THE CHAO DOSSIER (REVISED)

[Luis Gonzalez]

THE CHAO DOSSIER (REVISED)

A Research Dossier on Elaine Chao, Foremost Group, China Connections, Ethics Questions, and the Public Record

By Luis Gonzalez
The Last Wire

---

## Research Note

This dossier is the research archive behind two related investigations published by *The Last Wire*:

The McConnell Information Vacuum
The Beijing Question[/b][/url]

It compiles publicly available records, government documents, corporate materials, institutional information, and investigative reporting examining the intersection of family enterprise, international commerce, political power, philanthropy, foreign institutional relationships, and government accountability.

This document is intended as a source archive. It does not claim that every criticism, allegation, or interpretation surrounding Foremost Group, Elaine Chao, or associated individuals is proven fact. Instead, it separates:

• Documented Record** — Events, filings, government reviews, and published reporting.
• Public Debate** — Arguments made by critics, supporters, and commentators.
• Unresolved Questions** — Issues where the available record leaves room for continued examination.

---

I. The Chao Family and the Creation of Foremost Group

Foremost Group began in 1964 when James S.C. Chao founded the company as an international shipping enterprise. The company developed within one of the world's most global industries: maritime transportation.

Shipping operates across borders by necessity. Companies depend on international ports, shipbuilders, financial institutions, commodity markets, insurance networks, and regulatory systems.

Foremost Group's story therefore begins as a business story. The public interest developed later, because that business became connected to one of America's most influential political families.

*Source: [Foremost Group Official Website](https://foremostgroupusa.com/)*

---

## II. James S.C. Chao and the Family Business

James S.C. Chao built Foremost Group into an international shipping enterprise. The company has presented his career as a story of entrepreneurship, maritime leadership, education, and immigrant success. The Chao family's public identity has long emphasized business achievement, education, philanthropy, and service.

*Source: [Foremost Group — Dr. James S.C. Chao Biography](https://foremostgroupusa.com/dr-james-s-c-chao-2/)*

---

## III. Foremost Group — The Business Profile

Foremost Group operates in the dry bulk shipping sector, transporting commodities and raw materials essential to global commerce. The industry is inherently international, and a company in this sector may interact with Asian shipyards, foreign registries, international lenders, commodity producers, and global logistics networks.

The existence of these relationships is not unusual. The question examined in this dossier is different: **when an international company is connected to the family of a senior American government official, what level of transparency should the public expect?**

*Source: [Foremost Group Official Website](https://foremostgroupusa.com/)*

---

## IV. Elaine Chao — Business Family and Public Service

Elaine Chao became one of the most prominent Chinese-American public officials in modern American politics. Her government service included:

- Director of the Peace Corps
- Deputy Secretary of Transportation
- Secretary of Labor
- Secretary of Transportation

*Sources: [U.S. Department of Transportation](https://www.transportation.gov/meet-secretary/secretary-elaine-chao); [U.S. Department of Labor — Hall of Secretaries](https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/chao)*

Elaine Chao married Senator Mitch McConnell in 1993. McConnell later became one of the most powerful figures in Washington, serving for years as Senate Republican leader.

That combination created the central tension examined throughout this dossier: a successful family business, a senior government official, a powerful political spouse, and international relationships involving China. The existence of those connections does not itself establish wrongdoing. The issue is transparency.

---

## V. The Angela Chao Succession and Death

Angela Chao represented the next generation of Foremost Group leadership, serving as both Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Foremost Group. Her leadership marked the continuation of a family enterprise that had operated for decades.

*Source: [Foremost Group Official Website](https://foremostgroupusa.com/)*

Angela Chao died in February 2024 following a vehicle accident on a ranch in Texas. Because of her position as Foremost Group CEO and her relationship to Elaine Chao, the event received significant public attention. Reporting examined the circumstances of the accident, the official investigation, toxicology findings, and the eventual release of investigative records.

*Sources: [NBC News — "Angela Chao, McConnell's sister-in-law, had a blood alcohol level 3 times above legal limit"](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/angela-chao-mcconnells-sister-law-was-was-three-legal-limit-fatal-acci-rcna144419); [CNBC — "Foremost Group CEO Angela Chao was intoxicated during fatal car accident in Texas pond: police"](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/20/texas-police-release-angela-chao-death-investigation-report-.html); [Fox Business — "Police report reveals new details in Angela Chao's death"](https://www.foxbusiness.com/business-leaders/angela-chao-death-foremost-group-ceo-intoxicated-reversed-pond-police)*

---

## VI. The China Connection — Business, Education, and Institutional Relationships

The relationship between Foremost Group and China exists within the larger reality of global maritime commerce. China is one of the world's largest manufacturing, trading, shipbuilding, and shipping markets — for an international maritime company, interaction with China is not unusual.

