Monday, December 1, 2008

New York Times Article - the power of the Clintons

New York times article quote- Nov 29, 2008 written by Peter Baker http://www.nytimes.com/

"The former president’s web of business and charitable activities raised questions about how he could continue to travel the world soliciting multimillion-dollar contributions for his foundation and collecting six-figure speaking fees for himself from foreign organizations and individuals while his wife conducted American foreign policy."

"Mr. Clinton has never revealed his contributors, but among those whose identities have become known over the years are the Saudi royal family, the king of Morocco, a foundation linked to the United Arab Emirates, the governments of Kuwait and Qatar and a tycoon who is the son-in-law of Ukraine’s former authoritarian president."
"For his speeches, Mr. Clinton could command as much as $425,000 for one hour, often paid by foreign companies or individuals who might have an interest in American foreign policy. He gave at least 54 such speeches last year for a total of $10.1 million. Even as his wife was first approached by Mr. Obama about the State Department job this month, the former president was heading to Kuwait to speak at an economic symposium sponsored by the National Bank of Kuwait."


I do consider myself something of a student of human nature.
The press indicates that Hilliary Clinton will be annouced today as the Secretary of State for the Obama administration.
The article lays out the background work that was done to insure that her hubby, the former President, Bill Clinton, provided transparency with regard to one of the foundations that he created, to help solve many of the worlds problems. Obama's lawyers and Clinton's lawyers worked to make sure that the names of over 200 contributors was made public.
I find it hard to imagine that Bill and Hilliary Clinton will be viewed by the world as
seperate entities. I was hoping for CHANGE, moving away from participation by the Clinton family and the Bush family in our national government.

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