Hunter Biden was back in Washington last night for a formal dinner at the White House with the Indian Prime Minister. With his plea deal and settlement in Arkansas, Hunter is apparently back in circulation. However, the House Oversight Committee has released a disturbing report on allegations from two whistleblowers on irregularities and interference in the investigation. The Justice Department is pushing back on these allegations and there should not be a rush to judgment. However, there should be answers.
I have previously stated that I was not surprised by the use of misdemeanors in the tax matters. These whistleblowers are alleging a basis for more serious charges, which may be based on undisclosed evidence. For my part, I have never thought that the tax or gun charges were the most serious matters raised by Hunter’s business dealings. Rather I continue to believe that there was a basis for charges as an unregistered foreign agent under FARA in light of past cases brought by the Justice Department. I also believe that a special counsel should have been appointed on the allegations involving influence peddling by the Biden family.
Yet, the report says that there was an effort to charge the tax matters as felonies and U.S. Attorney David Weiss was rebuffed in his attempt to bring charges in two jurisdictions. I would be frankly surprised that Weiss was prevented in bringing cases before grand juries. Whistleblowers in the IRS may not know the full story on such decisions being made by the U.S. Attorney’s office. However, that should be easily addressed by the Committee in its investigation.
The report also says that efforts to conduct key searches were rebuffed. That is something that these whistleblowers would potentially have direct knowledge of actions. Many of these allegations focus on the role of Assistant US Attorney Lesley Wolf, who is also accused of running interference with IRS agents. Again, in fairness to Wolf, allegations are not proof. She may have had legitimate reasons for her actions or may deny the allegations entirely. At this point, the House needs to call in Wolf to address the allegations.
There is also a very specific (but unverified) account of a message sent by Hunter to a Chinese businessman. Whistleblower Gary Shapley told the Committee:
“[W]e obtained a July 30th, 2017, WhatsApp message from Hunter Biden to Henry Zhao, where Hunter Biden wrote: ‘I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled. Tell the director that I would like to resolve this now before it gets out of hand, and now means tonight. And, Z, if I get a call or text from anyone involved in this other than you, Zhang, or the chairman, I will make certain that between the man sitting next to me and every person he knows and my ability to forever hold a grudge that you will regret not following my direction. I am sitting here waiting for the call with my father.’”
That would be shattering, if true. However, we need to see if it can be authenticated. If this is faked, it would itself be worthy of congressional action for those responsible.
It is also concerning that the whistleblowers recounted active interference with their efforts to steer them away from the influence peddling areas, including questioning a key Biden family associate, Rob Walker. If proven, that would be the first confirmation of an active effort to avoid gathering evidence on influence peddling by the family.
Again, those are areas where these whistleblowers would have direct knowledge and their statements to Congress are made under threat of prosecution if they are found to be untrue. That includes their allegations that key searches were denied or compromised.
Shapley testified that Wolf told them not to “ask about the big guy and stated she did not want to ask questions about ‘dad’.” He recounted how multiple people from the IRS and FBI objected to the limitations. Shapley also said that there was confirmation of meetings being set up with Joe Biden, which would directly contradict the President in his long denials of such knowledge or involvement.
The report is full of very specific accounts of meetings and decisions that warrant investigation. More importantly, there is ample basis for Congress to use its oversight and subpoena authority in light of these sworn statements. If even half of these allegations are proven, the Hunter Biden investigation itself could prove a serious scandal in the making.
Democrat Privilege in a two tiered justice system.
Correction, Karen S, “Democratic *WHITE* Privilege”, don’tcha know?
Jussie Smollett begs to differ
Jonathan, what legal remedy do we have to put the screws on these monsters? It appears the United States itself is impotent. It is as if a U.S. citizen is above the law.
Tom
All power is in the hands of People. Will they exercise their power at the next election.?
Tom Eagleton: I too try to fashion in my mind remedies that would contain the spread of one-sided political ideology in this country. I see daily comments about getting out the vote, go vote, vote them out, etc.
But I don’t necessarily think “legal remedies” are the answer.
I believe there needs to be much more balance in the MEDIA and a better control of left-wing propaganda.
Where is the money that could be put toward taking over the one-sided media giants? Is it that the giant networks (NBC, ABC, etc.) are holding their stock close, to prevent hostile takeovers? (And that includes NPR, to which I briefly listened this a.m., quite literally shocked at the grossly-biased coverage of political news.)
Can a new GIANT network be created that can compete? Are air space/air waves/new network channels available to create more balance? As long as Americans continue to be fed daily with overwhelming control over selective-fact, selective-story, slanted reporting and coverage, how can they contemplate what is best?
