Uh Oh... 'Clinton Foundation Taking Funds From Foreign Governments, Keystone XL Group' - FDL

[WillyT]

Clinton Foundation Taking Funds From Foreign Governments, Keystone XL Group
By: DSWright - FDL
Friday February 20, 2015 1:04 pm



<snip>

The Clinton Foundation has resumed taking money from foreign governments according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. After Hillary Clinton became Secretary of State in 2009 the Clinton Foundation stopped taking money from foreign governments at the behest of the Obama Administration for fear of conflicts of interest. Now, the practice has returned despite indications that Hillary Clinton is likely to run for president.

The donors include some problematic countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia as well as “a Canadian government agency promoting the Keystone XL pipeline. “ The State Department notoriously claimed in a report that the Keystone XL pipeline would not contribute to environmental damage despite the fact that building the pipeline would facilitate the extraction of dirty tar sands oil.

One of the 2014 donations comes from a Canadian agency promoting the proposed Keystone pipeline, which is favored by Republicans and under review by the Obama administration. The Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development agency of Canada, a first-time donor, gave between $250,000 and $500,000. The donations, which are disclosed voluntarily by the foundation, are given only in ranges.

One of the agency’s priorities for 2014-2015 was to promote Keystone XL “as a stable and secure source of energy and energy technology,” according to the agency’s website. Mrs. Clinton’s State Department was involved in approving the U.S. government’s initial environmental-impact statement. Since leaving State, Mrs. Clinton has repeatedly declined to comment on Keystone.

The Clinton Foundation is not the only family organ to be under scrutiny. The Clinton Global Initiative was recently exposed as a market for favor trading and credibility laundering. The Clintons catering to corporate concerns in exchange for cash is nothing new.

So is anyone surprised?

<snip>

Link: http://news.firedoglake.com/2015/02/20/clinton-foundation-taking-funds-from-foreign-governments-keystone-xl-group/

[ND-Dem]

1. +100

[peacebird]

2. Not surprised at all.

[WillyT]

3. The Nature Of The Beast...

[nc4bo]

4. We didn't like it when the GOP does it......

......we don't like it now - perhaps I only speak for myself.

Neverending nightmares of the foxes guarding the hen houses swirl around my brain.

And it's NOT ok when we do it.

[WillyT]

6. Yep...

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

48. I'm with you nc. This stinks!

[vt_native]

5. But Jebby would be worse!

And what about the Supreme Court?

[pnwmom]

8. The Clinton Foundation is for charitable causes. It doesn't line the Clintons' pockets. n/t

[Ramses]

10. I promise to clap harder and believe the lies

[ConservativeDemocrat]

23. The "lies"

You really have two choices here:

1) Back up your assertion that it is a "lie" that the Clinton foundation is for charitable causes.

2) Admit that you're a complete disingenuous asswipe.



- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community

[Ramses]

30. I'll go with number one

http://www.salon.com/2015/02/20/clintons_donor_mess_the_clinton_foundations_fundraising_is_a_big_problem_for_hillary/
http://www.inquisitr.com/1860091/bill-and-hillary-clinton-foundation-foreign-government-donations-raise-conflict-of-interest-questions/
http://www.vox.com/2015/2/18/8061747/clinton-foundation-foreign-donors




lets open the books and let the light disinfect.


As for your number two bullet point, you can apologize to me now.

[Agschmid]

50. I'm not convinced you read your own links...

Since neither Bill nor Hillary Clinton holds any political office nor are either of them running for any political office it is not possible for them to be doing anything illegal or unethical. But this is exactly what makes Clinton's lack of meaningful opposition in the Democratic primary so dangerous to the Democratic Party and, ultimately, to her.

I agree it's probably something to pay attention to but for you to continue to say it's unethical and especially illegal is false.

Again my disclaimers:

- Uncontested primaries suck.
- I'm not support any specific candidate at this time.
- I hate lies and misrepresentations.
- I will vote for the democratic nominee.

[Ramses]

64. Point exactly where I stated

"illegal" or "unethical". I want to see my words stating that, or you can apologize. I provided links to articles that bring up legitimate questions about foreign money influencing her political decisions.

[Agschmid]

66. Nah I'm good.

And again all I did was read your links.

[ConservativeDemocrat]

62. You absolutely don't read your own links

The subject of the question is "whether the Clinton Foundation is organized for charitable purposes", NOT whether President Clinton (or Hillary, or even their daughter) have been able to get foreign donors to also contribute to the foundation that they set up to support charity.

So, try again. This time focus on what you imagine is a "lie" to be, around asserting the Clinton Foundation is a charity. Otherwise, I will have to say I'm sorry how obvious the answer to the question above is 2).

- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community

[Ramses]

63. You're saying with a straight face

that a Canadian Agency giving money to support the Keystone XL pipeline though Hillary's foundation is for "charitable" purposes?
A convicted sex offender funneling money though the Clinton foundation is for "charitable" purposes.
Travel expenses for a trip to Africa that exceed well over a million dollars is innocently for "charitable" purposes?

You expect people to actually believe that?

Open the books fully. Lets see where over 2 billion dollars have been "spent"

I await your apology

[Travis_0004]

11. And Im sure that the keystone company donated millions out od the goodness of their heart

[BeanMusical]

27. +1

[AtomicKitten]

13. It has run in the red for years

... despite taking in hundreds of millions of dollars, an estimated $2 billion since its inception, in part due to lavish travel expenses.

Related reading:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/14/us/politics/unease-at-clinton-foundation-over-finances-and-ambitions.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/224816-donations-to-clinton-foundation-tripled-last-year

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/06/hillary-clintons-goldman-sachs-problem

[Ramses]

14. wow

where did all the money go? You should make this yet another OP that really shows the rot from within.

[progressoid]

15. Here's their annual report.

Looks like they were in the black last year.

https://www.clintonfoundation.org/sites/default/files/clinton_foundation_report_public_11-19-14.pdf

[Ramses]

16. It reads like a money laundering operation

[msanthrope]

59. Is Bill running drugs through Mena airport again? You sound concerned. nt

[wyldwolf]

17. "The foundation has come under some scrutiny from conservatives"

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/224816-donations-to-clinton-foundation-tripled-last-year

[wyldwolf]

18. nonprofits don't often make, um, profits.

[AtomicKitten]

19. nonprofits aren't supposed to be slush funds either

[wyldwolf]

20. until such a time you prove it's a slush fund, I'll just consider that statement bullshit.

[AtomicKitten]

21. They're grifters just like the family Chelsea married into.

[wyldwolf]

22. ah, getting desperate, name calling. That's all you've got. All you've EVER had.

[AtomicKitten]

24. She will never be president. Bank on it.

Don't believe me? She was stopped in 2008 and will be in 2016. Then it's game over for the Clintons. They've done enough damage to this country.

[wyldwolf]

25. LOL. Now you're holding your breath and stomping your feet.

[AtomicKitten]

28. We stopped her in '08 and will in '16.

Count on it.

[wyldwolf]

29. I'll bet your hitting the keys on your keyboard REAL hard now.

[AtomicKitten]

31. No, I'm sitting on the patio enjoying a Red Stripe.

Have a great weekend.

[wyldwolf]

34. Take deep breaths. Check your pulse.

[joshcryer]

46. That's some Ken Starr level BS.

Ken Star spent over $70 million trying to prosecute the Clintons for most of Bill's tenure, this is ridiculous on its face.

But the MSM will be happy to roll with it.

[Ramses]

32. Thats funny

There are hundreds of non profits that their owners make tens of millions off of every year. From health care, to charter schools, to so called charities. And they get tax writeoffs that other businesses dont and are able to shield much of what they do because of non-profit laws.

Lets let the light shine through and illuminate, after all, there's nothing to hide, right?

[wyldwolf]

35. It also happens to be true.

So make your case. Show us a shread of evidence the Clinton Foundation is doing anything illegal or unethical. I mean REAL evidence, not 'progressive' psychic 'I just know it' truthiness evidence.

[Ramses]

36. Here is some light reading if you care to

I doubt you will, oh and Jeb's finances and shenanigans should also be extensively scrutinized, even if he is not the candidate. Just so you dont think im picking on Hillary.


http://www.salon.com/2015/02/20/clintons_donor_mess_the_clinton_foundations_fundraising_is_a_big_problem_for_hillary/
http://www.inquisitr.com/1860091/bill-and-hillary-clinton-foundation-foreign-government-donations-raise-conflict-of-interest-questions/
http://www.vox.com/2015/2/18/8061747/clinton-foundation-foreign-donors

[wyldwolf]

37. I've already read those. Doesn't come close to making your point (if you actually have one)

But maybe I'm missing something. Show us the proof in your links of wrong-doing.

[Ramses]

38. If you have read those and dont see a clear conflict of interest

Im not sure what is going to convince you short of a formal lawsuit and conviction. The wrong doing is the clear conflict of interest, and you may not care about it and try to ignore it. Thats fine. But it will come out when she decides to run.

[wyldwolf]

39. I don't see anything illegal or unethical. If I missed them, quote the passages.

[Ramses]

42. It WILL come out if she runs

http://www.inquisitr.com/1836830/bill-and-hillary-clinton-foundation-received-81-million-in-donations-through-swiss-bank-under-investigation/

Like it or not, this information will come out.