The relevant question is not whether those connections exist. They do. The question is how those connections should be evaluated when they intersect with political power, government service, family wealth, and public trust.

### Maritime Education and Chinese Institutions

The Chao family has maintained a public focus on education and maritime development. Support for educational initiatives has been presented as an extension of the family's history in shipping and a commitment to developing future maritime professionals.

One institution associated with maritime education in China is Shanghai Maritime University, which focuses on maritime transportation, shipping management, logistics, marine engineering, and international trade.

*Source: [Shanghai Maritime University Official Website](https://en.shmtu.edu.cn/)*

### Philanthropy and the Chao Family Foundations

The Chao family has maintained a philanthropic presence through educational and cultural initiatives, with stated goals including supporting education, encouraging leadership development, promoting maritime studies, and expanding opportunity.

*Source: [Chao Family Foundations Official Website](https://www.chaofamilyfoundations.com/)*

**The Philanthropy Question:** Supporters argue that successful families have a tradition of giving back, that educational support benefits society, and that international cooperation can create positive outcomes. Critics argue that philanthropy involving politically connected families requires additional scrutiny, because relationships can create influence beyond formal financial transactions. The question is not whether charitable giving is legitimate — it is whether the public has enough information to evaluate relationships where wealth, politics, and foreign institutions overlap.

### Shanghai Jiao Tong University and International Networks

Shanghai Jiao Tong University is one of China's most prominent research institutions, with strengths in engineering, technology, transportation, scientific research, and international academic partnerships.

*Source: [Shanghai Jiao Tong University Official Website](https://en.sjtu.edu.cn/)*

---

## VII. The China Debate

The debate surrounding China-related relationships involving politically connected families reflects a larger national discussion: how should the United States evaluate foreign relationships? Modern commerce requires international interaction, but China also represents a major geopolitical competitor of the United States — creating a difficult balance between legitimate business activity, international cooperation, national security concerns, and political transparency.

**Supporters' view:**
- Global shipping requires global relationships.
- Educational exchange is beneficial.
- Family philanthropy is not equivalent to political influence.
- No evidence has established illegal conduct.

**Critics' view:**
- Politically connected families require higher transparency standards.
- Foreign institutional relationships deserve additional examination.
- Existing ethics rules may not fully address modern global wealth networks.

---

## VIII. Financial Records and Family Wealth

The Chao family's wealth became a subject of increased public attention because of the combination of Foremost Group's success, Elaine Chao's government positions, and Mitch McConnell's political influence. The issue examined by journalists has primarily involved inheritance, family assets, estate transfers, and financial disclosure.

**The Ruth Mulan Chao Estate:** Forbes examined the reported value of Ruth Mulan Chao's estate and the relationship between the family's shipping fortune and the financial position of Elaine Chao and Mitch McConnell.
*Source: [Forbes — "A $59 Million Will Sheds Light On Shipping Fortune Connected To Elaine Chao And Mitch McConnell"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelatindera/2019/06/10/million-will-sheds-light-on-shipping-fortune-connected-to-elaine-chao-and-mitch-mcconnell/)*

**Mitch McConnell Financial Reporting:** Mitch McConnell's personal wealth has also been examined through financial reporting and public disclosure records.
*Source: [Forbes — "How Much Is Sen. Mitch McConnell Worth?"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelatindera/2021/09/02/how-much-is-senator-mitch-mcconnell-worth/)*

**The Wealth Question:** The existence of inherited wealth or family business success does not establish misconduct. The broader public policy question is whether existing disclosure requirements provide enough transparency when elected officials are connected to substantial multinational family enterprises.

---

## IX. The Offshore Structure File

International shipping companies frequently operate through complex corporate structures — foreign subsidiaries, vessel registration jurisdictions, financing entities, and international operational companies. Such structures are common throughout maritime commerce. However, because shipping structures can be difficult for the public to understand, they often attract scrutiny when connected to politically prominent families.