“Can a new GIANT network be created that can compete? Are air space/air waves/new network channels available to create more balance?”
lin…I find it a bit baffling that FOX broadcast doesn’t try to compete with NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, and what ever CBS calls their morning news these days. They’ve had since what, 1987(?) to come up with an hour or two to go head-to-head with the others but still chooses to not compete on over-the-air where most viewers who don’t have cable start their day.
Other than a Sunday morning political show – just like all the rest – FOX Broadcast doesn’t seem interested in ‘getting in the game’. No biggie to me, personally, but they *could* probably compete – they simply don’t want to, I guess.
JAFO: I have to agree with you…but armchair complaining on talk shows no longer cuts the mustard with more sophisticated, savvy, social-media-informed younger generations. No biggie to me either (as to Sunday political shows), but slanted, agenda-driven NEWS reporting by MSM is a biggie to me…
lin, I have said it many times on here that the answer is within each of us to raise godly families, children who esteem a virtuous life, uphold a moral life, and to encourage these messages to everyone whom we know. Internal locus of control vs external locus of control.
Whether you are religious or not, you likely are familiar with George Washington’s presidential farewell address where he advised the nation to abide by a religious, moral, virtuous standard of living. Federalist Paper number 55 echoed similarly.
It starts with each of us to walk the talk so that others do likewise. Face it: we got to the point where we are today because Americans became slothful, gluttonous and failed in forming the consciences of their children and grandchildren. We need to get back to the principles that founded the United States, and saying “no” to our passions, to paraphrase James Madison / Alexander Hamilton. To wit:
No offices therefore can be dealt out to the existing members, but such as may become vacant by ordinary casualties; and to suppose that these would be sufficient to purchase the guardians of the people, selected by the people themselves, is to renounce every rule by which events ought to be calculated, and to substitute an indiscriminate and unbounded jealousy, with which all reasoning must be vain. The sincere friends of liberty who give themselves up to the extravagancies of this passion are not aware of the injury they do their own cause. As there is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust: So there are other qualities in human nature, which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence. Republican government presupposes the existence of these qualities in a higher degree than any other form. Were the pictures which have been drawn by the political jealousy of some among us, faithful likenesses of the human character, the inference would be that there is not sufficient virtue among men for self government; and that nothing less than the chains of despotism can restrain them from destroying and devouring one another.
Federalist # 55
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-04-02-0204
that was my comment, as if anyone cant recognize my signature issue on this forum: personal accountability
Lin,
I would argue that going head to head with the MSM is not the way. Trust and confidence in MSM is in a decline, while people are turning to Independent media as their trusted sources. There are people on Substack, Locals, and other sites that have large followings, some of which have more paid subscriptions than WaPo or NYT.
NPR had to cut some 10% of its workforce and end some of their programs as donations have fallen and for good reason as you point out. Most of their content is no longer news but leftist propaganda.
Again, support Independent media. Switch off MSM. While NPR is funded by taxpayers it is only 3%. That is 3% too much.
Upstate Farmer: Your point is good/valid/well-taken. But let’s admit it–
If there is finite space available, and MSM controls most of it, a splintered plurality comprised of a number of independent alternatives to MSM do not catch the public’s eye as does MSM.
That is what bothers me.
what legal remedy do we have …as if a U.S. citizen is above the law.
A friend invited me to go shooting at his gun club this weekend, along with our spouses, to practice shooting at
bad guysBud Lite beer cans. Should be fun!Estovir: Love it. Can I contribute to pay for three beer cans labeled NBC, ABC, and Disneyland?
LOL. Humor is my way of coping with stress. I saw my barber yesterday, a Mensa member, and he always engages me on the current state of affairs. He is also a knowledgable weapons instructor, often invites me to his gun club, and concerned as me about the nation. I asked him his thoughts about China opening a military base in Cuba. Then it was off to the races! If you are not aware of the latter, here is the info. It concerns me alot
Beijing Plans a New Training Facility in Cuba, Raising Prospect of Chinese Troops on America’s Doorstep
Wall Street Journal
Estovir: Yes, I am aware and equally concerned. There is always that nebulous point in history where we, as a nation, must decide, do we nip/contain things now, or wait until there is a more palpable danger….sometimes we get it right, and sometimes we don’t, jingoistic nationalism to the contrary.
Have fun this weekend, I’ll be thinking of you and yours-
More and more evidence exposing the corruption of the Biden Crime Family. At some point they will not be able to ignore, deflect or cover it up. We are seeing first hand the banana republic the Biden admin and the Democrats have made of the US.
The question is, to what lengths will they go to keep power?
Oh my gosh. We shouldnt rush to judgment. Because these are only allegations against the most corrupt administration in the history of this country. But don’t rush to judgment.
Anonymous intelligence sources provided vague assertions that Trump colluded with Russia. Named IRS sources provide assertions of dates, meetings, discussion details, and reference evidence (whatsapp) that can be verified and investigated.