[wyldwolf]

43. there's that 'progressive' psychic 'I just know it' truthiness evidence again.

[rhett o rick]

45. What? Non-profits can make a profit. I work for a non-profit and occasionally we make

a profit. It just doesn't go to stock holders. If you bring in more money than you spend, it's called PROFIT.

[joshcryer]

47. Not exactly, if you bring in more money than you spend...

...it's put back into the non-profit and spent the next year.

That's what we call growth.

[rhett o rick]

52. The way I see it is, revenue minus expenses equals profit.

Non-profits must retain any profits and not distribute them.

The point being made is whether or not the foundation is in the black or red (profit or loss).

[wyldwolf]

51. You say "occasionally," I say "don't often." Whatever makes you happy.

[rhett o rick]

53. My point is that being a non-profit has nothing to do with whether or not

the organization makes a profit. Non-profits must use their profits for the organization.

If non-profits operate in the red too long they can go out of business.

[BeanMusical]

33. I am not a crook!!!

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

9. I'm sure the Clinton's will return such funds with a stern look of disapproval.

And, affirmations of their desire to keep money out politics and vice versa.

Or, maybe they won't.

[Thinkingabout]

12. Since the Clinton foundation focuses on helping lots of nations what in the hell is wrong with

Taking money from other nations?

[Hekate]

41. +1

[rhett o rick]

54. It would be wrong if any of that money made it's way into the hands of the Clintons.

Pres Clinton has had paid "advisory" positions with companies that manage or consult with the foundation.

By 2011, the firm (Teneo) had added a third partner, Declan Kelly, a former State Department envoy for Mrs. Clinton. And Mr. Clinton had signed up as a paid adviser to the firm.

Teneo worked on retainer, charging monthly fees as high as $250,000, according to current and former clients. The firm recruited clients who were also Clinton Foundation donors, while Mr. Band and Mr. Kelly encouraged others to become new foundation donors. Its marketing materials highlighted Mr. Band’s relationship with Mr. Clinton and the Clinton Global Initiative, where Mr. Band sat on the board of directors through 2011 and remains an adviser. Some Clinton aides and foundation employees began to wonder where the foundation ended and Teneo began.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/14/us/politics/unease-at-clinton-foundation-over-finances-and-ambitions.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Remember the Clintons were broke in 2000 and now have an estimated $100 million which places them well into the 0.01% class.

[Thinkingabout]

55. Are you going to say this about Warren in her claim of spending $42M on her campaign and she took

money in her hands? Do you see how this sounds, it is terrible, the Clintons does not need the money from the CGI. They have plenty of their own, Warren is doing very well herself. Hillary has donated the money from her speeches to the CGI, a group interested in helping others, many very poor.

Would you be one who would take money if this was your foundation? I know you have indicated you do not like the Clintons but saying wrong statements is not a good thing.

[rhett o rick]

56. I don't think the Clintons represent the 99%. I think their ties to Big Bankers

precludes them from representing the 99%.

[Thinkingabout]

57. Then you don't know much about the Clintons. Do you think the people they are helping is in the

99%? Do you think the residences of Haiti are in the 1%? Think about what you post and see if you really want to stand by your statement the Clinton only help the 1%. BTW, does the Warrens have a foundation set up to provide for the needs of the very poor?

[rhett o rick]

58. Mitt Romney donates to charity also, that alone doesn't mean a thing. If you steal

millions and give a few thousand to charity, that doesn't make you a good person. I know that the Clintons are tied to the very wealthy esp. bankers, and I don't see that as healthy for the 99%.

When Pres Clinton signed Gramm-Leach-Bliley, he made a lot of bankers very happy and now he is very wealthy. Smells bad to me. Also, H. Clinton gets $400,000 to add to her personal wealth from Goldman-Sachs which also smells badly.

[Thinkingabout]

60. You seem to be having a hard time admitting the Clintons has helped many people

And they are not a part of the 99%. It is okay to say this. I see you are having a hard time on leaving the banking issues but this is going to be handled by Warren. Are you saying the Clintons have only given a few thousand to charity, likewise it has only been a few thousand in the banking problem.

Also the $400,000 thousand Hillary got was donated to CGI. What do you have against someone having wealth? We should be happy someone like the Clintons has risen in the wealth ladder, they worked hard while in Arkansas and in later years was able to amass some wealth. Warren also has risen on the wealth ladder, do you hate her for amassing so much?

