Morally, paying taxes and donating to politicians to leave you alone are equivalent.
Paying taxes funds all sorts of violations of rights by the federal government, it funds the EPA, bureau of land management, etc. Yet we do it because otherwise they’ll violate our rights (put us in a cell).
Trump wouldn’t be allowed to build more than 13 floors if he didn’t donate to politicians to have zoning changed. Even though it was his property and his right to do so, the government didn’t allow him. So he pays to be able to exercise his rights.
The donations were to democrats because they were in power. If those in power were Republicans, the donations would’ve been to Republicans.
Be careful... some people don’t want to hear the truth. ;-)
Nah, taxes are theoretically for providing for the common good of the civil society (and no more). Greasing a pol for favors is not morally the same even if it IS the accepted way of doing business.
The donations were to democrats because they were in power. If those in power were Republicans, the donations would’ve been to Republicans.
Doesn't matter, unethical no matter who the players are.
That said, I suspect Trump really didn't distinguish about the morality, he just played the game he knew to play. He made a choice and now must live with the consequences of supplying sustenance to the machine. Doubt it really hurts him much ethically or intellectually.