40% of the American public still believe the former and will question the later.
50% of the American public is below average in intelligence.
Everything significant in the major investigations of Trump proved false no matter how hard leftists try to spin things. All we get is continuous meaningless banter from them before their replies are deleted with the rest. That is exactly how Democrats function and why little other than Democrat theft is accomplished.
the rub is the DOJ is 100% corrupt for Democrats
95% of Democrats will accept all Propaganda
Anonymous the wack job, just go away.
Dare I say the “walls are closing in”?
by who? the DOJ is 100% corrupt for Democrats. That isn’t debatable
” House needs to call in Wolf to address the allegations”
And just what does this provide the pubic?
If the Republicans to not make Wolf testify then they are beyond redemption. I am not a lawyer but I cannot believe that if a prosecutor tipped off the defense Team about their interest in an office where Hunter stashed documents is not obstruction of justice then I don’t know what is. Finley of the WSJ has a through account today. If true, then Wolf should be fired and prosecuted. Another example of progressives devolving this country into a third world country
But non of that will happen. Has anything ever come from the house “addressing” anything?
Republicans addressed that the criminal democrats were running out of money….so they GAVE them More Trillions last WEEK!
The House or Senate needs to interview under oath Trump Administration’s David Weiss and Bill Barr.
This is more of Joe Biden’s arrogance and “spit in our faces” attitude. To have his criminal son anywhere near the WH is an insult to all Americans. But then, Biden doesn’t work for all Americans. He works strictly for the rich, the corrupt, and the degenerate.
Breaking my year old promise not to comment on Hunter Biden (to which I think I have been faithful), I repeat what I wrote a year ago.
Real people don’t give a gnat’s posterior about this. Here’s what we care about:
– everything I buy costs 50%-100% more than two years ago. True the rate of inflation that lead to that inability to afford food, heating oil, electricity, etc. has slowed but that is only because everyone is broke and is buying fewer things
– we’re very close to the first nuclear war in history over a few thousand square miles of far southeastern Europe where people have spoken true Russian for centuries but where the Soviet Union put a province that speaks pidgin Polish/Russian in charge for political reasons 60 years ago; this area has absolutely no strategic value to the United States (or anyone else but Russia… because of Sevastapol)
– the Democrats cut Medicare Part B 2% this year (Joe Biden wanted a 4% cut), killed Medicare Part D as we know it last year (which will kill seniors because it will reduce available drug therapies 50% to Medicaid/VA formularies), and wants to reduce Medicare Part A and Soc. Security 25% in 5/8 yrs respectively
These are the three most important issues facing Americans. We could care less about Hunter Biden and IRS whistleblowers and whose more corrupt, the left or the right. They’re all corrupt. We’ve known that forever.
I repeat what I wrote a year ago.
it appears no one cared today and I guessing no one cared a year ago.
as for your complaint about increase in costs, a frugal life pays off in spades, as does cutting your meal portion sizes, doing more with less and being austere. Ask any immigrant: it’s how we made it in America.
as for nuclear war, it is being reported that the military is asking former military service personnel to return to the military with up to $115K sign on bonus.. so there ya go, extra pocket change, helping prevent nuclear war and kicking butts of Russians
As for Medicare cuts, physicians are burnt out, leaving the health care setting, many joining industry or retiring early. Preventative medicine would be wise or moving to the UK where socialized medicine is grand. The wait lists to see a health care provider are murder but free health services has a price
Almost 1.2m people waiting at least six months for vital NHS services in England
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/aug/11/people-waiting-vital-nhs-services-england-covid-delays-treatment
Your Media Matters handlers are not sending their better trolls
Estovir,
I would argue but only to a degree Dennis is right.
Under the Biden admin and Bidenflation, the Home Household survey shows record numbers of Americans have to work TWO jobs and in some cases THREE jobs to pay the bills.
Another survey show Americans wages were not keeping up with inflation, have had to dip into their saving which is also at lows or resorting to using credit cards to pay bills.
However, watching the gross display of corruption of the Bidens is just a slap in the face for many Americans. Watching Hunter get off with a wrist slap when if it were any of us we would be in prison. Watching the Biden admin try to declare the Hunter Biden issue has been resolved and parading him around at a black tie dinner is also a slap in the face. The Biden admin and the Democrats are setting themselves up like they did in 2016: Not only is their candidate not likeable, but is also the embodiment of the corrupt DC establishment. Be even better if Biden lost in the primaries.
Nuclear war. Yep. It is being reported that Putin presented a outline for a peace plan to the Ukrainian delegation at a meeting in Istanbul back in April of 2020. It included the Russians pulling back to pre-war lines as long as the Ukraine did not join NATO. Reportedly the Ukrainian delegation signed it. Guess who canceled that plan! So, yes, here we are, 90 seconds to Midnight on the Doomsday Clock and we have a Anonymous regular who comments about sending ten of thousands or more into harms way but wont do it himself.
