What do you think of this lawyer's reaction to Cohen getting a 3 year jail sentence?
What struck you the most, if any, in his analysis?
_______________________
[ In my evaluation as a former federal fraud and public corruption prosecutor (and a long-time trial attorney): there is an immense amount of evidence that Trump and his business associates (in and out of his organization) have operated what in significant part is and has been a criminal enterprise for decades (its operations and its profits enabled by false statements, concealed transactions, patterns of fraud, tax evasion, and on and on).
It is almost certain that a full examination of Trump’s dealings would warrant an extensive criminal RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) enterprise indictment of his organization and of Trump as an individual defendant.
There is a good argument to be made that it is a failing of our justice system (both the Manhattan DA and the SDNY USAO) that Trump has been able to operate without full investigation and criminal charges for decades, and it is only when the national spotlight has been on Trump that the criminal extent of his modus operandi has come to light.
Put simply: this is a heartening moment when we see our nation’s laws being enforced, but it is also a sad indictment of the general laxness of the application of our laws to the financial and political elite.
To me, the broader story (having seen it up close while in DOJ’s Public Integrity Section) is that the upper echelon insiders in our society are routinely getting away with actions that if committed by a common citizen would lead to criminal charges. ]
( From the NYT )
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
13 Answers
This is the best question and explanation of the enormity and extent of Trump’s exposure to yet appear on this site. Even a superficial overview of (for example) Trump’s real estate conglomerate screams “MONEY LAUNDERING” at anyone listening. And as the question notes, the most alarming fact about the folks thus far indicted and convicted is just how casual, routine and extensive the criminality ferments.
I’ve been calling trump an unscrupulous person for over 40 years, but his money managed to keep him out of trouble. He buys off everybody…including ALL 3 wives. I started my search of his character in order to prove to my NY friends who hated him that he was a really good guy. The facts just did NOT back up my claim!!! When you’re a fine, upstanding citizen, you do NOT need to require everyone you meet to sign an NDA!!!
Of course, since joining Fluther, my dislike of trump has been twisted into I must be a leftie creating fake facts. The truth is that since becoming president, he has rewrote his own history to where he looks more honorable than he is or ever was!!!
I’ve yet to hear any evidence that Trump broke any law. Truth is I am sick of hearing about all this. Jail Hillary, jail Trump, jail anyone associated with either of them. The political rancor is off the charts. New York Attorney Gen.-elect Letitia JamesSays she will launch a full scale investigation of everyone associated with Trump including his family. That should be good to keep this going for the next decade or so. Maybe she can get him for unpaid parking tickets.
This whole investigation nation is killing us. If you find a crime investigate who committed it but this constant drum beat to find a crime won’t benefit anyone.
The biggest takeaway from the statement is: “To me, the broader story (having seen it up close while in DOJ’s Public Integrity Section) is that the upper echelon insiders in our society are routinely getting away with actions that if committed by a common citizen would lead to criminal charges.” It says succinctly what I have been saying for years.
I would also point out that the prosecution said that while Cohen cooperated, he did not “fully” cooperate. He is hiding more and the questions is what and why. Best guess at this time is that it involves family or things he has done that would be even more dastardly and lead to much, much more jail time.
In order to be completely correct conservatives need to be chanting is that “We are a nation of laws, two sets of ‘em”. when they use that argument against progressives.
I had a scathing response to @Jaxk but then I thought, why bother. It won’t change anything.
@Jaxk I’m glad you didn’t like trump and supporters screaming Lock her up! It was wrong and he should not have been elected for going that route.
If guys like trump refuses to follow tradition of releasing taxes for transparency of sorts that leads to things.
And there are investigations worth pursuing and actually a must.
@Jaxk I’m truly sorry you feel embarrassed (mortified, red-faced, blushing, abashed, shamed, ashamed, shamefaced, humiliated, chagrined, awkward, self-conscious, uncomfortable, sheepish, discomfited, disconcerted, upset, discomposed, flustered, agitated, distressed, shy, bashful, tongue-tied) by the action of the Trump community.
Your embarrassment and because he is President (dictator wannabe) are good reasons to stop the investigation. NOT!
@Jaxk You said “Jail Hillary” on this site and did not get cussed out. I’m in shock. :)
@rojo Hey Mr. Sassy Pants !!!!! :) I’m the one you call when you need bailed out, not the other way….lol
@Tropical_Willie I’m neither embarrassed, mortified, nor anything else, just weary. The constant drumbeat of speculation about these investigations have worn me out. The prospect of expanding them doesn’t serve us well. Hell, it doesn’t serve us at all. But if you enjoy the screaming and speculation. Have at it.
Response moderated (Spam)
Answer this question 
Composing members:
0
