Thread: President of the US of A

Originally Posted by honedright

I'm unaware of any independent large (or small) business with the sovereign authority to create and enforce popular law and to command it's own military. I could be wrong, enlighten me. I'm sure "The Donald" is a great guy, but I wonder (and have serious doubt) that he's really qualified to be a head of state. He certainly talks a good game, and puts on a good show, but does that earn him the presidency? Is President of the United States so trivial a position that the job goes to whoever puts on the best show? I'd hope not. I wouldn't hesitate to have Trump negotiate a real estate deal for me, or build me a golf course or maybe a casino. But even those things didn't always work out so well for him. He claims he wants to build a wall and make Mexico pay for it. If he thinks he wields that kind of power and can strong arm a foreign country into financing a wall, then what could he do in his own country should he choose? Besides, walls don't just keep people out. I get his popularity, but I fear it's for all of the wrong reasons.

I would say the one we've got now, and his predecessor, were no more qualified than Trump is. Presidents surround themselves with people who are qualified and delegate authority and receive advice. I'm not sold on Trump, but I'm not buying the premise that he is inexperienced. If 'experience' got us where we've gone the past 15 years I will opt for something different.

So just on a technical note, maybe. If someone like Trump (an active businessman with active businesses) wins the presidency are they required to step down from those businesses or whatever?

James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

So just on a technical note, maybe. If someone like Trump (an active businessman with active businesses) wins the presidency are they required to step down from those businesses or whatever?

James.

He has already said that his kids will run the business.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

He has already said that his kids will run the business.

That's good, but I guess what I meant was is it a general rule of any President in that situation that they must give up their business interests?

James.

Yes, you would think...HOWEVER many of the past presidents have greatly increased their "net worth"...so I am sure there are some not so up and up happenings to help them to prosper. When I say prosper, I mean prosper GREATLY!

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Yes, you would think...HOWEVER many of the past presidents have greatly increased their "net worth"...so I am sure there are some not so up and up happenings to help them to prosper. When I say prosper, I mean prosper GREATLY!

Is it too late to sign up? I could use some prosperity!

Beat Bloomburg to the punch on the independent side!

Originally Posted by Jimbo

That's good, but I guess what I meant was is it a general rule of any President in that situation that they must give up their business interests?

James.

A president cannot run a business on the side and all investments must be put in the care of an investment house. Obama put his with Berkshire Hathaway. This does not mean he doesn't know what's going on nor does it stop him from swaying things in his favor.
BP oil spill. They wanted to use Corexit in the ocean to absorb the oil. EPA was not prepared to responsibly authorize BP's use of Corexit, but did so anyway. Wonder why ? Not sure myself but it just so happens Berkshire bought a LOT of stock in that company just before the decision and the stock went through the roof after. Hmmmm
It's much like insider trading. Against the law but a staple food of the rich. You have to get caught and even then only the little guys become patsies.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

He has already said that his kids will run the business.

Well, that eliminates any potential conflict of interest then...

I have *no* idea what the laws are down there across the border, but do feel that whenever anyone enters a position responsible for directing national (or state/provincial/regional/whatever) policy, he or she should either fully divest him/herself of business interests or place them into blind trusts. I'd also be interested to know what they law is on this.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

So just on a technical note, maybe. If someone like Trump (an active businessman with active businesses) wins the presidency are they required to step down from those businesses or whatever?

James.

No, elected officials are not. A very good recent example is Berlusconi of Italy and all the problems that fell from his time in office. Essentially, any person running for office can continue to run their businesses from office if they choose to. There is always the risk of the appearance of impropriety and the political fallout (hearings etc) from that effort.

Employees, not elected, of the executive branch are supposed to eliminate any conflicts of interest. There are examples of some elected officials using blind trusts for their assets to show that they do not have conflicts of interest, but this is not used by any where near a majority of elected office holders.