Free Republic

If Donald Trump thinks there’s nothing wrong with exploiting the presidency for his personal profit, he should read the Constitution. That’s the argument plaintiffs made in a Manhattan federal court on Wednesday, in the first-ever lawsuit to accuse a president of violating the emoluments clauses — once-obscure constitutional provisions that the nation’s founders adopted to prevent corruption of public officials. The emoluments clauses are based on a simple, sound idea — that the nation’s security and well-being are threatened when those entrusted with acting in the public interest use their office for private gain. Until Jan. 20, there was no...

For many establishment congressmen of both parties, being elected isn’t a chance to make a difference in the political life of America. It’s a sinecure that allows them to become fat off of special interest money and speaking fees. Americans of all stripes are frustrated with this attitude, which is part of the reason why anti-establishment Donald Trump got the Republican nomination. Now, Trump has made a huge move to end congressional sinecures and the politicos who occupy them. According to Associated Press, Trump told an audience in North Carolina that he would look into term limits for Congress if...

It really doesn't get any more-basic than this. Wendy Davis has made her personal story of struggle and success a centerpiece of her campaign to become the first Democrat elected governor of Texas in almost a quarter-century. While her state Senate filibuster last year captured national attention, it is her biography — a divorced teenage mother living in a trailer who earned her way to Harvard and political achievement — that her team is using to attract voters and boost fundraising. The basic elements of the narrative are true, but the full story of Davis’ life is more complicated, as...

” As investigations by OFHEO, the SEC and Department of Justice into the company's accounting irregularities continue, Fannie Mae announced an unusual change to its long-term bonus plan…Dan Mudd, who was officially installed as Fannie Mae's CEO in June, received $11.5 million in total compensation in 2005, which included a cash bonus of $2.6 million, an annual salary of $950,000, and $8 million in restricted stock… Newly installed Chief Business Officer Rob Levin received $8.9 million in total compensation, including a cash bonus of $1.8 million, $4.3 million in restricted stock and an additional $2.1 million in restricted cash paid...