So much for the "See Something, Say Something" theory.  

We haven't had an attitude of respecting responsible citizens stepping up since Trump took office.  And now we see him issuing pardons for those convicted of crimes against our social order. 

Yep, still working on raising the bar for guilt so he can stand in the middle of 5th Avenue with his smoking gun and tell us, "I got mine, get your own."   

Sad how we elect the selfish who have nothing but disrespect for those of us who cherish freedom and order.  (Enlightened Prisoner comment 12-30-20)

 

In 1941, the (FCC) commission made a ruling that came to be known as the Mayflower Decision which declared that radio stations, due to their public interest obligations, must remain neutral in matters of news and politics, and they were not allowed to give editorial support to any particular political position or candidate. (Wakipedia source material) 

And then along came TV, and internet information, and lobbyists, and politicians more interested in the power of office rather than service to the electorate.  So, today we have turned our public broadcast news systems into a quagmire of polarized thought control. 

Have you no pride left Electorate?  Is self-determination something you gave up in favor of emotional driven confidence for name and party instead of qualification and character?  Sad indeed because it's the first signs of a societal degradation that can no longer handle freedom of speech.   (Enlightened Prisoner 12-27-20)

 I have never in my considerable life heard statements made by a serving President, (9 of them so far), of this country which have sounded so unhinged and unremarkable.  This man's a basket case of incoherent rants that serve no useful purpose to the country and are contrary to any impression that he is of further use to our governance.  He is a failed institution and deserves our disrespect.

(Enlightened Prisoner comment 12-13-20)

 

The Trump Administration has experienced the greatest number of unqualified, integrity challenged, character lacking, office abusing officials in the recent history of presidential appointees.

Please understand, this is not an accident of choice but a determined effort by Trump himself to surround his unhinged self with characters of likeness.

(Enlightened Prisoner comment 11-10-20)

 Please Mr. President, put on a mask and just go away. I'm tired of your face, tired of your words, and sick of your silly attempts to project competency. You're nothing but a phony, created by media sensationalism, and lacking any refined traits of a decent human being.

 He is, a bold-faced liar, has a nature of cowardice for the way he treats women and people who oppose him, lacks educational reasoning skills, communication ability is nil, no evidence of diplomacy for interactions, totally and utterly culturally deficient, a failed career in multiple business endeavors, inpatient, intolerant, and racist.  That's our Ex-President Trump.  And, if you have the ability to tolerate that kind of character traits then turn in your voter's registration card because you're too dumb to determine who best serves the interests of this country.  Seriously. 

Only an amoral personality like Donald J. Trump would have the audacity to pardon an American citizen who plead guilty to obstruction of a Federal Agency conducting an investigation of complicity with agents of a foreign government that have destructive designs on our country. 

Just let that roll around in your head for awhile folks. 

(Enlightened Prisoner WAPO Comment 11-25-20) 

 

(Enlightened Prisoner essay of 11-22-2020)

There still appears to be two different camps of opinion on this pandemic.  Those that take it seriously, and those who don't.  

Those who take it seriously seem to have a desire to protect themselves and their fellow Americans from the consequences of the virus effects.  

Those who don't take it seriously seem to ascribe the virus as affecting social normalcy and therefore underserving of serious consideration because our tribal strength will overcome the threat.  

Now because our daily fabric of knowledge revolves around our social media network, (which you must recall has now become a for-profit industry), you must choose what's offered by those who would put their psyche above the consequences contained in the deception of personal opinion.  

And now my fellow citizens you have reached the conclusion of this essay.  Is your opinion your own or the result of that nastiest of American traits, the art of politics?    

 

If this is some vain attempt for an attempted coup, (WAPO Story on the President challenge for the 2020 Presidential Election) I can't imagine any more fitting person than our President (to lead).  You know, the draft-dodging, lying, back-stabbing, can't put two sentences together without a cue card, finger-licking Tweet King, as the one in the leadership role.   

His regime to now has made more comic material than any before him.  And now, he seriously is sitting it out, avoiding an obligation to stand before the American public to answer the basic question, "What are you doing, and why?  

