Hillary.

I believe the stats show that Trump has spent more on Trips than Obama did.  Even if they spent the same amount, only Trump is making money off of those trips by staying at his own properties.

https://www.citizensforethics.org/reports-investigations/crew-investigations/trump-family-travel-12x-obama-family/

[Boots11234 108]

26 minutes ago, FlyinHeadlock said:

I would like to see how Obama applied for universities and his grades but I do not have this right. I would like to see what meds Biden is taking but again, not my right. Same with taxes. It personal information for him and the IRS. Obama's college stuff is him and the college. Biden's pills are him and his doctors.

Mueller already looked into his taxes. There was nothing there.

Fantastic points. I’ve never thought of this. 

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

1 minute ago, Reality said:

There's no real defense needed, what you have a problem with isn't illegal and really isn't a problem at all. This is pushed by the media to get a rise out of simple minded folks who can't come up with an actual issue with Trump. Smart move by the media because it obviously works. 

It's a non story. Next.

I think he's very close to breaking conflict of interest laws.  Laws that were put in place just for people in office like Trump.

[Strike 5,231]

4 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said:

https://law.emory.edu/ecgar/content/volume-4/issue-special/essays-interviews/conflicts-president-law-trump-presidency.html

 

"Mr. Trump’s potential conflicts extend much farther than a simple concern that he might stand to financially benefit from some executive decisions. In addition to the obvious concern that Mr. Trump may be subconsciously, if not consciously, motivated to make decisions based upon the effect they would have on his personal finances, equally, if not more concerning are the overall perception of the American citizenry in the transparency of their government and confidence in the rule of law, as well as the maintenance of America’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations with foreign governments."

Wow, a piece talking about hypothetical and potential conflicts of interest.  What exactly is your focking point?  I would posit that it would be almost impossible for ANYONE to be President without hypothetical, potential conflicts of interest.  Get back to me when there's ANY evidence of Trump doing something corrupt.  There is plenty of it for HItlery, but you had no problem voting for her.  And that isn't a whataboutism.  That's a FACT.

[Strike 5,231]

1 minute ago, Hawkeye21 said:

I think he's very close to breaking conflict of interest laws.  Laws that were put in place just for people in office like Trump.

Ooh he stayed in one of his own hotels.  LOCK HIM UP!!!!!!

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

I get the feeling that none of you really care and because of that you won't bother looking any further into it.  As long as he's doing what you want him to do, right?

[FlyinHeadlock 459]

1 minute ago, Gladiators said:

I think people are trying to understand where you're coming from.  What is okay and what isn't okay in your opinion?  Should the President's sole source of income while POTUS be from his salary?  Can he earn interest income?  Can he do book deals on the side?  Can he make cameos in movies?  Where do we draw lines?

If it isn't illegal, then what are we talking about?

It's not illegal. If he was doing something wrong Mueller and his team would have found it. There is nothing there. Going by these pious media standards he can have no money except his salary. Anything else is wrong. He can't even knit scarves at night and sell them on ebay for $20.

Meanwhile, 90% of Congress is making money on the side. Have been forever yet not a word. We have people worth hundreds of millions yet they have barely upper middle income..meh.

[Gladiators 1,964]

Just now, Hawkeye21 said:

I get the feeling that none of you really care and because of that you won't bother looking any further into it.  As long as he's doing what you want him to do, right?

Don't you think if there were issues, the left would be all over it?  They've been trying to get him out of office since election day 2016.

[Gladiators 1,964]

Just now, FlyinHeadlock said:

It's not illegal. If he was doing something wrong Mueller and his team would have found it. There is nothing there. Going by these pious media standards he can have no money except his salary. Anything else is wrong. He can't even knit scarves at night and sell them on ebay for $20.

Meanwhile, 90% of Congress is making money on the side. Have been forever yet not a word. We have people worth hundreds of millions yet they have barely upper middle income..meh.

Exactly...

[Strike 5,231]

1 minute ago, Hawkeye21 said:

I get the feeling that none of you really care and because of that you won't bother looking any further into it.  As long as he's doing what you want him to do, right?

I should look in to Trump's travel arrangements?  I have better things to do.

[FlyinHeadlock 459]

9 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said:

Awesome, another response with Obama and Hillary.

I believe the stats show that Trump has spent more on Trips than Obama did.  Even if they spent the same amount, only Trump is making money off of those trips by staying at his own properties.

https://www.citizensforethics.org/reports-investigations/crew-investigations/trump-family-travel-12x-obama-family/

But they have to stay somewhere. Where would you like them to stay. Assuming a Motel 6 and play golf at the local municiple public course.

