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Bubzer

(4,211 posts)
Tue Apr 5, 2016, 05:04 PM Apr 2016

The Panama Papers: five things to know

...

2. Who else. Addressing the problem will require sunlight be spread into every dark corner and every rock be kicked over. How much are the big American banks and hedge funds involved? Why didn’t U.S. regulators know — and if they did, why isn’t more being done? And what Citizens United oligarchs are hoarding money illegally offshore (several powerful British political donors have been found)?

3. What can be done to go after the criminals? Vice news questioned an expert who laid out how the feds pried open the Swiss banks, once a prime destination for American grifters. Maybe it’s a game of whack-a-mole in a world with so many rackets and havens, but advances can be made.

4. Where — Panama. The United States has a so-called free-trade agreement (FTA) with this nation that is a long-standing hideaway for ill-gotten gains (and a “flag of convenience” for foreign ship owners wishing to avoid stricter safety and labor rules). President Obama and then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pushed for this and other Bush FTAs, despite warnings that it would worsen money laundering and tax evasion. Is it time to use the FTA mechanisms to tighten up this “investment freedom”?

5. Why? Our national attention span is short so keeping this one front-and-center is important. The rackets illuminated by the document drop involve looted wealth, including from shareholders, state-owned (hence public) companies and even potentially NGO aid, that was funneled to the benefit of a few plutocrats. That should offend our sense of fair play, at the least. No rule of law, no real liberal capitalism. And finally, remember all this loot when certain politicians say, “we’re broke,” and can’t build infrastructure, fix our subways and bridges, pay teachers — and must come for your “entitlements” (read earned benefits).

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/economy/the-panama-papers-five-things-to-know/
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in_cog_ni_to

(41,600 posts)
1. The Panama Papers are still being scoured over. You KNOW Americans are involved.
Tue Apr 5, 2016, 06:11 PM
Apr 2016

That's probably why the German newspaper released them.
There's a LOT MORE to be released. Hopefully by June.


Clinton Foundation?
U.S. corporations
Koch Brothers?
Adelson?
Numerous Congress members.
Or All of the Above + more

I have no doubt U.S. Regulators knew exactly what was going on...U.S. Regulators are part of the corruption problem.

PEACE
LOVE
BERNIE

Bubzer

(4,211 posts)
2. They'll need to release them swiftly, or risk being silenced.
Tue Apr 5, 2016, 06:21 PM
Apr 2016

I have no doubt diplomats are already trying to convince the powers that be to shut down that paper.

in_cog_ni_to

(41,600 posts)
3. Exactly. If Putin doesn't get them with his favorite weapon, polonium-210, CIA will take them out.
Tue Apr 5, 2016, 06:32 PM
Apr 2016

I hope they have many, many copies spread around the world.

PEACE
LOVE
BERNIE

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