Let's face it folks, we're being played by a non-descript landlord from Queens who brought no governance skills to the table and has proven that inadequacy time and again.  So, you who choose to "have his back", be warned.  He is not what you think he is.  Never was, never will be.   (Comment WAPO 11-11-20)

 

(Enlightened Prisoner WAPO Comment 11-10-20)

There's nothing more dangerous to the security of our national interests than a deflated ego with an attitude.  Somebody needs to put a cloak over this sleeze-ball's head and not take it off until those civil and criminal courts march him off to incarceration for everything hanging over his head he's been able to put on hold for his Presidential immunity.  He's a walking fraud and a cowardly draft-dodging immature brat with a background and mental deficiencies that would deny him any type of government security clearance.  A national security threat?  You're damned right he is.   

(Enlightened Prisoner remark WAPO 11-8-20) 

 Ah yes, since the heady days of the campaign, to the inaugural speech, to the unresponsive press conferences, to the one-way tweets, to the unquestionable oval office presentations, and to, of course, the numerous political rally monologues, this President and his Administration have put forth naught but selfish, self-serving rants and falsehoods of blither and blame.  Never accountable and hardly transparent they now, (not asking in a respectful manner), but demand in the most inarticulate way an undeserved hearing for their most evident-lacking falsehood yet, "we were not given enough votes." 

Hm, have they forgotten that after enjoying almost a decade of total majority they were unable to accomplish little more than line the pockets of their financial base and tip the balance of judicial representation?  Oh yes, and all that by-passing of Congressional actions for the health and safety of our country and security of our international relations? 

Can't they realize their political agenda has just been dismissed in favor of a new approach?  Look at it this way Trump Administration, even if you lost by "45" votes, it's still amounts to you've been dismissed as a losing Administration.  Now, go away! 

 (Enlightened Prisoner on WAPO 11-1-20) 

Let's talk about that trade war with China and let's talk about US farm produce markets.  The Obama administration allowed (in fact encouraged) US farm product Co-Ops to do their own market promotion and deals with Chinese markets.  Not surprisingly, farm commodity market managers are pretty smart folks and did quite well in opening Chinese acceptance (and payments) for a lot of US farm produced products.  After all, we're one of the best farm product producers in the world.  

They along came the Trump criteria for how to market.  You first bully your own opinion on everything, then you curtail any market dealings that don't personally have your endorsed stamp of approval, and then you decide to put tariffs on things because it sounds tough.  Whoa, US farm product contracts grind to a halt.  The Chinese pull back from dealing with the Co-Ops and those farm market products sit in US warehouse storage trying to find new markets.

And, rather than apologize for being the idiot at the bargaining table, Trump approves (without Congressional endorsement) $28 Billion in tax-payer revenue to pacify the angry farmers for his snafu.   And you folks believe in Trump's ability to conduct business on behalf of this country?  Why the "Con from Queens" has a business failure record that has no equal and you look the other way?

But he has a very successful record at fakery and deflection.  Hardly Presidential traits.  Get him the hell out of there and let's get back to honesty in our governance.  Likethumb_up63

 

Enlightened Prisoner (10-21-20)

I'm just so sick and tired of hearing how so many countries that are inimical to US interests are using our own social network sources to spew misinformation and anxiety producing crap to create chaos and we have an Administration (and President) who seem impotent for doing anything to prevent or retaliate.  Okay, they're never at a loss for finding somebody else to blame, are they?

 

The utter shame of this President's abuse for items of protocol, ethical conduct and statutory rules have clearly become unscrupulous.  President Trump is truly the most reprehensible individual to ever disgrace the office in which we put so much faith and trust.  Shame on you Mr. President, shame indeed. (Enlightened Prisoner)

 Early in my law enforcement career a noted member of our State's Judiciary spoke at our annual convention.  His speech scolded us because our official office was as a gatherer of facts and preventer of escalating criminal actions, not to act as an on-scene judge of rights or wrongs, or to make statements or take actions for our judgements as to guilt or innocence.  That social responsibility is reserved for the judiciary and is the backbone of our democratic form of justice in government.  And, when we talk of police reform that's the lesson still not adequately addressed by police training.  

Maybe I didn't witness what happened in this Texas shooting but, it has all the earmarks of happenings where a weak-mind and personality in an official capacity went beyond his duty to gather facts and was frustrated in his attempt to "hold court" right there.  

Yes, it appears a witness was unimpressed with the officers demeanor (and bias?) and just wanted to leave until his witness account was taken by a responsible law enforcement officer rather than an unhinged overweight badge-heavy adolescent.  Police reform?  You're damned right it's needed.  (Enlightened Prisoner 10-7-20)

 

(Enlightened Prisoner 9-19-2020)

The citizens of the United States have an amazing desire to know the news, accurately.  That desire is the cornerstone of our democracy.

