ARCC
Member
Considering the past few posts are on Trump's sexual proclivities, it's ironic that the Cohen documents were unsealed this morning.
They prove unequivocally that Trump lied about not knowing that Cohen was paying off Stormy Daniels. It also seems to indicate that Hope Hicks lied to Congress. Trump knew about Cohen's payment to Daniels, and was consulted along each step of the payoff process. He also had knowledge of, and consented to, his company reimbursing Cohen for his illegal campaign contribution. Hard to see how Trump doesn't get indicted if he's not President.
But, I think most honest people knew all of the above. What's more interesting is the description of Cohen using misleading financial statements and documentation to obtain loans, refinance loans, and to negotiate loan restructures. His method of operation is uncannily similar to accusations lenders have made against Trump in court documents, and also almost indistinguishable from statements former Trump execs, vendors, and lenders have made about how Trump operates.
Why has Trump always been able to get away with it while Cohen could not? Seems to indicate Trump is a classic example of either being "too big to fail" or the beneficiary an immense amount of luck. If you're not already aware of it, do some quick research on Trump, bonds, and the New Jersey Casino Control Commission and junk bonds. Trump presented them with fabricated financial statements and repeatedly lied to them, yet by the time they uncovered his falsehoods, they were too embarrassed at being conned, and so desperate for gaming jobs in New Jersey, that they let him get away with it minus a few fines.
Trump's shady business practices in Atlantic City
Thankfully, regulators in Nevada and Pennsylvania saw through Trump's serial fabrications, and refused to grant him a gaming/casino license.
Somehow, though, Trump's consistent history of lying, fabricating, violating the law, and constantly having to be bailed out by the banks (or his father) is seen as a positive by his supporters. It's baffling. Do they not understand how many people could be extremely wealthy if they were willing to violate the law and lacked ethics like Trump does? That's what is so spectacularly illogical. Even though he constantly cheated, lied, violated the law, and operated unethically, most of Trump's major businesses failed NUMEROUS times because he was such a poor businessman. While it's true that a number of wealthy people have engaged in unethical or illegal behavior like Trump, that number pales in comparison to those that earned their fortune honestly and ethically.
I've mentioned this analogy before, but what Matt calls "Trump Derangement Syndrome" I call 419 scam disbelief syndrome. For the uninitiated, 419 scams are your typical "I'm a Nigerian prince/official with a huge fortune I'd like to share with you, but first I need you to send me $$$" scams. I've always been absolutely gobsmacked that so many people have willingly believed in these scams and sent billions of their retirement or savings abroad -- never to be seen again.
Anytime I read a story about such a scam/con I'm left in utter disbelief that anyone found such a preposterous scam to be credible. That's how I feel about Trump. I don't hate the guy. I'm just gobsmacked, and left in utter disbelief that people can't see through his con. I'm left in utter disbelief that they don't notice his constant lies and fabrications. Every single day, I remain in a state of utter disbelief that do many people are willingly allowing themselves to be conned by a serial fabricator and con-artist.
Let me go on record now, I'm not going to be saddened if Trump wins re-election. If the American people are foolish enough to elect Trump again, then they deserve to get what they wanted good and hard. Sure, there will be innocents harmed by that, but hopefully once Trump terms out the people will have learned their lesson. Failing a war or major terrorist attack, however, I don't think Trump will be re-elected. I'd say he has around 5% odds right now at best. His base will turn out for him, but due to the demographics of his base they're a much smaller segment of voters than they were in 2016. Best care scenario for Trump is that he keeps the electoral college somewhat close.
Evan, America is doomed and has been for a while. The sooner Christians realize this and get their houses in order the easier it will be when our end comes so to speak.