You should run. I'd vote for you. Run on being the most frugal President of all time. I'm sure world leaders would love hanging out with you too.

[Cdub100 3,846]

At this point, if you voted for Biden you have to be looking to change your vote. If not for Trump a 3rd party candidate. 

[Strike 5,231]

3 minutes ago, FlyinHeadlock said:

But they have to stay somewhere. Where would you like them to stay. Assuming a Motel 6 and play golf at the local municiple public course.

You should run. I'd vote for you. Run on being the most frugal President of all time. I'm sure world leaders would love hanging out with you too.

If it were up to Hawkeye the President would be staying in a tent at a homeless camp.

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

1 minute ago, FlyinHeadlock said:

But they have to stay somewhere. Where would you like them to stay. Assuming a Motel 6 and play golf at the local municiple public course.

I guess I didn't realize that Trump owned the only places for them to stay everywhere they travel.  Obviously if there were no other options it wouldn't be an issue.  Always choosing his properties shows me that he wants to make sure he's getting all of the business from the WH.  He's guaranteed his properties a never ending flow business and money.  Pretty solid gig.

It would be like me being mayor of my city and only buying equipment from my business.  Not only buying solely from my business but buying new equipment every year.  I have a feeling the citizens of my town would not approve of that.

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

1 minute ago, Strike said:

If it were up to Hawkeye the President would be staying in a tent at a homeless camp.

You know that's not at all what I'm talking about.

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

6 minutes ago, Cdub100 said:

At this point, if you voted for Biden you have to be looking to change your vote. If not for Trump a 3rd party candidate. 

I've said numerous times on here that I've already voted and it wasn't for Biden.

[Strike 5,231]

Just now, Hawkeye21 said:

You know that's not at all what I'm talking about.

I haven't figured out what you ARE talking about.   Apparently you think the President is being unethical because he likes his own hotels.  This just seems like the wrong hill to choose to die on in the fight to prove how unethical/criminal Trump is.

[Cdub100 3,846]

Just now, Hawkeye21 said:

I've said numerous times on here that I've already voted and it wasn't for Biden.

Ok

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

Just now, Strike said:

I haven't figured out what you ARE talking about.   Apparently you think the President is being unethical because he likes his own hotels.  This just seems like the wrong hill to choose to die on in the fight to prove how unethical/criminal Trump is.

I guess I just don't know how to articulate what I am trying to explain.  I thought it was fairly common sense but obviously it's not.  Carry on.

[FlyinHeadlock 459]

2 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said:

I guess I didn't realize that Trump owned the only places for them to stay everywhere they travel.  Obviously if there were no other options it wouldn't be an issue.  Always choosing his properties shows me that he wants to make sure he's getting all of the business from the WH.  He's guaranteed his properties a never ending flow business and money.  Pretty solid gig.

It would be like me being mayor of my city and only buying equipment from my business.  Not only buying solely from my business but buying new equipment every year.  I have a feeling the citizens of my town would not approve of that.

A local mayor and a President are not comparable. The President needs a full security detail and staff. They also don't have the freedom of movement of a local mayor. They can't go eat at Applebees, go to the local county fair, movies without a large posse. Becoming President one gives up a lot of their personal freedoms. Staying at a place they owned before being elected should not be one of them. He could stay at another resort but I assure you, it's going to be way more expensive.

[Strike 5,231]

1 minute ago, Hawkeye21 said:

I guess I just don't know how to articulate what I am trying to explain.  I thought it was fairly common sense but obviously it's not.  Carry on.

Trump is the most scrutinized President this country has ever had.  The Dems and the MSM have looked under EVERY rock to try to find something on Trump.  The previous administration spied on an incoming President.  The Dems even fabricated charges of a corrupt phone call in order to impeach him.  You should be disgusted by that but you're not.  On the other hand, despite all those investigations with nothing found, you STILL think Trump is the bad guy in all of this. 

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

Just now, FlyinHeadlock said:

A local mayor and a President are not comparable. The President needs a full security detail and staff. They also don't have the freedom of movement of a local mayor. They can't go eat at Applebees, go to the local county fair, movies without a large posse. Becoming President one gives up a lot of their personal freedoms. Staying at a place they owned before being elected should not be one of them. He could stay at another resort but I assure you, it's going to be way more expensive.