Trump's Administration has been the least transparent and offered the greatest amount of governance misinformation in modern history. 

But, the biggest problem continues to be the President himself who is the most flagrant liar ever seen in an elective public service office.   

 Fear the FBI Trump.  They investigate internal threats to our national security and the Muller Report has shown the evidence of an outside threat by a foreign government to the United States process of government. 

And you know the Russians conducted that threat with the knowledge and encouragement of the campaign organization that you managed, didn't they?  And don't forget, the bi-partisan Intelligence Committee of the US Senate completed a three-year study with a report that confirms the reasons and indictments behind the Muller Report of governmental interference are valid and applicable to your managed organization.

And by the way, the Impeachment charges are still legitimate charges of your malfeasance of office that could be taken up by an honest Attorney General with a demonstrated integrity we're not seeing in Barr.  Also an item of investigation by the FBI.   Yes, you fish-lipped dotard, the noose for your neck is being measured as we speak.    (Enlightened Prisoner 9-18-2020)

 According to recent news reports, in the early stages of the pandemic the United States Government considered distributing millions of face masks to its citizens via the US Postal Service.  Not a bad plan at all.  But, it was withdrawn on recommendation of this President because it would hint of a panic situation.  Does that not sound like a decision of ineptness?  Does that not sound like something this idiot of a President would conceive?  Does that not lead you to believe this President has no business being in a leadership position?   Doesn't it?                          (Enlightened Prisoner 9-17-2020)

 

Enlightened Prisoner (8-30-2020)

These enabled Trump supporters promoting the chaos in our streets seem to avoid a psychologically uncomfortable truth about the President.

His narcistic personality, supplemented by a constant pattern of lies and misspoken facts, coupled with streaming hateful and disrespectful language about forthright citizens is not intended to promote patriotic zeal. Rather, it is a virulent attempt to inflame the passion of ill will and destruction of little more than an opposing view.

Please be warned that this President's motives are suspect and to disregard an obligation to your pledge to uphold one nation, undivided, for liberty and justice for all is a seditious act.  Do not trust the malevolent rants of Trump.  He's not revealed his personal motives for causing this chaos beyond not wanting to be taken out of office, has he?  

Enlighted Prisoner comment of 7-23-20

As a wise man once said, people are what they do, not what they say, not what they think, and certainly not what they pretend to be.

President Trump's extended record of speeches at rallies, Twitter writings, and press conference statements that are well documented falsehoods, (okay, blatant lies), is the elephant in the room here.  What possible credibility can you give such a person, and why even give him the opportunity.

I don't know about you but frankly I'm fed up with even hearing anything he says.  And we're at a disadvantage because our pandemic locked in their closet corps of news analysists must spend their time regurgitating the free news of jumping on what he says instead of being able to get out and frankly offer the true analysis of what a terrible impact his policies are having on the social fiber of our country.   The media has got to quit making stupid people famous, please.  

Enlightened Prisoner comment of 7-22-20)

There's a standard statue of criminal intent in this country that reads it is illegal to impersonate a law enforcement officer or an officer of the military.  It would appear that the Department of Homeland Security is operating under fraudulent color of office in an obvious attempt to usurp the Constituted jurisdiction and authority of a State's law enforcement powers.  Exactly the type of centralized federal powers the framers of the Constitution wanted to avoid.  

I'm beginning to believe that Homeland Security Management performs their job in a way that shows they've been watching too much television and not enough study of the writings for how jurisdiction and authority works in this country's criminal justice system.  

Enlightened Prisoner comment on 7-19-20 in re the large force of unknown armed crowd controlling police action on demonstrators in Portland, Oregon

Department of Homeland Security.  Think about that folks.  In a lifetime of peace and prosperity since World War II, has the internal threat to our community safety exceeded more than not wanting to see a bunch of hog riding, bearded, leather wearing hell's angels come to town?  And just who started the need for everyone of these three or four lettered regulatory agencies in our government needing some type specialized crowd control  and armed assault trained militarized unit?   The only Federal agency I know of that's charged with investigation of internal threats against the government is the FBI.  Seems like our government's been kept pretty stable by guys wearing suit coats and ties hasn't it?  And don't forget, you tax payers are the ones paying the bill for all this extra internal security that's charging all over the country looking to justify their existence.  Come to think of it, since when did our Federal government need protection from anything but the ballot box?  