Cannot speak to the medical part.
UpStateFarmer, I disagree. This might help explain my position further or not. Given my upbringing and my career, I see Americans living in excess.
Forget the Cost of Living. What’s the Cost of Thriving in America?
Wall Street Journal
Estovir,
Interesting.
The way I look at is, Americans have the appearance of looking like they are living in excess.
They may have the 2,400 sqft home (national average), the two nice cars/SUVs, stainless steal appliances, granite countertops, TV in nearly every room, game consoles, tablets, smart phones, and dinning out 3-4 times a week, ordering in the other times.
And they are two paychecks away from economic disaster.
I recall the last government shut down. Read an article about government employees crying about how if they missed two paychecks, they would miss a house payment, a car payment, paying other debts, cell phone bills etc.
In a former career, I worked with these people. They looked middle class, but they were not.
I think it was last year the average American could not afford a $400 emergency. They would have to take out a loan, borrow from friends/family, or resort to using a credit card.
To make matters worse, the average American’s savings has fallen to 4.6% or the same level as 2008 economic crisis. More and more American’s have had to dip into what savings they had and or resort to credit cards to pay the bills.
Also, what is “middle class” nowadays?
Economist and sometimes social commenter Charles H. Smith wrote a article about redefining that definition: https://www.oftwominds.com/blogdec13/middle-class12-13.html
It is from 2013 and I think if he did an update using 2023 numbers, taking into consideration of the current inflationary environment, those numbers would change significantly.
Thank you for such an interesting conversation. It has been enlightening and interesting.
Upstate Farmer, my uncle and aunt arrived from Cuba recently to live with their daughter (my cousin), her husband and child. They are in their mid-70s. We have traveled to Miami several times to spend time with them and speak on the phone regularly. During our last visit my aunt said something that pierced my heart. She told us how they would stretch a pound (loaf) of bread in Cuba to last a month, their allowed govt portion. She then told us how she cared for the pound of bread, would wrap it, rub it with water routinely, saves the crumbs and would put it in their 1950s era refrigerator. My uncle worked in Cuba as a telephone pole lineman. He joked with us that in Cuba, “they pretend to pay us, and we pretend to work”. They did not own a car. Few are allowed to purchase and own a car, and those that do have to possess a permit that allows them to buy a car, which takes years for approval, which requires a hefty fee paid to the communist govt. That permit must be presented to the seller of the car. You must buy the car with your own money, give the communist govt the money, and once you buy it, the seller reports you to the communist govt as a car purchaser even if the seller never touched “your” money. Its all lateral exchange of goods. The communists hold all of the money. Since cars are antiques in Cuba, is it up to you to find parts that work in “your” ancient car. A Soviet made car might run with a VW carburetor, a Volvo battery, a Renault radiator and Peugeot starter.
Today my uncle has a part-time job in Miami, cooking chicken on a grill at a fast food chain, making $12/hour, 3 days per week. He tells me he has never earned so much money. He walks 3 miles to work and loves it. He gets to talk to people along the way, laughs and relishes having a real job that pays him real money. My aunt told me she is overwhelmed with the amount of food she sees in the homes she visits in Miami, and thinks about her friends in Cuba.
I was so ashamed when they told me the aforementioned that I could not say a damn thing.
Forgive me for not feeling sorry for people who own smart phones, gold teeth, tattoos with so much ink covering their skin that youre hard-pressed to find any skin pigment, hair extensions, blinged out cars with amplifiers that cause my house windows to rattle, living in govt paid housing, and access to drugs and alcohol every day, with fat asses, and guns, not to mention the items you mentioned: 2,400 sqft home (national average), the two nice cars/SUVs, stainless steal appliances, granite countertops, TV in nearly every room, game consoles, tablets, smart phones, and dinning out 3-4 times a week, ordering in the other times.
In Cuba, people have to take their own bedsheets, bed pans and urinals if they are allowed to be hospitalized. Hospital length of stay are based on quotas and allotments. You are allowed to be hospitalized in Cuba only so many times. Pharmaceutical drugs are non-existant. My aunt has rheumatoid arthritis, and all they supplied her in Cuba were vitamins. I made sure she got a prescription in Miami to Celebrex, and she cried when she felt better. She was trained as a nurse in Cuba.
Americans do not know what poverty is.
Estovir,
My hat’s off to your aunt & uncle and their plight as well as those in Cuba who are forced into their stations in life.
I share your view of not feeling sorry for many here who have the ability buy unnecessary luxuries and yet can’t get their act together when it comes to establishing a solid financial foundation that can weather most any downturn because they are determined to buy useless junk to impress themselves.