**ProPublica Investigation:** ProPublica examined Foremost Group's corporate structure and raised questions regarding international subsidiaries and possible ethics considerations involving Elaine Chao's government role.
*Source: [ProPublica — "Family's Shipping Company Could Pose Problems for Trump's Transportation Pick"](https://www.propublica.org/article/familys-shipping-company-could-pose-problems-for-trumps-transportation-pick)*

**Paradise Papers Reporting:** The Intercept reported on offshore structures involving political figures, including Mitch McConnell and Elaine Chao, focusing on offshore entities, transparency, and the intersection between political power and international finance.
*Source: [The Intercept — "Global Shipping Business Tied to Mitch McConnell, Secretary Elaine Chao Shrouded in Offshore Tax Haven"](https://theintercept.com/2018/02/05/mitch-mcconnell-elaine-chao-offshore-paradise-papers/)*

---

## X. The Ethics File — The Department of Transportation Investigation

Elaine Chao's tenure as Secretary of Transportation became the most significant period of public scrutiny involving the relationship between government service and the Chao family's business interests.

The central issue examined by investigators was not whether Foremost Group existed as a legitimate company. It did. The issue was whether activities involving a cabinet secretary, a family-owned international business, government resources, and official actions created conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts.

### The Inspector General Review

The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General examined allegations involving Elaine Chao's conduct while serving as Secretary of Transportation. The review examined matters including use of department resources, official travel, interactions involving family members, and activities connected to her family's business.

*Source: [U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General — Report released via the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure](https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/committee-leaders-release-dot-inspector-generals-ethics-report-on-former-secretary-elaine-chao)*

### The Findings and Public Response

The Inspector General review became a major point of public debate.

**Critics argued:**
- Senior government officials must maintain exceptional transparency.
- Family business relationships require additional safeguards.
- Appearances of conflicts can damage public trust.

**Supporters argued:**
- International business relationships are normal.
- Ethics rules existed to address potential conflicts.
- The review did not establish criminal wrongdoing.

That distinction matters. Ethics concerns, administrative issues, and criminal violations are not the same thing.

**NPR Reporting:** NPR reported on the Inspector General findings involving Elaine Chao and Department of Transportation activities.
*Source: [NPR — "Elaine Chao Used DOT Resources For Personal Errands, Family Business, IG Report Says"](https://www.npr.org/2021/03/04/973564687/elaine-chao-used-dot-resources-for-personal-errands-family-business-inspector-sa)*

**Washington Post Reporting:** The Washington Post reported on the Inspector General investigation, including the referral of materials for additional review. The matter was later reviewed by federal authorities.
*Source: [Washington Post — "Elaine Chao inspector general report: Ethics concerns led to criminal referral"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/elaine-chao-ig-report/2021/03/03/169d0e36-7c53-11eb-b3d1-9e5aa3d5220c_story.html)*

### Department of Justice Review

The Inspector General referral was reviewed by the Department of Justice. The review did not result in criminal charges against Elaine Chao. That outcome is part of the documented record. At the same time, the investigation continued to fuel broader debate about ethics standards, transparency requirements, and public confidence in government institutions.

---

## XI. Congressional Oversight

Questions involving Elaine Chao and Foremost Group also reached Congress. Investigators examined issues involving communications, official schedules, government resources, and potential conflicts involving her family's company.

**Roll Call Reporting:** Roll Call reported on congressional efforts to investigate Elaine Chao's relationship with her family's business interests.
*Source: [Roll Call — "Committee launches probe of Chao's ties to family's business"](https://rollcall.com/2019/09/17/committee-launches-probe-of-chaos-ties-to-familys-business/)*

**Government Executive Reporting:** Government Executive covered congressional concerns regarding possible conflicts involving Elaine Chao and Foremost Group.
*Source: [Government Executive — "House Is Investigating Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao's Possible Conflicts of Interest"](https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2019/09/house-investigating-transportation-secretary-elaine-chaos-possible-conflicts-interest/159914/)*

---

## XII. Historical Reporting and Public Controversies

Questions about the relationship between the Chao family business and Washington influence existed before the Transportation Department investigation. Earlier reporting examined the connections between Mitch McConnell, Elaine Chao, Foremost Group, and political influence networks.