Enlightened Prisoner comment on 7-14-2020)

I don't think you folks really understand what's going on in our country.  It's in a very bad crisis of false expectations and mistrust of government.  There is unrest like we have not seen in a long time.  There is an economy that seems to punish those who depend on it most.  And there is a medical situation that's in a bubble of uncertainty about what to do, when and how.  
It's also an election year and we're hearing from the incumbents that the causes are not their doing?  Well, I'm sorry but the actual truth is that Trump and his administration of governance for more than 3 (that's right three) years rightfully own the situation.  Yes folks, they created it, they own it.  Don't forget to vote because a return of these incumbents is not going to change what we're seeing.   

Enlightened Prisoner (Comment of 7-11-2020)

“We made every decision in Stone’s case, as in all our cases, based solely on the facts and the law and in accordance with the rule of law,” Mueller wrote. “The women and men who conducted these investigations and prosecutions acted with the highest integrity. Claims to the contrary are false.”

And there you have it.  One side was conducting itself in a proper judicial format, the other wasn't.  No, this Administration choose to hide behind the skirts of false interpretations of Constituted language or questionable judicial precedent in order to do everything possible in preventing this Presidential pretender from revealing tax-payer funded business records or verbal cross-examination and certain condemnation that comes with true character exposure.    

And least you forget, it was that simple Senate majority that prevented any of the Mueller investigative results to be verified by witness testimony before giving their unqualified judgement to end the impeachment proceedings.   Truly our country's most extreme case of denied justice.  

Enlightened Prisoner 6-27-20)

I believe Trump's sister Mary would have a lot of telling experiences that would show the country's electorate just how devoid of compassion and human interaction belies this pretender we've put in such an exalted position of our government.  As has been said before, his very record of business failure, marriage failure, education failure, and absence of governmental experience should have resulted in him being denied the office.  But no.  We have an election process that operates on the theory of marketing.  And in this sad case it was not marketing superior qualifications, rather it was the marketing for hatred of an opponent.  We as a nation of sheep were sucker punched into a belief in a character of faulted integrity and wisdom.  Sad. 

I find it interesting that Democrats in the Congress seem to generate legislation that shows an attitude of representative governance and each effort is immediately condemned by the Republican leadership.  Meanwhile, I've observed nothing being generated by Republicans except a rash of Executive Orders that are touted as governance but contain little authority beyond the paper.

Then I constantly see stories that detail how the Republican Party seeks to avoid transparency and accountability for their elected Executive duties.  And, obsessed with finding unqualified boot-lickers to occupy positions that dominate the Judicial Branch. 
But, in my opinion, the Republicans seem to have abandoned our Founding Fathers' position of creating representative government and seem motivated towards the more socialized system of totalitarianism practiced by Communist governments.   (Enlighted Prisoner  6-27-2020)

Enlightened Prisoner   (In response to the Tulsa Political Rally 6-20-20)

Every time this President-pretender speaks at a public forum I find reason for the decline of our national pride in ourselves. To have a leader who can speak such bitter criticism and malice about the efforts of well-meaning fellow citizens, who berates the very system which empowers our democracy to have the checks and balances to prevent absurd government activity, and who reputes his responsibility to provide accountability for his actions and those who are under his management.

Truly we have entered a period where the very fiber of our Constitutional Republic is being unraveled and being played for the benefit of a continued regime whose moral integrity is seemingly non-existent.

When the man charged with the stewardship for our government uses his public forum position to publish known falsehoods and openly show such disrespect for the feelings of a US citizen, what nature of our social conscience does that reflect on?

Really, what shame have we suddenly become immune to in order to tolerate such appalling behavior?

What education system has failed to provide us with a method of abject condemnation for this insult to our pride and dignity?

What judicial system in this country has failed to find reason to fault and remove such behavior from our midst?

Whenever did we as individuals become so untuned to this mortification of our moral judgement and allow this President to use the office to conduct his cultural war on our fellow citizens? 

It may be my opinion but, this is not the type of Country I desire, nor the style of government I would  have making choices for our Country's future.  

Trump's stewardship of our government these past three years has demonstrated completely his lack of education and experienced training for the office he occupies.  It is right and necessary that President Obama inject his observations at this time.  After all, it was an eight-year term that brought our country into a state of political and economical stability. 