Most people in the US could benefit through combining the frugality and resourcefulness of the Cuban People with the blessings they have in America and be much happier and stable. The simple side of it is to purchase only what you need and then buy things that are high quality and last for decades. I have cast iron pans that are about a century old, a 1950’s vintage mixer, and I actually still use a rotary-dial telephone in my kitchen. (among other things). We could of course buy brand new replacements, but why? It won’t work any better and quite frankly most things built today are crap. It might sound funny but if I actually need some durable item, which is seldom, I usually try to find it at a second-hand store or antique shop. The base quaity is much better and it actually feels like you are holding something real in your hand, not a plastic, Chinese-made piece of garbage as is the case with something new. The environment would be much better if people would simply stop buying widgets that must be upgraded and replaced every year. Like that cast iron pan I mentioned needed only one processing of iron ore, one trip through the foundry, and one dose of energy to make it happen. Yet, it cooked countless meals over a 100 year period and only needed to be purchased once. If people here could be as thankful for having a car and changed their attitudes about how rare it is to have one, considering everyone else in the world, maybe they might retain them longer and make the effort to perform regular maintenance, saving of course all the expense, the hits on the environment, and the depletion of natural resources in continuing to replace them every four or so years.
If we were to look at the people of Cuba, I would venture to say they are far, far more efficient in terms of cost/resource-conservation than most Americans. That is a virtue in of itself.
Estovir, your relatives are great. If they end up with more than enough money, don’t expect them to change their habits. They have learned the necessities of life and won’t change. My wife, from behind the iron curtain, came with nothing, lived frugally, and her desires do not include all the luxuries she can easily afford. Friends not nearly as well off as we are, when out for the night, seem to have far more luxurious tastes in what they wear, drive and eat.
You, Darren, and perhaps others, may or may not appreciate the following article. It was written by an American photographer who visited Cuba and learned what the MSM will not report: “it is all a lie, but Cubans are resourceful” (my summary). Not surprisingly he mentioned what I did re: auto parts mix and match. Beautiful photos, honest content
The Inspiring Resourcefulness of Daily Life in Cuba
Cubans simply do not have access to most of the daily items the majority of the Western world takes for granted. They’ve had to improvise. They’ve had to adapt. In the 40-some countries I’ve visited over the years I have never met a more resourceful group of people. It is a creativity borne of forced frugality and the opposite of our throwaway culture in the West. It is fascinating and inspiring and grossly unjust.
https://matadornetwork.com/life/inspiring-resourcefulness-daily-life-cuba/
Darren, at home we cook in cast iron skillets, pots and dutch ovens with lids, inherited from my Florida “cracker” mother-in-law or purchased at second hand stores or yard sales. Doubtful as old as yours but close enough! Thanks for not going ballistic on me with my comment that Americans do not know poverty. The times I have said it publicly in conversations, people (Americans) have gotten indignant at me. They will never understand because they are not Cubans
I enjoyed the matadornetwork article. Sad to read how the powers to be are failing the average person by not investing in infrastructure and necessities that make life less arduous. I am of the belief that if some form of foreign aid were to be given to nations such as this it is often far more complex in terms of its implementation than it is in actually constructing the project. Often there is the problem of corruption in dealing with gov’t officials, red tape, and political resistence. To me unless there is an emergency need to build a project “now” I believe the greater good is served long term by working with an array of well renowned and qualified locals and to seed money into the economy specifically directed at a project. We’ll use waterworks as an example.
Rather than importing American or foreign piping and equipment, instead local outfits are contracted to provide the material, and local market rate pricing is paid with competative bidding and strict quality control and assurance. This helps prevent bubbles from forming and temptations for redirections or graft on behalf of suppliers. Then locals are hired, at market labor rate but with an emphasis at a sustainable wage with an emphasis that laborers who are hired to install the infrastructure can look forward to continued employment through maintenance of the project or hired by other companies for similar trades. (avoids unemployment risks after completion) It is also important that the latest available methods be used to avoid obsolescence, or vulnerability such as earthquake hardening and avoidance of past practices that were dangerous to health such as leaded fittings and such. In a purse system the foreign aid starts the revamp of the system, and with the uplifting of the economy and the ability of people to pay reasonable prices for clean water it is self-sustainable for decades to come.