**The Nation Reporting:** The Nation examined Mitch McConnell's relationship with the Chao family shipping enterprise and raised questions about political influence and transparency.
*Source: [The Nation — "Mitch McConnell's Freighted Ties to a Shadowy Shipping Company"](https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/mitch-mcconnells-freighted-ties-shadowy-shipping-company/)*

**Type Investigations Reporting:** Type Investigations published reporting examining connections between Mitch McConnell and the Chao family shipping interests.
*Source: [Type Investigations — "McConnell's Ties to a Shadowy Shipping Company"](https://typeinvestigations.org/investigation/2014/10/30/mcconnells-ties-to-a-shadowy-shipping-company/)*

---

## Timeline — Key Events

**1964** — James S.C. Chao establishes Foremost Group as an international shipping company.
*Source: [Foremost Group Official Website](https://foremostgroupusa.com/)*

**1993** — Elaine Chao marries Mitch McConnell.

**2001–2009** — Elaine Chao serves as U.S. Secretary of Labor.
*Source: [U.S. Department of Labor — Hall of Secretaries](https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/chao)*

**2017–2021** — Elaine Chao serves as U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
*Source: [U.S. Department of Transportation](https://www.transportation.gov/meet-secretary/secretary-elaine-chao)*

**2019** — Congressional and media scrutiny increases regarding questions involving Elaine Chao, Foremost Group, and government ethics.
*Sources: [Roll Call — House Probe of Chao Family Business Ties](https://rollcall.com/2019/09/17/committee-launches-probe-of-chaos-ties-to-familys-business/); [Government Executive — Elaine Chao Oversight Investigation](https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2019/09/house-investigating-transportation-secretary-elaine-chaos-possible-conflicts-interest/159914/)*

**2021** — The Department of Transportation Inspector General review becomes public.
*Sources: [NPR — Elaine Chao Inspector General Report Coverage](https://www.npr.org/2021/03/04/973564687/elaine-chao-used-dot-resources-for-personal-errands-family-business-inspector-sa); [Washington Post — Elaine Chao Investigation Reporting](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/elaine-chao-ig-report/2021/03/03/169d0e36-7c53-11eb-b3d1-9e5aa3d5220c_story.html)*

**2024** — Angela Chao dies following a vehicle accident in Texas.
*Sources: [NBC News — Angela Chao Reporting](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/angela-chao-mcconnells-sister-law-was-was-three-legal-limit-fatal-acci-rcna144419); [CNBC — Investigation Reporting](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/20/texas-police-release-angela-chao-death-investigation-report-.html)*

---

## Documented Facts

The public record establishes several important points.

**Foremost Group is a real international shipping company.** Founded in 1964, Foremost Group operates in the global maritime sector. The company's international relationships are consistent with the nature of the shipping industry.
*Source: [Foremost Group Official Website](https://foremostgroupusa.com/)*

**The Chao family built substantial business success.** James S.C. Chao created a shipping enterprise that became the foundation of the family's wealth. The family has also maintained a public philanthropic presence.
*Source: [Chao Family Foundations](https://www.chaofamilyfoundations.com/)*

**Elaine Chao held senior government positions.** Elaine Chao served in multiple federal leadership roles, including cabinet positions.
*Source: [U.S. Department of Transportation](https://www.transportation.gov/meet-secretary/secretary-elaine-chao)*

**Mitch McConnell became one of the most influential political figures in Washington.** His marriage to Elaine Chao placed the Chao family business within the orbit of national political attention.

**Government officials reviewed ethics concerns.** The Department of Transportation Inspector General examined allegations involving Elaine Chao's conduct while serving as Transportation Secretary. The matter did not result in criminal charges.
*Sources: [U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General](https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/committee-leaders-release-dot-inspector-generals-ethics-report-on-former-secretary-elaine-chao); [Washington Post — Investigation Reporting](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/elaine-chao-ig-report/2021/03/03/169d0e36-7c53-11eb-b3d1-9e5aa3d5220c_story.html)*

---

## Public Debate — Summary

The Foremost Group story has generated competing interpretations.

**Supporters argue:**
- The Chao family's success reflects legitimate entrepreneurship.
- International shipping requires global relationships.
- Philanthropic activities reflect civic responsibility.
- No criminal wrongdoing was established.

**Critics argue:**
- Political families require heightened transparency.
- Foreign institutional relationships deserve careful review.
- Existing ethics rules may not fully address modern global wealth networks.
- The appearance of conflicts can affect public trust even without criminal violations.

---

## Unresolved Questions

The public record leaves several broader questions.

**Are current disclosure rules sufficient?** Modern political families can have multinational businesses, international investments, foreign institutional relationships, and philanthropic networks. Do existing transparency rules adequately explain these relationships to the public?

**How should foreign relationships be evaluated?** Global commerce requires international interaction. At the same time, China represents a major strategic competitor of the United States. Where should the line be drawn between normal commerce, international cooperation, influence, and national security concerns?

**Should ethics rules address appearance as well as legality?** A government official can avoid criminal conduct while still facing questions about judgment, transparency, and public confidence. That distinction is at the center of many modern ethics debates.

