@kazetnagorrasaid Dutch MPs are mandated by law to publicly notify any gifts received and any business interests they might have according to the Wet schadeloosstelling leden Tweede Kamer.
https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0004939/2019-04-10
Most of them just have their salary as only income and any journalist would jump at the opportunity to crucify any politician who is perceived as ...[text shortened]... gifted him an apartment. No conflict of interest was determined, but it was perceived as unethical.
Ain't just the politicians. "The wealthiest 10% of households own 84% of all stocks—and that includes pension plans, 401(k) accounts and individual retirement accounts (IRAs) as well as trust funds, mutual funds and college savings programs like 529 plans. That means 90% of American households own the remaining 16% of all stock. When the pyramid scheme (stock market) collapses there is going to be hell on earth.
@kquinn909said Ain't just the politicians. "The wealthiest 10% of households own 84% of all stocks—and that includes pension plans, 401(k) accounts and individual retirement accounts (IRAs) as well as trust funds, mutual funds and college savings programs like 529 plans. That means 90% of American households own the remaining 16% of all stock. When the pyramid scheme (stock market) collapses there is going to be hell on earth.
The politicians have their puppet masters who line politician's pockets.
Brexit? We don't want no stinkin Brexit, who Cares about the election?
Certainly it is a small amount compared to others, but it's eight times more than the average congressman in the US, and this has likewise been achieved through a life in politics right?
@wolfgang59said Funny how you pluck facts from thin air.
Just saying.
The fact is that you know how wealthy US politicians are. The corruption is transparent. This is a step above countries that do not disclose how rich their politicians are.
@eladarsaid The fact is that you know how wealthy US politicians are. The corruption is transparent. This is a step above countries that do not disclose how rich their politicians are.
In the US it is a huge advantage to be rich before becoming a politician!
Therefore most US politicians are rich.
In Europe if you reach the higher echelons of politics you make money on
book deals, journalism, tv punditry and sitting on various boards of directors.
@wolfgang59said In the US it is a huge advantage to be rich before becoming a politician!
Therefore most US politicians are rich.
In Europe if you reach the higher echelons of politics you make money on
book deals, journalism, tv punditry and sitting on various boards of directors.
So what?
In the US it is a huge advantage to have rich people support you. Once you get in power you can become rich yourself like Bernie did.
Americans may not have much faith in their representatives, but you can say this for them: The people Americans elect are pretty good at choosing what to do with their own money. Investments range from the mundane (Johnny Isakson, Bank of America) to the trendy (Jared Polis, Uber) to the wacky (Alan Grayson, memorabilia authentication). Who will top next year’s list? It’s too soon to tell, but Darrell Issa has a commanding lead. And as any member can tell you, incumbency is a powerful advantage.
@eladarsaid The fact is that you know how wealthy US politicians are. The corruption is transparent. This is a step above countries that do not disclose how rich their politicians are.
A few years back there was talk of the CEO of Amsterdam (Schiphol) Airport becoming a minister in the cabinet. He declined the position because he would have lost a lot of money.
Straightforward solution: give politicians a good annual salary - and prohibit them for the term of office from accepting absolutely all other incomes. No trusteeships or advisory roles, no columns in newspapers, nothing.
Then we'd also know exactly how much our politicians' earn, since the fixed salary of MPs is publicly available information:
The New Class
21 Jul '19 22:11
Back to Top