Donald Trump's Conflict of Interest

A friend in Facebook posted a news article titled ‘Trump’s Biggest Potential Conflict of Interest’. The headline refers to Donald Trump’s tenant on the 20th floor of the Trump Tower, namely the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), in which the Chinese Government has a majority of ownership. _________________________________________________ These are my thoughts and comments: If my memory is correct, the conflict of interest law in the U.S. does not apply to the U.S. President. In the U.S., much corruption is legalized or made legal. Lobbying is in a sense legalized bribery. There are so many ways to bribe a politician in the U.S., such as making huge political donations, giving ridiculously high speaking fees, and doing inside trading by members of Congress who are immune from prosecution, etc. etc. _________________________________________________ There are people in this world who are above or beyond the law, like the Pope, the kings and queens, the world leaders such as George Bush, the former U.S. President and Tony Blair, the former UK Prime Minister who invaded Iraq and caused the death of tens of thousands if not millions of innocent people. Who has the guts and means to bring these people to justice, if they did break the law? _________________________________________________ But then what would you do if you were Donald Trump? Tell his tenants to move out of the Trump Tower, let the rental space stay vacant and give up all the lucrative rental fees? To close and sell all his businesses? Is it even workable? What would you suggest? _________________________________________________ All said, we should understand that U.S.A. is not a socialist country. Capitalism and Individualism are high American values. In their extreme forms of ideology and selfish practices, Democracy in the U.S. is not so much about the politicians, the elites and the rulers helping the common people but rather helping themselves and supporting the rich and powerful. _________________________________________________ The U.S. is a republic, yes, a democracy in political system, ideology and appearance, but its socio-economic and political reality is rather more like a Plutocracy and Oligarchy. Power to the rich, money to the powerful, and if you are one of the common people, then sorry, you are on your own!

American Politics

American politics is a two-headed snake (or eagle, if you wish). Whether you give your vote to the Republicans or the Democrats, you end up with the same old snake. The snake doesn't work for the common people, but the rich and powerful. When money and power are the priority, people become much less important.

Burt Reynolds and What is Success ?

In the news, also posted by a friend in Facebook, Burt Reynolds, the famous movie star of the 70s, is apparently broke and is selling off his stuff. 

I feel sad to hear about this. He was a big star. However, he is not alone. Many people succeeded in beating poverty, but failed to manage wealth. As comedian Bill Hicks said, "It's just a ride." 

This is what I think: a successful person is not necessarily rich and famous. A successful person is one who is able to live happily under any conditions in life, whether rich or poor, famous or unknown, married or single, powerful or common, and is able to do what he or she loves to do. Enjoy your ride !!!

Is USA a Democracy ?

USA is no longer a democracy, is it ? Extreme Capitalism, with the extremely selfish and individualistic concept of winner takes all, while having no sympathy for the less capable, less fortunate and losers (deserved or not), has turned America into an Oligarchy and Plutocracy. It has become a country of the rich, by the rich, for the rich. Indeed if you have the choice, please consider moving to Canada. You probably won't regret. Take care !

Cougars

A posting in Facebook: Madonna is 55, her boyfriend is 22. Tina Turner is 75, her boyfriend is 40. J.Lo is 42, her boyfriend is 26. Mariah Carey is 44, her husband is 32. Still single ??? Relax, your boyfriend is not born yet.
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A friend Perry said,"...but all the women are rich and famous."
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I said,"Dear Perry, there is no boundary or barrier that Love is unable to cross. Such May / December relationships also exist among common folks, not just among rich and famous people. Because they are not famous, and you don't know them, that's why you are not aware of their May/December relationships, that's all. Also, society, even in a free country, is still a bit biased against women. If an older man has a young partner, people would accept that more easily than an older woman who has a young partner. Did you notice something else besides the fact that the 4 women are rich and famous ? They are all good singers. Ladies... if you decide to be a cougar, start learning how to sing ... ha ha ha.

America: Land of the Rich

Whoever said " America is land of the rich, by the rich, for the rich " seems to be telling the truth. How can 5% controlling 95% be a democracy ? Is USA a plutocracy ? What has USA become or what is it becoming ? I would like to hear from you.