It is important that the credit and ownership of the new infrastructure be of that nation’s citizens and not prize to be foisted by foreign governments or large corporations. I remember many years ago there was discussion of Cuba opening up to the United States and both sides seemed, at least in the press, to want to normalize relations, which really didn’t come to fruition later. My concern then was that if the gates were opened all at once there would be a flood of carpetbaggers from the United States and within a year or so there would be McDonald’s, Costco, 7-11s, and chain after chain of “in your face” type of corporate sprawl everywhere. Soon it would look just like everywhere in America, just one strip mall, Burger King, and dollar store after the other in a completely homogenous blight, devoid of any originality or local flair. If it was to be it must be of Cuban genesis only. If the world was to give a leg up for Cuba, I would certainly hope it would be one of the Cuban’s own doing. At least if the infrastructure is no longer an issue the average Cuban I would presume could have an accomplish more without having to devote inordinate amount of time/energy on just getting by.
Most of we Americans have too much Cargo, and the rest of the world has so little. As Yali famously lamented.
Cuba should be one of the richest nations. The only thing that stops them is their government.
Estovir, stories of your family’s life need to spread like wildfire on this message board and repeated as often as it takes to get through to the people who believe Cuba and other communist countries are like living in Shangri La, Paradise, and Utopia all wrapped in a shiny gold bow. It’s quite telling however, these same True Believers never actually want to move to their Promised Lands, Venezuela, China, North Korea, and especially Cuba. They don’t even want to go to Canada to be ‘lead’ by Castro’s son. Hypocrites.
Estovir,
I agree Americans do not know what real poverty is.
Most of them are in a precarious situation by their own making.
Just pointing out the situation.
I try to keep friends and family informed or at lest aware of what is going on.
“The wait lists to see a health care provider are murder but free health services has a price”
My father had a small grocery store. I can only imagine what his customers would say if he advertised “free” potatoes but when anyone came to get some he would say there is a six-month wait list for that.
Trump – pays $750 per year in taxes on hundreds of millions in income – one IRS agent assigned to his annual “audit” mandated by law, no IRS search warrants issued. No federal charges filed for tax.
Hunter Biden – pays a lot more in taxes on a lot less income, has a whole IRS team and DOJ agents assigned to his case, no audit mandated by law. Charges filed.
So yeah, there is a disparity in treatment here. But it is Trump who getting away with kid gloves IRS treatment.
Trump – pays $750 per year in taxes on hundreds of millions in income
You are ignorant of the difference between gross revenue, and taxable income.
iowan2,
You could have just stopped at “You are ingnorant”
Jim22, i get it. But the talking points handed out to the sycophants are so transparent. First hint, is using numbers without a precise definition of what constitutes the number. Lots of time the media talks about a business “making” $50 million. When what the mean, is the business has $50 million in sales. Today the media will tell you an oil company is not paying enough in taxes because their income has doubled. But if the price per unit fuel has more than doubled, the number is meaningless.
In short, any numbers used in the media have been scammed to support the current narrative.
@iowan
Indeed. Numbers are absolutely meaningless without context. Your examples are excellent. I reprise my personal example:
Even if there is reduction here and there, you have to leverage residual effects of all of this and leverage the total. Since Biden took office, due to the conflation of a variety of factors 100% beyond our control (and we are quite frugal and by no means wealthy), my wife’s and my total cost of living had increased this summer nearly $16,000/year. Where the average person finds that kind of extra without a second job is anybody’s guess, and we are only talking about a roughly two year time frame here. I’m sure it has been even more for some depending on their needs and circumstances (we do not have children, for example).
It is ALL pure, unprecedented (in America) unadulterated, very public chicanery at this point. Even if we regain control of the reins, it is going to be a b**** to fix. Keep sleeping though, leftist voters.
I agree. I always point out to leftists who bring up the hated oil companies. I always ask them, what were the profits of oiil verses say Apple? But they never have a problem with Apple because Steve Jobs is such a saint.
I am aware Trump’s accountant went to prison for tax fraud on the Trump organization, so I would not assume the people who are doing his taxes are accurately reporting taxable income
Did Trump play by the rules and take all deductions allowed by law or did he just say screw it, I’m not going to pay my fair share. I’m suspecting his tax lawyers and accountants went right by our tax codes. We need a complete overhaul of our tax system.
Peter Shill has yet another new sock puppet. Shocking! Much like the Lord of the Rings orcs, no matter how many times they are slayed, more keep coming. Alas none are persuasive until the use of state of the art CGI
Estovir,
That right there.
The troll returns, and cries ‘whataboutism!!”
I am more concerned about what some of our enemies and friendemies have over the Bidens in the form of blackmail, compromising our national security.
To my mind, there is zero doubt that the Ukrainians, Chinese, Russians and others have audio and video tapes of meetings with Hunter, along with e-mails and other correspondence. Zero doubt.
Yeah, poor Hunter. The smartest guy Joe knows. He is just trying to live his life. Give me a break.
Another new alias that likely will soon be removed. It sounds like the Bug who lacking four letter words has nothing to say.