---

## Final Source Archive

**Corporate and Institutional Sources**
- [Foremost Group Official Website](https://foremostgroupusa.com/)
- [Chao Family Foundations](https://www.chaofamilyfoundations.com/)
- [Shanghai Maritime University](https://en.shmtu.edu.cn/)
- [Shanghai Jiao Tong University](https://en.sjtu.edu.cn/)

**Financial Reporting**
- [Forbes — Ruth Mulan Chao Estate Reporting](https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelatindera/2019/06/10/million-will-sheds-light-on-shipping-fortune-connected-to-elaine-chao-and-mitch-mcconnell/)
- [Forbes — Mitch McConnell Financial Reporting](https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelatindera/2021/09/02/how-much-is-senator-mitch-mcconnell-worth/)

**Investigative Reporting**
- [ProPublica — Family Shipping Company Investigation](https://www.propublica.org/article/familys-shipping-company-could-pose-problems-for-trumps-transportation-pick)
- [The Intercept — Paradise Papers Reporting](https://theintercept.com/2018/02/05/mitch-mcconnell-elaine-chao-offshore-paradise-papers/)
- [The Nation — Shipping Connections Reporting](https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/mitch-mcconnells-freighted-ties-shadowy-shipping-company/)
- [Type Investigations — McConnell Shipping Investigation](https://typeinvestigations.org/investigation/2014/10/30/mcconnells-ties-to-a-shadowy-shipping-company/)

**Government and Oversight**
- [U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General](https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/committee-leaders-release-dot-inspector-generals-ethics-report-on-former-secretary-elaine-chao)
- [NPR — Elaine Chao Investigation Reporting](https://www.npr.org/2021/03/04/973564687/elaine-chao-used-dot-resources-for-personal-errands-family-business-inspector-sa)
- [Roll Call — Congressional Investigation](https://rollcall.com/2019/09/17/committee-launches-probe-of-chaos-ties-to-familys-business/)
- [Government Executive — Oversight Reporting](https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2019/09/house-investigating-transportation-secretary-elaine-chaos-possible-conflicts-interest/159914/)

---

## Closing Note

The Foremost Group story is not simply about a shipping company.

It is about the difficult intersection between family enterprise, political power, international commerce, foreign relationships, and public trust.

The documented record shows a successful immigrant family business that became connected to the highest levels of American government. The continuing debate is about whether the systems designed to protect transparency have kept pace with a world where wealth, politics, and global networks increasingly overlap.

The ultimate question is larger than one family: **How should a democracy measure accountability when private success and public power share the same family tree?**

— Gonzo

[Hoodat]

I ask the same question today that I asked in 2017.  If Trump was really a Swamp Drainer, then why did he not only hire Chao, but keep her on board for his entire first term while other Cabinet departments experienced the revolving door syndrome?

[Luis Gonzalez]

I ask the same question today that I asked in 2017.  If Trump was really a Swamp Drainer, then why did he not only hire Chao, but keep her on board for his entire first term while other Cabinet departments experienced the revolving door syndrome?

Trump’s first cabinet was chosen mostly by the GOP establishment.

[Lando Lincoln]

Luis - remarkable essay/dossier. Extraordinary, in fact. There is a lot to abdorb just from my first reading. I’m sure I’ll read it again. My simplistic takeaway:

The world and its players are increasingly overlapping. Communication is instant, sometimes automated. Global travel is easy and accommodating. Language no longer provides a difficult barrier.

More than ever transparency is the mechanism by which public confidence is earned. As government officials and their immediate families become increasingly connected to multinational businesses, foreign institutions, and complex financial structures, our ethics and disclosure standards should evolve accordingly. The same standard should apply regardless of party or ideology. Public service carries a heightened obligation to avoid not only actual conflicts of interest, but also situations that reasonably invite public skepticism. Healthy democracies depend on informed citizens, rigorous oversight, and a willingness to ask difficult questions without presuming the answers.

It seems there are serious questions here that cannot be answered by simply stating this trip was long planned and was centered on “family philanthropic endeavors”.  Given the timing with the Senate Majority Leader’s health, this rises to a heightened level of skepticism.

Outstanding piece, Luis.

[Hoodat]

Trump’s first cabinet was chosen mostly by the GOP establishment.