[rhett o rick]

61. I don't hate the Clintons. When you make that claim you ruin any decent argument you might have.

You say they worked hard for their wealth. I say bullcrap. I worked in a shipyard and the welders work hard. They get burned and they breath bad air day in and day out. The sandblasters work hard, standing for hours blasting, not being able to hear, having difficulty breathing. These people work hard. My father was a marine machinist and worked hard and died in pain. When he died he was worried about getting his SS check. And you say the Clintons worked hard. The Clintons call up Goldman-Sachs and get a check. That's not working hard. The Clintons are worth over $100,000,000. They are among the richest people in America and they acquired that in less than 15 years.

Wealth inequality is killing the middle and lower classes. We must change that and I don't believe H. Clinton will. She will simply "let us eat cake."

I don't hate the wealthy unless they use their wealth to keep from paying their fair share of taxes.

[Thinkingabout]

65. I have also worked hard in my life, it isn't a bed of roses for many.

Let's face some facts, both Clinton's was able to get law degrees, they went to Arkansas to live, he ran for governor and you must know Arkansas does not pay their governors very much money. She joined a law firm, an attorney has to build a clientele to get money coming in, thee are some lean times, they did not have lots of money while living in Arkansas, they sure did not have the luxury of calling Goldman Sachs and asking for money no more than you or I can. He was elected president and after leaving office they had books and speaking engagements, the bug bucks came with his book. I am not jealous of their wealth no more than I am jealous of Warren's wealth, I do not dwell on those things and do not spend my days hating banks, etc. Life is much too short for wasting time on something which will not change my life.

BTW, my parents worked hard all their lives, came from truck farming families, the ones who bope to scrape together enough to perhaps have a nickel on Sunday to buy ice for ice tea.

[fadedrose]

26. Somebody, don't know name

so this is a lousy report - but I heard it on the TV and we all know that everything on the TV is true.

Anyhow, some guy quit the Clintons' Fund or Foundation, a couple of days ago, for what reason I don't know, except that it was because he didn't like something about it. If anybody knows what was bothering him, please post a link, or just tell us in your own words.

Just like TV, nobody in DU ever lies.

The OP explains things that don't look good, but aren't crimes, but I wonder if the chap who quit made any statements as to why

Thank you.

[Hekate]

44. You are so right: "Just like TV, nobody in DU ever lies."

Nooooooooobody.

[Hekate]

40. Uh oh: Citizens United blesses the whole enterprise. Don't you wish Bernie had some of that?

Actually, I do wish Bernie did. But the way the game is played, any candidate who intends to campaign wearing a monk's cassock and sandals is not going to get very far. Sad, but true.

[woo me with science]

49. K&R We already know who she is and what she represents,

but the ugly evidence keeps rolling in.

She works on behalf of global corporations and warmongers, and she stands for the very worst entrenchment and expansion of Bush and now Obama-era policies dismantling democracy itself.



Hillary Clinton's leading role in drafting the TPP
http://www.democraticunderground.com/101667554

Hillary Clinton and Trade Deals: That “Giant Sucking Sound”
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1016101761

Hillary Clinton Cheerleads for Biotech and GMOs
http://www.democraticunderground.com/112772326

Dissecting Hillary Clinton's Neocon Talking Points - Atlantic Interview
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017209519

NYTimes notices Hillary's natural affinity toward the neocons.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025205645

Hillary Clinton, the unrepentant hawk
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024876898

More from Hillary Clinton's State Department: The fascistic TISA (Trade in Services Agreement)
http://m.thenation.com/blog/180572-grassroots-labor-uprising-your-bank

How Hillary Clinton's State Department sold fracking to the world
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251376647

Hillary Clinton Sides with NSA over Snowden Disclosures
http://www.democraticunderground.com/101695441

On the NSA, Hillary Clinton Is Either a Fool or a Liar
http://m.thenation.com/article/180564-nsa-hillary-clinton-either-fool-or-liar

Corporate Warfare: Hillary Clinton admits role in Honduran coup aftermath
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025601610#post29

The Bill and Hillary Clinton Money Machine Taps Corporate Cash
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025189257

Hillary's Privatization Plan: TISA kept more secret than the TPP
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014829628

Hillary Clinton criticizes Obama's foreign policy 'failure'; strongly defends Israel
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014867136

Some of Hillary Clinton's statements on Social Security.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024379279

Hillary Clinton's GOLDMAN SACHS PROBLEM.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025049343

Ring of Fire: Hillary Clinton - The Perfect Republican Candidate
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017209285

How Americans Need Answers From Hillary Clinton On TPP, KXL, Wall St & More
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017181611

Hillary Clinton Left Out By Liberal Donor Club
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025809071

Why Wall Street Loves Hillary
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1016106575

Hillary Clinton: Neocon-lite
http://www.democraticunderground.com/101684986

Interactive graphic of Hillary Clinton's connections to the Forbes top 400 (Follow link in post)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025824981#post9