He also is rather stupid as he doesn’t understand the difference between the two situations. Hunter’s is criminal. Trump’s is legal and follows the tax code. When one has losses one can subtract the losses from the gains.
Poor troll. It hurts. Doesnt it.
This too shall be resolved…they are in too deep to do otherwise.
Remember the Republicans going to Nixon and telling him that the game was over and he needed to go? Isn’t it amazing that NOT ONE DEMOCRAT has decided that their honor, reputation or career matters enough to admit that Biden is a crook and he needs to go, or at least not run for re-election? Not one Democrat will leave the reservation, not one Democrat will step up and call this what it is, not one Democrat will turns “state’s evidence” against this crime infested family. This makes the so-called “police blue wall” look like a leaky faucet.
The only other possibility is that Biden or the CCP has enough dirt on everyone that they can’t speak out and it isn’t just the usual Democrat cult of party that is keeping usually honest people silent.
Now let’s talk about the media….
“Isn’t it amazing that NOT ONE DEMOCRAT has decided that their honor, reputation or career matters enough to admit that Biden is a crook and he needs to go, or at least not run for re-election? ”
Not really!
1. You can be sure that Lisa Monaco will pull the plug in time before it is proven – by whomever – that payments to the then VP influenced US policy.
2. In the much more likely event that Biden will be seen by his puppet masters more as a liability than as an asset: He will read a statement let’s say several blow of fates and other misfortunes hit his family (topic is interchangeable) and prevents him from running for re-election. Time will tell if he is send packing immediately or bring his term to an end?. Anyway, I’m expecting Newsom/Rice as ’24 winning team..
“. . . a message sent by Hunter to a Chinese businessman.”
If you change the names to Hunter “Baby Face” Biden and Joe “Big Face” Biden, that message reads like a Mafia shakedown. Which in essence it is.
I was thinking it made Hunter Biden the Michael Cohen of the Biden operation
Dennis (Svelaz), I thought you hated Michael Cohen and yet you seem to defend Hunter daily? Now what do you honestly think when you read the transcript? Are you honest? No, you are a Democrat.
Democrats (and their corporate masters) are a clear and present danger to the Republic. They should be treated as such..
Absent prosecution there must be Democrat ire raised sufficient enough to motivate them to vote down-ballot Republican for every contender for a Democrat seat come November 2024. Only that kind of rout will convince the ‘others’ that they will not be rehired when their turn comes unless they change the course of this nation.
Kim Strassel nails it in the WSJ
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-hunter-biden-whistle-blows-arrest-doj-irs-firearm-felony-jail-9d114e5f?st=6ibceuex5snrm5w&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
Kim Strassel’s summary is good, but what will the House Republicans do with it?
They now have sworn testimony that Garland misled Congress about the authority Weiss had.
They also have sworn testimony that the investigation was curtailed and undermined.
Finally, they have sworn testimony that there is documentary evidence of Joe Biden’s involvement in the “business.”
Separately, the second whistleblower claims that the Form 1023 was withheld from those doing the investigation and that there is laptop email evidence seeming to relate to the $5m bribe.
Comer and Jordan need to investigate every allegation. They should do it under the rubric of an impeachment of Garland for lying to Congress and obstruction, and of Biden for bribery and influence peddling. There is more than enough testimony and evidence at this point to justify these impeachment investigations. Pelosi and Schiff pursued impeachment of Trump for the “perfect call” on the basis of much less.
But the Republicans are incompetent, and in the end nothing will come of this. Biden will be re-elected and the slide towards dystopia will continue.
Daniel, we have two opposite opinions on how to handle the wrongdoing by Democrats and how to use the information we have to win an election.
1) “They should do it under the rubric of an impeachment of Garland … and of Biden”
2) “Impeaching this president is a study in fruitless expenditure of energy and money.”
Both opinions are from known individuals with good reputations on the blog, but they are almost polar opposites. Why should such differences exist for a decision of this nature? When we watch the Republicans in action, we see the same thing. Differing opinions without attempts to bring them together. Eventually, the interest of the voting public is lost. That is a leading cause of Republican failure.
The point of launching focused impeachment investigation is that they will give discipline and additional tools to an otherwise scattered effort.
Daniel, I don’t disagree, but I am looking for the explanation as to why such divergent opinions should exist and not be ironed out.
To date the only action I have seen is from members of the Freedom Caucus. They have consistently plowed through the garbage and remain at the point of the attack. Therefore, I support their efforts even though I am fuzzy on many of the particulars. Why should those opposing the Democrats not try to maintain a united front?
Smeyer, investigating is a constitutional power exercised by them to carry out their enumerated purpose.
That does not mean they every have to bring articles of impeachment to the floor.
You seem to say that there are two ways of informing the public. That is understandable, but we never get to the point of which is the better way and which will have a better chance of uniting and leading to a Republican win.
