Politics

Leadership Lessons for America’s Heroes by Annie Nelson

Annie Nelson writes about a Criminal who was pardoned by a past President of the United States

“When I hear people talking about “leadership” and “leaders,” I think of the past 25 years I have been embedded in the U.S. military community. I have been humbled and honored to meet, work with and learn from some incredible individuals who I would call true leaders. One of those people is U.S. Army General Michael Flynn.” ¹

The Manchin Family’s Coal Business

“As Sludge’s David Moore (7/1/21) pointed out, Manchin in 1998 founded a coal brokerage firm, Enersystems, that sells coal to local power plants. He has since passed it on to his son, but it continues to be a lucrative gig for the senator: His latest financial disclosure reported $492,000 of income from Enersystems stock for 2020. Since he took office in 2010, he’s made more than $4.5 million off coal.” ⁴

“In a recently leaked video, an ExxonMobil lobbyist identified Manchin and other so-called “moderates” as key to the fossil fuel corporation’s strategy of undermining legislative efforts to reduce carbon pollution. As the leaked Exxon exposé made clear, Manchin isn’t the only federal lawmaker who poses a threat to decarbonization. According to Sludge, “Members of Congress had $93 million invested in fossil fuel industry stocks as of December 2019.”” ⁵

Joe Manchin is lying to us about climate change to protect his annual profits and the wealth of his family. https://t.co/Z6q1Ents1V https://t.co/CDqovbvW0t

— Alex Kotch (@alexkotch) July 15, 2021

“For a republican democracy to actually work, average citizens with a passion for making their country better must be able to run for public office without needing wealthy or powerful patrons; this is a concept that dates back to Aristotle’s rants on the topic. And Sinema was, in the beginning, just that sort of person. But I’m getting ahead of myself…” ⁶

JUST IN: Kyrsten Sinema has left DC amid negotiations. Her spokesman says it’s for a doctor’s appointment “for a foot injury.” But a hotel just confirmed she will be at her PAC’s retreat with donors for cocktails and dinner at a high-end resort and spa in Phoenix. (@nytimes)

— No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) October 1, 2021

• New York Times, October 1, 2021 – Sinema, a holdout on the social spending bill, returns to Arizona for a doctor’s visit and a scheduled fund-raiser.

Where? The Royal Palms Resort

“A small group gathered Saturday night in front of the Royal Palms Resort in central Phoenix. They want the senator to support Biden’s big spending bill.” ⁷

Spokesman Said Medical Appointment

“Senator’s spokesman John LaBombard said on Friday, “Senator Sinema is in Phoenix at the moment, where she currently has a medical appointment for her broken foot, and where she continues remote negotiations with the White House. Before leaving Washington for Arizona, she offered It White House times for continued long-distance negotiations. ”” ⁸

Did She Lie?

“However, there is at least one Democrat who has clapped her hands and walked away. Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema has flown back to her home. While that surprised some onlookers, as she is one of those who has refused to sign off on the $3.5T price tag, her office said she had a very good reason. According to Brian Tyler Cohen, a Sinema spokesperson said she needed to go back to Arizona for a doctor’s appointment. The representative further claimed she has a foot injury. However, Cohen also claimed that at the very least, a doctor’s appointment isn’t the only reason she’s head out of DC during this pivotal time.” ⁹

Sinema’s Staff Mocked Hispanic Protestors at Resort

“Three years after their sprawling grassroots operation helped carry Kyrsten Sinema over the electoral finish line, members of the progressive Hispanic activist group LUCHA stood at the back exit of the Royal Palms Resort in Scottsdale on Saturday night, attempting to score a few moments with the first-term senator as she left a high-dollar fundraiser put on by corporate lobbyists. Instead, they were forced to leave by aggressive police and security guards as Sinema’s staff watched and mocked them from afar. The confrontation ensured that they would once again go home without getting to speak with Sinema, whose decision to continue her wine-soaked evening with millionaires sent a clear message to her one-time supporters.” ¹⁰

Police escorted us out as staff mocked us for demanding that @senatorsinema follow through on her promises. She has zero respect for her constituents. pic.twitter.com/tP3NnpfLWA

— LUCHA Arizona (@LUCHA_AZ) October 3, 2021