Which to me is not consistent with being a swamp drainer.  In fairness to Trump, he waited until three weeks before the election before he himself made that claim.  But it certainly contradicts of those embracing that claim for Trump many months beforehand, and then remaining silent while the GOP Establishment ran amuck in the Trump White House.  The inconsistency of that still rubs me the wrong way after all these years, especially after being lumped in with Democrats simply because I voiced opposition against people like Paul Manafort, Reince Priebus, Jeff Sessions, Tom Price, Elaine Chao, and Ronna McDaniel.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Trump’s first cabinet was chosen mostly by the GOP establishment.

@Luis Gonzalez  @Hoodat

And remember, Chao had been a Republican darling since 1983

Reagan Administration:  Chao began her public service career in 1983  --- as °a White House Fellow, was promoted to °Deputy Maritime Administrator at the Department of Transportation and then served as °Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission.

Bush I administration: Chao served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation from 1989 -- 1991
Bush I administration: Chao served as Director of the Peace Corps from 1991 -- 1992

Bush II appointed Chao Secretary of Labor serving from 2001 -- 2009.  Chao was the longest serving Secretary of Labor in 56 years.

Trump45:  Chao served as Secretary of Transportation from 2017 -- 2021.

[Hoodat]

Can't get more Swampy than that.

[Lando Lincoln]

Can't get more Swampy than that.

Could almost contract malaria.

[Right_in_Virginia]

But it certainly contradicts of those embracing that claim for Trump many months beforehand, and then remaining silent while the GOP Establishment ran amuck in the Trump White House.  The inconsistency of that still rubs me the wrong way after all these years ..

It's sure is a shame Trump45 had to rely on the GOP for an acquittal in not one, but two impeachment trials. 

But, maybe, just maybe, it's time for you to move beyond your chafed feelings @Hoodat

[Right_in_Virginia]

Can't get more Swampy than that.

Exactly my point ... Every Republican president for 43 years honored the recommendation to hire Elaine Chao.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Which to me is not consistent with being a swamp drainer.  In fairness to Trump, he waited until three weeks before the election before he himself made that claim.  But it certainly contradicts of those embracing that claim for Trump many months beforehand, and then remaining silent while the GOP Establishment ran amuck in the Trump White House.  The inconsistency of that still rubs me the wrong way after all these years, especially after being lumped in with Democrats simply because I voiced opposition against people like Paul Manafort, Reince Priebus, Jeff Sessions, Tom Price, Elaine Chao, and Ronna McDaniel.

Oooooooh…

There’s a name in there that I can reach in two texts.

[Hoodat]

Exactly my point ... Every Republican president for 43 years honored the recommendation to hire Elaine Chao.

Which is a thing no Swamp Drainer would ever do.

[Hoodat]

Oooooooh…

There’s a name in there that I can reach in two texts.

Don't hold back, @Luis Gonzalez .  Do tell.

In the immortal words of the late Frank Zappa:

I'll take a drive to Beverly Hills just before dawn
And knock the little jockeys off the rich people's lawns
And before they get up I'll be gone

Down with the Establishment !!!

[Luis Gonzalez]

Exactly my point ... Every Republican president for 43 years honored the recommendation to hire Elaine Chao.

... and now, there's poor old Mitch.

No happy ending in sight.

[Hoodat]

But, maybe, just maybe, it's time for you to move beyond your chafed feelings @Hoodat

This isn't about feelings.  It's about truth.  I just don't like dealing with people who are institutionally incapable of being honest.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Luis - remarkable essay/dossier. Extraordinary, in fact. There is a lot to abdorb just from my first reading. I’m sure I’ll read it again. My simplistic takeaway:

The world and its players are increasingly overlapping. Communication is instant, sometimes automated. Global travel is easy and accommodating. Language no longer provides a difficult barrier.

More than ever transparency is the mechanism by which public confidence is earned. As government officials and their immediate families become increasingly connected to multinational businesses, foreign institutions, and complex financial structures, our ethics and disclosure standards should evolve accordingly. The same standard should apply regardless of party or ideology. Public service carries a heightened obligation to avoid not only actual conflicts of interest, but also situations that reasonably invite public skepticism. Healthy democracies depend on informed citizens, rigorous oversight, and a willingness to ask difficult questions without presuming the answers.

It seems there are serious questions here that cannot be answered by simply stating this trip was long planned and was centered on “family philanthropic endeavors”.  Given the timing with the Senate Majority Leader’s health, this rises to a heightened level of skepticism.

Outstanding piece, Luis.

Thanks brother.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Which is a thing no Swamp Drainer would ever do.

Nonsense.   You should keep your focus on your calls for spilling American military blood in both Europe and the Middle East.

[Cyber Liberty]