Let's say the President has to go to Vegas.  We all know there is an abundance of hotels and resorts there.  They could stay at any one they wanted to but Trump decides he wants to stay at his.  Some may ask why, especially if they know there could be better options.  Trump is most likely going to choose his property because he owns it and, of course, he would make money off of it.

Let's not pretend Trump's properties are the only options in the places he travels to.

[tanatastic 2,062]

8 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said:

I've said numerous times on here that I've already voted and it wasn't for Biden.

That’s a vote for Trump effectively.

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

Just now, Strike said:

Trump is the most scrutinized President this country has ever had.  The Dems and the MSM have looked under EVERY rock to try to find something on Trump.  The previous administration spied on an incoming President.  The Dems even fabricated charges of a corrupt phone call in order to impeach him.  You should be disgusted by that but you're not.  On the other hand, despite all those investigations with nothing found, you STILL think Trump is the bad guy in all of this. 

I'm sorry that I think Trump has brought a lot of that scrutiny on himself.  I agree that the media has been terrible but I also know that Trump brings a lot of it on himself.  Part of me thinks he loves all the attention, positive and negative.  The man has thrived off it for years.

[Strike 5,231]

Just now, Hawkeye21 said:

I'm sorry that I think Trump has brought a lot of that scrutiny on himself.  I agree that the media has been terrible but I also know that Trump brings a lot of it on himself.  Part of me thinks he loves all the attention, positive and negative.  The man has thrived off it for years.

He hasn't brought any scrutiny on himself.  If there were legitimate reasons to scrutinize him they would have come out.  You're just being typical you.  You have no evidence of wrongdoing but want to make a big deal out of nothing.  Seriously, you're whining for pages about where he chooses to stay while on trips.  Come on.

[FlyinHeadlock 459]

Obama should have taken the high road like every other President but he could not do it. Trump embarrassed him and he went for the jugular and spied on him, his family and friends.

Once Obama took that course of action there was no turning back. The lie kept building and building. Layer after layer. It has all been pulled back now. Nothing was ever there. It was just Obama and Hillary the whole time.

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

2 minutes ago, tanatastic said:

That’s a vote for Trump effectively.

Could very well be.  At least I know I voted for the person I wanted and not just for someone because they were the lesser of two evils.

[Utilit99 4,099]

4 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said:

Let's say the President has to go to Vegas.  We all know there is an abundance of hotels and resorts there.  They could stay at any one they wanted to but Trump decides he wants to stay at his.  Some may ask why, especially if they know there could be better options.  Trump is most likely going to choose his property because he owns it and, of course, he would make money off of it.

Let's not pretend Trump's properties are the only options in the places he travels to.

You criticize a guy for going where he prefers to go rather than where you prefer to go?

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

Just now, Strike said:

He hasn't brought any scrutiny on himself.  If there were legitimate reasons to scrutinize him they would have come out.  You're just being typical you.  You have no evidence of wrongdoing but want to make a big deal out of nothing.  Seriously, you're whining for pages about where he chooses to stay while on trips.  Come on.

Whatever Strike.  I'm tired of arguing with you.  I could probably say something good about Trump and you would find something wrong with it.  I get it, you don't like my opinions or how I try to express them on here.

[FlyinHeadlock 459]

6 minutes ago, Hawkeye21 said:

Let's say the President has to go to Vegas.  We all know there is an abundance of hotels and resorts there.  They could stay at any one they wanted to but Trump decides he wants to stay at his.  Some may ask why, especially if they know there could be better options.  Trump is most likely going to choose his property because he owns it and, of course, he would make money off of it.

Let's not pretend Trump's properties are the only options in the places he travels to.

But he has close friends and staff he has known for decades at those places. Why would he stay somewhere else. What if the price was cheaper than staying someplace else. Then what. You would rather pay more as a taxpayer just to keep his filthy hands off the money. If he wants to visit with his friends and staff too bad. They will have to visit him at the other place and he can never see his property again. Not even visit it. That is absolutely crazy. Going off of that he can't even visit places he owns. Just driving to check it out, outrage.

 

[Strike 5,231]

Just now, Hawkeye21 said:

Whatever Strike.  I'm tired of arguing with you.  I could probably say something good about Trump and you would find something wrong with it.  I get it, you don't like my opinions or how I try to express them on here.

You can put me on ignore.  I'd be fine with that.  Otherwise, when you post stupid things you'll get called out on it.  

[Hawkeye21 2,382]

1 minute ago, Utilit99 said:

You criticize a guy for going where he prefers to go rather than where you prefer to go?

No.  I'm tired of trying to explain it.  I can't get my point across so I'll succeed.