The only reason we know about the FTX money is because those guys were very unsophisticated regards avoiding disclosure. They were trying to act too fast.

Billions of dollars "finds" its way into our common politics every year. There are thousands of FTXs out there who have found the legal avenues of corrupting our politics and politicians.

It's that "systemic" thing, ya' know?

I usually don’t engage you because you don’t seem interested in actual discussion but this time I would like to point out you are very mistaken.

>The only reason we know about the FTX money is because those guys were very unsophisticated regards avoiding disclosure

They knew the exact dates of the VT election cycle and the donations were made to actively prevent reporting until after the primary. In fact, according to 7 days this timing is a common tactic to avoid having the source of the money disclosed in a time period that impacts the outcomes.

https://vtdigger.org/2022/08/25/a-crypto-moguls-hidden-hand-in-vermonts-congressional-race-stunned-observers-its-a-common-trick/

The sophistication I'm referring to is the dark money side of things ... all those bucks that show up with no direct personal accountability. Those reporting dates are common knowledge too, but they're not designed to allow folks to get around public reporting.

My point is a sophisticated process would have removed the names of FTX and individuals several organizational donations before it hit Vermont's market with, yes, perfect timing. Remember - FTX and associated people are being prosecuted for the WAY they gave, not for WHEN they gave, and that is the disclosure I'm referring to.

As far as money in politics goes? Back to the post's introductory point. This is a systemic problem that can be fixed.

And here's what you don't understand, Rama.

I don't care if Becca was aware of what FTX was about. They are a crypto firm. Crypto is a horrible industry for the environment and crypto serves no practical purpose. One can't be both a steward of the environment and a friend of crypto. I can't think of a worse industry to owe millions of dollars of favors to, except for fossil fuels.

The fact that she owed crypto is troubling enough for me and others to want to know the truth about these deals.

Did she do anything wrong is a tough question to answer. If FTX hadn't collapsed she would have been in a very corruptible position and that's worry enough for me.

You ARE finding out the details.

I have seen ZERO evidence that Balint acted or would have acted in any way corrupt regardless the exposure of the FTX cash.

Your statements of fact if asked as questions would make fair questions that demand answers. You gratuitous assertion of fact regard Balint and her motivations truly demand you go back and find answers to the questions.

But that's just my opinion.

> This story is NOT about money and corrupt politicians. This story IS about money and corrupt politics.

This is an incoherent distinction.

I think "corrupt politicians" is referring to specific individuals; and "corrupt politics" refers to the system we all, corrupt politician or otherwise, inhabit.

So the prior is individual centered and the later is system centered.

Looks who’s back!

Some social scientists believe that America lost it's democracy after Citizens United with it's (un)intended consequences of unlimited Super PACs, dark money PAC, and no disclosure donations. It allowed the super rich like George Soros and Robert Uiline to drop hundreds of millions of dollars to affect elections like never before, essentially giving them the most "speech" from their grand pulpits.

We need to return all national political office to public financing and end PACs, since that's what allowed this fiasco. I don't blame any politician for taking unlimited dark money - hate the game, not the player

"You think"? They're your words.

Back again

Shadys back

If I run ads that say "BillBikesInCleveland is great!" what do you owe me?

Yes, I think.

And therefore, some might add, I exist.

Your point is?????