I don’t have the requisite knowledge to make that decision, so I will follow the Freedom Caucus, Jim Jordan, Kennedy, and the like and let them lead a UNIFIED plan of action.
My only point, those saying there is no way to get the Senate to convict, does not limit the House from hiring all the staff, investigators, lawyers, computer experts, to launch a deep investigation. The evidence found can then be made public. I have no dreams that Garland will ever prosecute any Dem.
But if the evidence is presented…Maybe the voters will act. The election of the new mayor in Chicago
provides a hint, that the voters are fine living in Democrat hell holes. Maybe all is losgt.
Iowan2, I agree and think that impeachment investigations would be the most effective, precisely because of the resources and tools they would command, as well as the public attention they would garner.
It baffles me to no end that the GOP:
1. Did not censure and impose a fine of $16 Million to shifty Adam Schiff under Representative Anna Paulina Luna resolution the first time
2. have not impeached Biden at least three times, since 3 is a lucky number!
3. have not impeached all of his Cabinet members starting with Alejandro Mayorkas
Republicans make Beta males look Herculean
Here are the resolutions of the current US House for impeachment
https://www.congress.gov/search?q=%7B%22source%22%3A%22legislation%22%2C%22search%22%3A%22impeachment%22%2C%22congress%22%3A118%7D
Like you, I recognize a conviction is likely impossible, but it is high profile and leads to disclosure and public opinion. If it goes to the Senate and things look bad for Biden, it might cost some Democrat Senators the vote. I trust those in the Freedom Caucus like Jim Jordan and will support them.
Republicans don’t like to get their hands dirty. I don’t believe in acting criminal, but sometimes it is necessary to get our hands dirty. We are dealing with many stupid people, and we can see how stupidly they act on this blog. Many Democrats not on this blog are likely of the same ilk, so we need to take off our jackets and ties and get to work.
Daniel, it’s less about Team Red being incompetent and more about them “eunuch-ing” themselves after Watergate (if they ever had the stones to start).
“Comer and Jordan need to investigate every allegation. […] There is more than enough testimony and evidence at this point to justify these impeachment investigations.”
1. After Democrats (who run the House last year) rejected to subpoena Hunter Biden, GOP conference chair Elise Stefanik spoke up and promised to make up for it if the House will flip (whether she knew that Senator Ron Johnson’s (R-WI) attempt was rejected for political reasons from leading puppet master before the 2020 presidential election is unknown).
2. Last month “Oversight” offered a 50′ presser (a chart in part – too small to read – has peeked out on the right) featuring many speakers who praised Chairman Comer for his leadership, repeated themselves and each other. They have only failed to provide an answer to their claim that then VP Joe Biden and an unnamed foreign nationals exchanged $$$ for policy decisions.
3. Your analyses are spot-on (we have to agree to disagree that “Republicans are incompetent”): If you spend the better part of your life in D.C. inner circle, it should be easy to find out how Hallie Biden got the job, analyze her contract and what she did that eight years ago $$$ often ended up in her account. Since several members of the Biden family unexpectedly came to this happiness: Is the failure to recognize this pattern due to dumbness or intention?
[1] https://nypost.com/2022/03/26/house-republicans-will-subpoena-hunter-biden/
CK, you may be right, but then what lies behind their intention not to investigate to the full extent of their power?
If you rephrase your question, you might find an answer that meet a logical approach:
* Why didn’t REPs investigate so called “Biden Crime Family” in a timely manner when they lead the government and Congress?
* Why did AG Barr act the way he did ’20 election circle looming?
* What’s the point of waiting eight years hoping for better weather?
Don’t see an answer in any of that.
Doesn’t matter!
and Republicans will continue to give trillions to Democrats for the endless crimes!
They don’t even pretend anymore! Enjoy the $120000 of federal debt you and EVERY SINGLE America owe!
I just read about the Decline of Rome….the opulence of the leaders and their cities and the abject slavery of the people… Yep!
The only solution is a 50% in Federal Government and moving 75% of the functions out of DC….it is lost!
good for columns and FNN talking points. But to find “proof”, is “outside of their purview!”
No, they are finding evidence(proof) But congress cannot not prosecute. That’s were the corruption resides. Democrats are just fine with the corruption. Democrats are confident they have all the elections in pocket, so perpetual majorities and power will always be theirs.
When were the wire-transfers made and which party leads DOJ, DOT, and Congress?
“[I]In fairness of Wolf, allegations are not proof, […] the House needs to call in Wolf to address the allegations.”
“There is also a very specific (but unverified) account of a message sent by Hunter to a Chinese businessman.”
I guess “Oversight” will obtain more “damning information”, good for columns and FNN talking points. But to find “proof”, is “outside of their purview!”