President Obama has earned the right to exploit the malfeasance of this Administration's governance and as a citizen I encourage more of it.  This current cadre of Republican officer holders have shown little regard for problem solving and an abundance of evidence-lacking blame and conceived excuses or deflection as justification for their faulted existence. 

Their record of International Relations has earned what can only be called the most disrespected reputation this county has had since we began our quest to influence other countries to the benefits of our freedoms and rights of citizens for self-determination.  

Our Country deserves better.  

(Enlightened Prisoner 5-16-2020)   

I want a government that's transparent and representative of its stewardship.  Anything else is tyranny.  
I want a government that practices democracy and promotes politics that are willing to compromise.
Anything else is tyranny.
I want a government who embraces truth in its expression and justice conducted unbiased and equally.  Anything else is tyranny. 
Obviously this Administration's leadership and following have given us sufficient evidence to characterize their ideas of government are heading us towards tyranny.   (Enlightened Prisoner 5-16-2020)

President Trump is a virus on the issue of political accountability in this country.  Fortunately, our governing document the Constitution has a vaccine.  It remains for the members of our Supreme Court to apply a necessary injection into the buttocks of the great pretender.  Get er' done Judges. 

(Enlightened Prisoner  5-12-2020)

So these law suits take the President away from his busy schedule of running the country they say?  Yesterday his calendar showed only two appointments, one at noon for a National Intelligence briefing, (who the hell starts a work day at noon?), and a 4 PM appointment to meet with GOP Senate members, (probably to discuss their latest legislative stalling tactic).
The rest of his day was spent composing Twitter messages with no governmental purpose, merely to impose his silly personality disorder of lies and hateful messages that seriously amount to campaign propaganda, done on time paid for by the tax-paying public.  Yes, the tax-paying public because the damned corporate world ain't paying their fair share.  (Enlightened Prisoner 5-13-2020)

Enlightened Prisoner  4-26-2020

The incompetent reign of the President and his Administration are the result of an election system in this country that runs on paid assassinations of opponents and cutesy debates that serve no purpose to establish the qualifications of those we chose for our governance.  And, the reality is that the reforms are in the hands of those unwilling to give up the system as being faulty.   The answers are available, probably in the theorems of academia.  But, how do you get past that damned tribal tunnel vision and emotion?   

Enlightened Prisoner  4-25-2020

 You see, the problem is President Trump would like a press corps more aligned with his intellectual level.  Thank Gawd for that inequality.  

Enlightened Prisoner

Pretend everything is going fabulous.  Pretend you know everything there is to know about the situation.  Pretend the greatest people in the world respect you.  Pretend you can envision the final outcome and it's going to be the greatest.  And most of all, pretend you're fully aware of what everyone who doesn't agree with you doesn't know. 

And that my friends is the textbook learning curve you practice when you've mastered the Civics and Government Administration 101 course taught at Trump University.   

Enlightened Prisoner (4-6-2020)
There are so many responsibilities associated with the role of President that it's impossible to apply the shortcomings of one against another.  But, if there are single elements for determining a Presidential scorecard for performing duties as the overall administrator to such a huge chain of agencies and national business obligations judge me thus. 
Am I sufficiently able to absorb the necessary information I need to read and hear, (not what's nice to hear), from competent staff that correctly represent the research and report information they needed to properly administer their duties?  And, am I hearing and properly interpreting what information is necessary to make or direct wholesome and safe decisions by staff and myself? 
Or, am I Donald J. Trump and mostly just pissing in the wind?    

The Grand Old Party (GOP) has been remade in the image of Trump's failed personality because they lack the strength (and moral courage) to overcome what his design for them has become.  It's a sad reflection on our own attitudes that this travesty has come to pass at the very time our Nation cries out for effective and socially relevant governance.  And most troublesome is what motive drives a man to create such chaos in the very Constitutional government and watchdog media we depend on in such times?  (Enlightened Prisoner 4-6-2020)

There's a lot of big ego and deep pockets people out there that told you we can't let this country be run by a young black man.  We need to put old white men back in control.  So, how's that working out for ya'll???  (Enlightened Prisoner 4-2-2020)  

Well, you can say this for the President's selection of bureaucrats, they're only on the job long enough to prove their incompetence or corruptive behavior.  As do I, are you also suspect that it's a reflection on President Trump's management ability that he's forced six of his managed companies  into bankruptcy, created a company that was forced to close down because of fraudulent practices, (Trump University), and saw his created Trump Charity Foundation shuttered because it used donated funds for illegal purposes?  Just let that roll around in your head for a minute as you picture him in complete control of the tax revenue you're sending to Washington DC.  Scary isn't it?  (Enlightened Prisoner 2-25-2020) 

Enlightened Prisoner

I suppose if our unbecoming President didn't have Twitter available for his immature writings, we'd find them written on all the toilet stalls in the White House?

You're right. Twitter is nothing but broadcasted graffiti, isn't it?

Enlightened Prisoner

Tyranny: cruel, unreasonable or arbitrary use of power or control.  Questions? 

Enlightened Prisoner (WAPO Comment 2-4-2020)

The single greatest threat to the thread of our homogenous society is public displays like this.  The history of this country was written on the backs of several ethnic groups of immigrants who came to this country with no thought of changing its manners, only to avail themselves of its potential.  How weak are those who think prior arrival enables a right to deny others the opportunities they enjoy.  And most of them developed through the efforts of family before them, likely immigrants?  How cheapened our self-respect becomes when such disregard for respect of equal rights to others is put on display.  Shame on those who soil American traditions in such manner, especially those who make such displays in the name of political expediency to curry favor with a very obvious minority opinion in this great land of ours.  

I grew up in a rural conservative county that was overwhelmingly Republican.  With only one exception every elected County and State Legislative office were occupied by Republicans.  I admired most all these neighbors growing up.  They were sophisticated, wise, and honest members of our community.  It's now difficult for me to fathom how those people would toss their self-respect aside and concede alliance with the obvious thuggery and blatant bias demonstrated by their current party leadership.

What makes this current Impeachment matter such circus is the President's lawyers.  Offering naught but pronouncements of innocence devoid of relevant or material fact of evidence, they and certain of the Republican Senators continue to disrespect the rules of evidence to allow witness testimony (and certainly cross-examination) in arbitration of the Impeachment articles.  And, if there be one group entitled to determine the truth of Trump's Administration, it's those that voted for him.  Not those who find reason to oppose the President's incompetent manner of governance or the disrespect he shows for the protocol and manners of the office.  The mettle of the man Trump is disgusting to anyone of self-respect for themselves and their fellow citizens of this country.
(The Enlightened Prisoner 1-27-2020)

Enlightened Prisoner

When you consider the amount of evidence currently in hand that offers such strong argument for the President's calculated actions to abuse the powers of his office, how can you not be swayed by what amount of further evidence must be discoverable when you see the President's actions to prevent its disclosure?  Truly this is beginning to appear as guilty behavior and we had better be concerned with how a deraigned mind reacts as that noose tightens.  
Let's just hope there's a lot of folks in government right now that are remembering their oath was to protect the Country and its Constitution, not its leadership.  That's a script that only belongs in nations run by despots.   

These are the rants of a deraigned demagogue, not a rational human statesman.  Be wary ye citizens who would praise this Caesar, his bellowing is a curtain for hidden guilt and the chaos of governance by ignorance.   
(Enlightened Prisoner 1-6-2020)

It's just been announced by the Federal Bureau of Economic Affairs, (yes they really are a government agency that's paid to gather information on our economy), that through the third quarter of 2019, corporate taxes paid to the US Treasury accounted for just 3.5 percent of all federal tax revenue, a sharp drop from the 9 percent they paid in 2010 and, the 22 percent paid in 1960.

Folks. federal tax revenue comes from several sources but, the greatest amount paid into the Treasury comes from you, the taxpayer in the form of withholding tax.  Another source is revenue from excise taxes on liquor, gas, tires, etc.  Then  there's the revenue that comes from the collection of tariff fees but bear in mind those fees are usually on marketable items so that fee (or tax) is passed along to you the consumer as a higher price.

Yes, thanks to that Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court, national corporations can now spend as much money on Congressional Representatives as they want.  Which is exactly what happened to influence that big corporate tax break they got when Trump took office.  The one that lowered their taxable table from 35% to 22%.  Trouble is, they get so many deductions on their taxable income, (you'd be amazed at the number of items they get to deduct from their tax liability), that some pay no tax at all, but most paid way below the 35% they claim is stiffing their profits?

Profits at all time highs, cash reserves so great they can destroy competition with buy outs, salaries of corporate officers to production employees so overwhelmingly inequitable, most of their realized income from that tax break being used to buy back stock instead of use for product or production. Yep, their living high and we're not.